Foundation for extremely sensitive skin

[frumpalertt]

I have a couple of Big Events coming up and I want to look decent for once in my life. So I'm looking for a foundation or similar that will work with my extremely sensitive, acne-prone skin.

I have come to the realisation that many people claim to have sensitive skin when they aren't really that reactive, and others suffer horribly with skin that flares up at the slightest whisper of anything except CeraVe. I am towards the latter end of the spectrum.

I would be VERY grateful for help and recommendations. I paid for a session with a make-up artist but it was a bit of a disaster because she recommended a ton of products that are either really difficult to get or that are discontinued. I only realised this afterwards. I have contacted her to ask for further recommendations but I'm not optimistic about a good response tbh. Feel a bit like I've been ripped off.

Try Boots No 7 Hydraluminous

I second boots no7 hydraluminous with their primer as a base.

Ah really? I used their stuff many years ago and it triggered my skin but those were different times! I imagine everything has changed now!

Maybe try Bare Minerals loose powder foundation? My DSis uses it with no issue and she reacts to most makeup

Is mineral foundation OK for mature skin? I'm in my 40s and worried it's going to make me look more lined!

Clinique CC cream.

I've been using Lily LoLo mineral foundation for about 15 years now. My skin doesn't tolerate any other foundation for too long. My skin is still quite oily though. I'd say try it, a little can go a long way. It's gentle, good range of colours, and not too expensive. Just keep your makeup brushes clean!

I suffer from rosacea and most things make my skin really sore. I've just tried the cc cream by IT cosmetics and so far no flare up!

I think so. I’ve tried it myself and sometimes use it over tinted moisturiser. Never had an issue with it exacerbating the 50+ lines!

I have rosacea and find it's brilliant, I use a good SPF moisturiser as a base, then primer then the foundation.

I am allergic to perfume products of all types and almost all make up. To the point my eyes swell up if I put eyeshadow on them. So it’s not a sensitivity it’s a complete allergy.

The only products I can use are Clinique, go in and have a chat at one of their counters. It’s not cheap I pay £55 for a small pot of moisturiser but it is lovely stuff and not just because I can use it. Once you know what’s good for you and had a chat then order from their site online as there are often free gift options. I wait till I need a couple of items so that I get a better deal.

Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue, a lightweight liquid foundation, its the only thing I can wear that doesn't sting me.

Clinique Even Better Foundation is great.
The Serum foundation is also good with slightly more coverage. Or alternatively the blemish foundation will help heal up any blemishes. I have similar skin to yours & I've reacted to so many different foundations over the years that I just stick to Clinique now. I used to wear Lily Lolo but it gave me Cosmetic Acne. I believe Bismuth in these powder formations is a common allergen.
I've also switched to Cerave skin care & face wash but use Clinique cleansing oil at night. Plus the Ordinary Rosehip Oil at night. I believe less is more with sensitive skin.

I second Clinique make up. I don't use their skin care so much but I use their foundation, eyeliner and lipstick. It's not cheap but you can get offers if you sign up for emails. Also it lasts longer than cheaper brands. I do use somee No7 make up too like mascara and blusher and have some of their foundation which doesn't irritate my skin but it doesn't last as long as Clinique.

Thank you all so much!

I have been to the Big Department Store and got a load of samples to try. So far, Givenchy and Boots Hydramask are looking good (but it's too early to tell - my skin will suddenly kick after a few hours). I appreciate the recommendations so much.

I cannot for the life of me get the hang of the mineral foundations. They are exacerbating all my lines and making me look much older. This is definitely my fault - I am not applying them properly with the brushy thing I think.

If none of what you got were any good, then I also recommend Clinique. Way before they became mainstream, they were heavily marketed as for "problem skin" which is why they are unperfumed, and why the skincare still veers in large part towards stuff which is for very oily blemish prone skin. Their sales assistants used to wear white medical coats to reinforce the idea that if you had a problem, you went to Clinique.

Most other brands are still highly perfumed which can be very irritating. La Roche Posay might be worth a punt if you can find a big enough store that does the makeup as well as the skincare.