BellaOnline Forums Beauty and Self Cosmetics Sensitive skin issues

What are some good cosmetic products for sensitive skin? I rarely wear any makeup except lipstick because my skin is so sensitive.

Also, wearing eye makeup makes my eyes itchy and watery. Any suggestions?

Considering the chemicals that are in most cosmetics, such as strong preservatives, you might like to look at some of the hypo-allergenic brands that avoid these or use less fierce ingredients. Even lipstick uses a type of acid to etch the colour into the layers of dead skin on the lips!

I never knew that. I often just use vaseline or a tinted lip gloss on my lips.

Years ago I used an outline pencil by Revlon, called 'Stop It' which prevented the lip stick from bleeding -- it really worked, but they do not make it anymore.

My lips used to get dry patches of skin on them and it hurt when they rubbed off, leaving tender spots. Revlon lipsticks are the only ones I use now.

One of the scariest books I ever read was called "The Hidden Household" and dealt with life on the microscopic level. The chapter on cosmetics was really nasty, this site covers some of the ingredients in most cosmetics and will give you some idea as to why your skin reacts the way it does.

Whoa! Although I did not want to know all that, I appreciate the information. Thanks, Ian.

I have been told that Almay has a cosmetic line that is good for sensitive skin. Has anyone tried using Almay?

I can sympathize with you Phyllis. Over the years it has become harder and harder to find makeup that I don't react to. I hardly wear makeup, but when I have an important event I like to wear something. Unfortunately I usually end up with red scratchy eyes and end up looking worse.

What I have found is some makeup works better for me than others. When I was younger I used Almay and Clinique, until they started to bother me. Then I was told to use Bare Essentials since it was made of minerals and how much more natural can you get, but I reacted even worse to that brand. (The minerals were powdery and the powders got into my eyes and caused redness) Somehow I found Laura Mercier, and that was the best match for me for a few years.

Recently I started experimenting again. I tried liquid eyeliner, and... no problem. It didn't matter the brand. I think the liquid eyeliner stayed on better and didn't flake into my eyes to cause redness. Next I tried liquid eye shadow, and again... no problem. This will probably work for a few years until I react to that also.

So I think it is a process of trying everything and anything to find out what works best for you. Organic or expensive didn't matter for me, since my allergy "could" be to organic lavendar, or something like that.

Good luck.

Hi Phyllis!

Sensitive skin can really make it difficult to find the best line as to not cause irritation. A lot of times people do switch to mineral makeup such as Bare Minerals which is supposed to be easier on your skin, but as Carol commented it doesn't always work out that way.

Some lines recommened for sensitive skin: Burt's Bees, Origins, Aveda, and Cover FX , which was highly recommended for those with sensitive skin. I would try testing out one or more to see how your skin reacts; you can always just ask for a sample so you don't have to purchase something that will cause irritation.I hope this helps.

Thanks, Kim. That gives me something to start with.

Let us know if you find something that works well. There isn't much that doesn't cause me problems - including jewelry and fabrics. 100% cotton only.

I have had sensitive skin since I was a teenager. It helps to know what your particular sensitivity is, of course! Mine is pretty much fragrance, but also some essential oils and even some toothpaste makes my eczema act up.

I use Clinique makeup -- if you buy during "bonus week", it's much more affordable--you get lots of goodies! I've also used Almay, Physician's formula, and even Covergirl has a fragrance-free foundation and maybe powder. I can't use any lip products except Clinique, Vaseline or Aquaphor. My eyese aren't as sensitive--I can use Maybelline mascara just fine.

I can use Dove sensitive soap, too. It's cheap & works well. Moisturizers--there are quite a few out there -- Neutragena, Oil of Olay and lots of drugstore brands are really good but it's sort of a matter of testing, so I'd recommend buying from someplace you can return. You can return Clinique and many makeup stores (like Sephora) let you return stuff.