If you have sensitive skin, you know just how important it is to find skin care products and cosmetics that do not cause irritation. Even some of the gentlest cosmetics can cause breakouts or rashes for sensitive skin. For many men and women with sensitive skin, finding the best cosmetics is simply a case of trial and error, which can end up being quite costly. Below are a few suggestions that will help you find the best cosmetics for your sensitive skin.



One of the most important things to remember when you have sensitive skin is to choose powder cosmetics whenever possible. Powder cosmetics are great for reducing and removing shine from your face, but are also ideal for sensitive skin. This is because most powder cosmetics have very little in the way of preservatives, additives, and harsh chemicals to maintain liquidity. Because of their minimal ingredients, powder cosmetics are less likely to cause any type of irritation. However, if you simply cannot make it work with powder cosmetics and need a liquid foundation, think about one that has a silicone base. Liquid cosmetics with a silicone base usually do not cause irritation or acne.

If you use eyeliner and eyebrow cosmetics, it is best to use pencil products if you have sensitive skin. Pencil eyeliners and eyebrow fillers are made with a wax base with very little pigment and even fewer preservatives. Liquid eyeliners and eyebrow fillers actually contain latex, which can cause skin irritations and allergic reactions in many people. Liquid eyeliners are also sometimes more difficult to remove whereas pencil products can be removed easily with water.

People with sensitive skin should steer clear of waterproof cosmetics. One very common waterproof cosmetic is mascara. While waterproof mascara is great for a teary day, solvents are required to remove it. The solvents required to remove waterproof cosmetics also remove sebum, which is the oily substance secreted by the sebaceous gland in the skin. Sebum acts as an oily barrier that protects the skin, without it, breakouts and irritations can occur.

Many dermatologists recommend that people with sensitive skin use only black colored eyeliners and mascaras. Cosmetics made with black coloring only are less allergenic than colored mascaras and eyeliners. Black cosmetics are also great to really bring out a person's eye and make them pop against the skin with a dramatic appeal. Also, for eye shadows, neutral earth tones contain the least irritants. Because these shades contain fewer pigments, they may very well cause less irritation.

All cosmetics should contain sunscreen, however if you have sensitive skin you need to take a good look at the ingredient label. Make sure that your cosmetics contain only titanium oxide or zinc oxide. These are physical sun block agents which deflect sun rays rather than absorb them. When your cosmetics have only the physical sun blocks that means they have fewer ingredients translating to less irritation.

Another thing to avoid if you have sensitive skin is nail polish. While getting a manicure in and of itself is not going to cause skin irritation, the drying process is the problem. As the nail polish dries it can be inadvertently transferred to the skin causing an allergic reaction. While those with sensitive skin should not be punished by not being able to paint their nails, simply just be sure to keep your hands away from your face as the nails dry.

Just as you would with any food product, when in doubt, throw it out. However, it is important to remember that cosmetics can pass their peak. Expired cosmetics can cause skin irritation and breakouts. They can also cause allergic reactions as chemicals in make-up age. Making sure that you throw away old cosmetics is especially true for eye make-up. Typically, the average lifespan of lipstick and foundation is one year, mascara for about four months, and powders and shadows can last up to two years. Stick to these guidelines to avoid unnecessary irritation and breakouts to your skin.

If you have sensitive skin, it is also important to keep your cosmetic tools clean. This means cleaning your make-up brushes and sponges on a regular basis. Dirty cosmetic tools can harbor germs, dirt, bacteria and irritants causing problems for sensitive skin. Cleaning your tools is not as hard as you think. Simply use a gentle soap and warm water to scrub then allow your brushes to dry naturally.

Finally, with sensitive skin be sure to use a gentle facial cleanser and moisturizer. This is an easy way to keep your skin healthy and glowing all year. Always look for skin care for sensitive skin and keep in mind that the fewer chemicals the better. Remember be sure to wash your face every morning and before going to bed to prevent breakouts and irritations.