Finding the right makeup can be challenging if you have psoriasis or eczema. You want to look and feel your best, but you also need to avoid products that can irritate your skin. Fortunately, there are many makeup options available that are gentle on sensitive skin. In this guide, we'll explore the best makeup for eczema or psoriasis and offer tips for applying it safely and effectively.

Application Tips: Achieving The Best Makeup for Eczema + Psoriasis

Wearing make-up with a skin condition, particularly a drying skin condition, can be a bit of a nightmare. It’s a catch-22, do you cover your skin and potentially make it look worse, or let it breathe and risk feeling self-conscious? Make-up can be a great tool in disguising the redness caused by eczema and psoriasis- all you need is the right products and techniques.

Look for Hypoallergenic and Fragrance-Free Products

When searching for makeup products that are safe for sensitive skin, it's important to look for those that are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. These products are formulated to minimise the risk of allergic reactions and skin irritation. Avoid products that contain harsh chemicals, such as sulfates and parabens, as these can further irritate your skin. Instead, opt for products that are labeled as "gentle" or "for sensitive skin."

Choose Products with Soothing Ingredients

When looking for makeup products that are safe for sensitive skin, it's important to choose products that contain soothing ingredients. Look for products that contain ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and oatmeal, which are known for their calming and anti-inflammatory properties. These ingredients can help to soothe irritated skin and reduce redness and inflammation. You should also look for products that contain moisturising ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin can help to hydrate and nourish dry, sensitive skin.

Test Products Before Applying Them to Your Face

Before applying any makeup product to your face, it's important to test it on a small patch of skin first. This will help you determine whether or not the product is safe for your sensitive skin. Apply a small amount of the product to the inside of your wrist or behind your ear and wait at least 24 hours to see if any irritation or allergic reactions occur. If you experience any redness, itching, or swelling, avoid stop using the product immediately. Seek medical attention if your reaction is severe.

Other Tips for the Best Makeup for Eczema or Psoriasis

- Prep- Take a gentle exfoliating mitt and rub light circles over any dry skin. Be very careful and do not do this if you have a flare-up and have any broken/severe patches as this could further irritate the skin. You could use a soft towel for an even gentler approach. The goal is to reduce scaling to help your makeup go on smoother.

- Moisturise- A good hydrating moisturiser can soften dry patches and create a base for your foundation. Apply extra attention to affected areas. Avoid fragranced moisturisers, they may irritate your skin. Avoid any products containing alcohol- it will dry your skin out. You can't go wrong with anything from the Simple or La Roche range. Both brands are great at catering to very sensitive skin.

- Use a color-correcting primer- If you have red or inflamed patches of psoriasis or eczema, a color-correcting primer can help to neutralise the redness and create a more even skin tone. Look for a green-tinted primer, as green is opposite to red on the color wheel and can help to cancel out any redness. If you’d rather a traditional primer, try W7 Prime Magic Face Primer which has a gentle, vegan formula- plus it’s less than £5!

- Choose the right foundation for you- When it comes to makeup for psoriasis or eczema, choosing the right foundation is crucial. Look for a foundation that is fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic. Avoid foundations that contain alcohol, as it can dry out the skin and worsen skin condition symptoms. Many facial eczema/psoriasis sufferers prefer a light base but you may want to occasionally use a high-coverage foundation to hide redness. Apply your foundation first, before the concealer, as this produces a more natural finish. Liquid bases work best for skin conditions. Use a flat brush for application, which is great for building coverage around those pesky patches. Rimmel Kind + Free Moisturising Skin Tint Foundation is designed specifically for sensitive skin.

- Go for a creamy high-coverage concealer- An excellent match is essential here. We recommend going into a department store and getting the staff to match it for you. Apply the concealer, leave for a minute, and then blend. This allows the concealer to thicken and supply better coverage. You can use your fingers to blend, but many people prefer a Beauty Blender sponge. We love W7 Tea Tree Concealer Stick, which is great for covering redness. The tea tree-infused formula is soothing on sensitive skin- and it’s only £2.25!

- Avoid heavy powders- Powders can be drying and can worsen psoriasis + eczema symptoms. You may wish to skip powder if you are prone to dryness and hate that ‘tight' feeling. If you need to set your make-up for a longer-lasting finish, use a light dusting of translucent loose powder or a setting spray. We recommend e.l.f. Illuminating Mist & Set Spray, which is hydrating, leaving a dewy finish.

- Less is more- Do not go too heavy on your base, a cakey finish will make dry skin look a lot worse. You could even end up attracting more attention to patches.

- Highlight- Eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, etc. can leave your skin looking lifeless. Get your glow back with some carefully placed highlighter. Some skin condition sufferers prefer to opt for cream or liquid formulas, which can seamlessly blend into the skin and provide a natural, dewy glow. Look for highlighters that have lightweight, hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to further boost moisture. Remember, less is more when it comes to highlighter application for dry skin. Start by applying a small amount of product to the high points of your face, such as the cheekbones, brow bone, and bridge of the nose. Gently blend the product using your fingertips or a damp beauty sponge, ensuring it melds into the skin evenly. While some highlighters may appear dazzling in the pan, they can sometimes emphasise the texture and dryness of your skin. Steer clear of highlighters with chunky glitters or intense shimmers, as they may make your skin look uneven. Instead, opt for formulas with a soft, subtle glow to achieve a more natural and healthy-looking radiance.

- Do not use make-up if you have any weeping/open sores or irritated skin- this could lead to infection.

- Keep Brushes/Sponges Clean- Make sure to clean your makeup brushes regularly to avoid bacteria buildup. Bacteria can worsen psoriasis + eczema symptoms and cause flare-ups. Use a gentle brush cleaner and allow your brushes to dry completely before using them again.

- Don't forget your body! If you have psoriasis or eczema in areas often on the show, such as the arms and legs, consider a body foundation. MAC offers a great one. We recommend a pigmented fake tan, such as Sally Hansen. It's messy, and you may end up with a lot on your clothes! But the payoff is worth it when you want to look your best.

- Removing your Make-Up- Never sleeping in make-up is one of beauty's most important rules as it can clog pores, but even more so if you have a skin condition! When it comes time to remove your makeup, make sure to use a gentle makeup remover that is specifically designed for sensitive skin. Avoid harsh chemicals and alcohol-based products, as they can irritate the skin and exacerbate psoriasis + eczema symptoms. e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm is ideal for those with skin conditions or very dry skin.

- Keep up-to-date with trends- The beauty industry is forever advancing, so keep in the loop with the top skin condition blogs and websites.

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. We earn a very small commission from each purchase made through these links. There is no additional cost to you. All products featured have been specifically selected as products we personally use and love. For further information, please see our disclaimer page.