Redness after applying make-up, tightness under foundation, small breakouts by the evening: if you have sensitive skin you know at least one of these problems. Review portals report hundreds of thousands of searches for "make-up for sensitive skin" – and mostly marketing promises as answers. Here is what actually helps.
What irritates sensitive skin
The most common triggers in colour cosmetics are well known:
- Fragrance ("Parfum", "Fragrance", linalool, limonene, citronellol): irritant number one. It has no place in a foundation that sits on the skin all day.
- Denatured alcohol (Alcohol Denat.) high up the ingredient list dries the skin and weakens its barrier.
- Essential oils such as lavender, citrus or mint – "natural" does not automatically mean well tolerated.
- Comedogenic oils and waxes in heavy cream products that can clog pores.
- Dirty brushes – often underestimated, but one of the most frequent causes of blemishes after make-up.
So read the INCI list, not the front of the box. On every one of our product pages you will find the complete ingredient list under "Ingredients".
How to test a new product properly
Apply a small amount behind the ear or on the inside of the forearm and wait 24 hours. Only if nothing happens there, move to the face. Introduce new products one at a time – never change foundation, powder and blush on the same day, otherwise you will not know what caused a reaction. For known skin conditions or persistent reactions, your dermatologist is always the right person to ask; we are make-up professionals, not doctors.
Our recommendation for reactive skin
Prepare: A light, caring base evens out the skin and separates it from make-up. Our Ma Base Secrète Pro Primer is care cream and primer in one – foundation sits more evenly on it and you need less of it. Tip: if your skin reacts to almost everything, you can also use Ma Base Secrète on its own as a light day and night cream – it is fragrance-free and keeps the routine down to a single product.
Foundation: The INCEPTION liquid foundation is formulated without fragrance, without parabens and oil-free, and is dermatologically tested. Apply it thinly – a second sheer layer only where you need more coverage.
Set: The INCEPTION loose powder is translucent and fine; a touch on the T-zone is enough. Note: our compact powder contains fragrance – for very sensitive skin the loose powder is the better choice.
Tools: A soft, dense brush such as the No. 13 Kabuki distributes product without rubbing. Wash brushes that touch liquid products at least once a week – we show how in the blog.
Evening: Always remove make-up completely and let the skin recover. The SECRET SKIN day and night care is our classic for that.
Less is more
Sensitive skin does not need ten products, but a few good ones it tolerates. If you pay attention to clean formulations and hygiene for foundation, powder and brushes, you have already avoided most irritation. If you have a question about a specific ingredient, write to us – we answer personally.