What makeup looks good on sensitive skin?

Finding the best makeup for your skin type for your skin type is important. If your skin is prone to redness, concealers that have pigments added to balance redness will be very helpful.

What makeup won't irritate sensitive skin?

There are many products available that won't irritate sensitive skin, such as the concealers listed above. If you're concerned about a new product potentially bothering your skin, always do a patch test first on a small area.

What does sensitive skin look like?

Sensitive skin can present in many ways, and as mentioned, may be anywhere from oily to dry. Once characteristic of it that's highly common is redness . That can manifest as anything from bumps, to blushing, to a rash.

Is fair skin more sensitive?

Fair skin is more prone to sunburn, but not necessarily more prone to irritation . Board-certified dermatologist Iris Rubin , MD, says "sensitive skin is actually not a clinical diagnosis, though most people think of it as skin that is easily irritated."

The 16 Best Concealers for Sensitive Skin of 2023

For many, concealer is a must-have makeup product. "I love using concealers to spot-cover, color-correct, as a base for eyeshadow, and sometimes to highlight and contour the features," says makeup artist Nick Lujan. But if you have a particularly reactive complexion or sensitive eyes, you'll need to be a bit more choosy about the formula.

Byrdie Researched & Approved

Our best overall pick is Dermablend Cover Care, a fragrance-free, full-coverage formula that doesn't clog pores or irritate reactive complexions. We also love how this formula feels on skin and how easily it blends. For a more affordable pick, consider Almay Skin Perfecting Comfort Concealer, which is also fragrance-free and oil-free, and delivers excellent coverage that lasts.

As dermatologist Diane Madfes, MD, explains, the eye area is delicate and sensitive, regardless of skin type. That's why, she says, "It's important to use products that have been specifically tested for tolerability and for use in the eye area."

We conducted hours of research on the best concealers for sensitive skin, evaluating each pick on ingredients, coverage level, finish, and skin feel. Lujan and Madfes provided expert recommendations to help guide our selections, as we considered dozens of different formulas to land on the best in show.

Ahead, find the best concealers for sensitive skin to deliver a flawless complexion.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Dermablend Cover Care Full Coverage Concealer

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Almay Skin Perfecting Comfort Concealer at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Drugstore:

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Cream Concealer at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Clean:

Mad Hippie Concealer at IHerb

Jump to Review

Best Medium Coverage:

ILIA True Skin Serum Concealer at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Sheer:

Saie Hydrabeam Under Eye Concealer at Sephora

Jump to Review

Best Soothing:

Huda Beauty The Overachiever Concealer at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Hydrating:

Catrice Cosmetics True Skin High Cover Concealer at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Liquid:

MAC Concealer

Jump to Review

Best Stick:

Bobbi Brown Skin Concealer Stick

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

Dermablend Cover Care Full Coverage Concealer

Ulta

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Dermstore

What We Like

Fragrance- and alcohol-free
Non-comedogenic
Allergy-tested

What We Don't Like

Contains PEGs

"If you have sensitive skin, you should avoid fragrance," says dermatologist Debra Jaliman, MD. That's one thing we love about Dermablend Cover Care—but certainly not the only thing. This gentle yet effective concealer flaunts a lightweight, creamy consistency that goes on smoothly and blends effortlessly.

Available in 16 shades ranging from deep brown to ivory, it offers buildable, full-coverage wear for up to 24 hours. Aside from fragrance, it's free of alcohol, phthalates, and parabens. While this concealer contains a teensy amount of sunflower oil, the non-comedogenic formula promises not to clog your pores.

Price at time of publish: $28

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Target View On Walmart

What We Like

Fragrance-free
Oil-free
Blurring effect

What We Don't Like

Contains PEGs
Limited dark shades

Some of the best formulas will only run you a few bucks. Almay's Comfort Concealer offers lightweight, buildable coverage with a brilliant blurring effect and stays in place for up to 12 hours. It's also free of fragrance and oil to minimize irritation and potential breakouts.

Price at time of publish: $9

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Cream Concealer

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Target View On Walmart

What We Like

Non-comedogenic
Fragrance-free
Soothing ingredients

What We Don't Like

Not ideal for dry skin

Neutrogena makes our favorite drugstore option. In addition to being non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, the brand's Radiant Cream Concealer contains soothing vitamin E, plus peptides to protect and support the skin barrier.

Price at time of publish: $14

iHerb

View On IHerb View On Madhippie.com View On Pharmaca.com

What We Like

Hydrating and soothing
Addresses under-eye discoloration
Dermatologist-recommended

What We Don't Like

Not ideal for covering imperfections

According to Dr. Jaliman, Mad Hippie Concealer is suitable for even the most sensitive skin. "It has aloe vera, which is very soothing and anti-inflammatory, as well as shea butter and hyaluronic acid, which are hydrating," she tells Byrdie. "It also contains peptides that help stimulate collagen production and vitamin C, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and under-eye discoloration."

Price at time of publish: $19

4.7

Dermstore

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

Fragrance-free
Soothing ingredients
Diverse shade range

What We Don't Like

Pricey

If you're not big on full-coverage formulas, we highly recommend Ilia. Available in a diverse range of shades, this serum-concealer hybrid boasts a featherweight texture that blends seamlessly into the skin. It also contains soothing ingredients like aloe vera to minimize irritation and calm redness.

Price at time of publish: $30

4.9

Saie

View On Sephora View On Cultbeauty.com View On Saiehello.com

What We Like

Blurs and brightens
Soothing
Fragrance-free

What We Don't Like

Not ideal for covering imperfections

An instant TikTok favorite following its 2022 launch, Saie Hydrabeam is a uniquely sheer concealer that blurs and brightens rather than fully covering your skin. The whipped gel-like texture blends beautifully, while skin-friendly ingredients like cucumber extract and squalane keep irritation at bay.

Price at time of publish: $26

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Hudabeauty.com

What We Like

Prevents irritation
Excellent coverage
Diverse shade range

What We Don't Like

Pricey
Contains fragrance

Huda's aptly named Overachiever Concealer contains green tea and probiotics, which help soothe stressed skin and prevent potential irritation. The highly pigmented formula offers full-coverage camouflaging and color-correcting, then leaves a stunning radiant finish in its wake.

Price at time of publish: $30

Catrice

View On Amazon View On Catricecosmetics.com

What We Like

Affordable
Non-drying
Waterproof

What We Don't Like

Contains fragrance
Contains PEGs

If your sensitive complexion is also notably dry, go with Catrice True Skin. "It contains hyaluronic acid to maintain its moisture levels," explains celebrity makeup artist Robert Sesnek. As for hiding blemishes and correcting under-eye circles, he says this waterproof concealer offers impressive coverage and a skin-like finish.

Price at time of publish: $7

Nordstrom

View on Ulta View On Nordstrom View On Macy's

What We Like

Fragrance-free
Smooth, buildable coverage
MUA-recommended

What We Don't Like

Contains PEGs

Makeup artist Analisa Marie is a fan of MAC Pro Longwear, a fragrance-free liquid concealer offering buildable coverage and a super-smooth matte finish. "You can usually work in light layers to create a more natural look that doesn't feel so heavy," she tells Byrdie.

Price at time of publish: $28

Ulta

View on Ulta View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

Fragrance-free
Crease-proof
Diverse shade range

What We Don't Like

Pricey for the size

We also like this little guy from Bobbi Brown. The fragrance-free formula is incredibly creamy, blendable, layerable under or over foundation, and crease-proof for up to 12 hours. Not only that, but the user-friendly stick is easy to apply on the go.

Price at time of publish: $32

Sephora

View on Ulta View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

Fragrance-free
Waterproof
MUA-recommended

What We Don't Like

Pricey
Contains PEGs

Marie also likes Hourglass Vanish, a weightless, waterproof concealer free of synthetic fragrance and oil. It comes in an impressive scope of shades, too, ranging from the deepest dark brown to medium golden sand to the fairest fair.

Price at time of publish: $36

Mented

View On Ulta View On Mentedcosmetics.com View On QVC

What We Like

Multi-use stick
Soothing ingredients
Fragrance-free

What We Don't Like

Pricey

Made for people of color by people of color, Skin by Mented comes in 16 shades ranging from deep ebony to rich brown to medium. In addition to concealing imperfections, the buttery, hydrating formula can be used as a foundation, contour stick, or highlighter. Thanks to soothing ingredients like aloe and vitamin E, it also minimizes redness and helps prevent irritation.

Price at time of publish: $30

Courtesy of Glossier

View On Glossier.com

What We Like

Fragrance-free
Non-drying
Can be applied with fingers

What We Don't Like

Not long-lasting

If you like a dewy finish, even in the under-eye area, you'll love Glossier's Stretch Concealer. As its name suggests, the creamy, flexible formula moves with your skin instead of drying it out. This easy-going product can be applied with your fingers, plus it blends beautifully and looks just like real skin, only a little glowier.

Price at time of publish: $20

4.5

BareMinerals

View on Ulta View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

Soothing ingredients
Fragrance-free

What We Don't Like

Not ideal for dry skin

Reviewed: BareMinerals Original Liquid Mineral Concealer Lasts Me All Day

This liquid concealer earned a 4.5 out of 5 overall score from our home tester, who appreciated how it covered her dark circles and brightened the under-eye area. Containing white water lily extract, the fragrance-free formula also works to soothe and hydrate stressed skin.

Price at time of publish: $27

What Our Testers Say

"This concealer instantly covered imperfections while illuminating the entire area around my eyes, creating a more air brushed affect and making my eyes pop. This lightweight concealer offered plenty of coverage, and I was able to layer more product if I felt I needed it." — Lynn Shabinsky, Product Tester

Lynn Before and After Concealer — Lynn Shabinsky/Design by Cristina Cianci

4.2

Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Anti-Aging Renewal Therapy for Wrinkles & Dark Circle

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Dermstore

What We Like

Fragrance-free
Prevents irritation
Smooths and depuffs

What We Don't Like

Expensive
Limited shades

We Tested Colorscience's Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy

Sun protection is crucial for keeping sensitivity and inflammation at bay. With this in mind, Colorescience Total Eye safeguards your skin with SPF 35, then smooths, depuffs, and replenishes the skin barrier with peptides. And yes, it does a fine job concealing imperfections and correcting under-eye circles too.

Price at time of publish: $74

What Our Testers Say

"I noticed some lid creasing after a couple of hours of wear, and it built up slightly in the creasing underneath my eyes. But other than that, it had long-staying power and lasted all day. The texture makes it work great as a primer since the slight stickiness of the product really grips onto eyeshadow." — Joline Buscemi, Product Tester

Colorscience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35 — Byrdie / Joline Buscemi

Danessa Myricks Beauty

View On Sephora View On Danessamyricksbeauty.com

What We Like

Soothing ingredients
Waterproof
Diverse shade range

What We Don't Like

Contains fragrance

Vision Cream Cover is a concealer-foundation hybrid offering buildable coverage and a semi-matte waterproof finish. It calls on plant-derived squalane to balance oil production⁵ and vitamin E to soothe, protect, and brighten.

Price at time of publish: $22

Final Verdict

The best concealer for sensitive skin is undoubtedly Dermablend Cover Care, a fragrance-free, full-coverage formula that doesn't clog pores or irritate reactive complexions. On a budget? Almay Skin Perfecting Comfort Concealer is also fragrance-free and oil-free—and it'll only run you a few bucks.

Meet the Expert

Nick Lujan is a professional makeup artist, educator, and content creator, as well as the Director of Artistry and Education at Kevyn Aucoin Beauty.

Diane Madfes, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic and general skincare.

Analisa Marie of The Wildflower Collective is a makeup artist based in Portland, Oregon. She has a Master Makeup Artistry Certification from Makeup Designory.

Debra Jaliman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and an assistant professor of dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine.

What to Look For in a Concealer For Sensitive Skin

Allergy Tested

For people with sensitive skin, making sure to not agitate it further is a key factor in choosing any beauty or skincare products. Ones that have been allergy tested or labeled hypoallergenic (meaning it contains minimal allergenic ingredients) are safer bets for skin that gets reactive to makeup.

Hydration

There are many moisturizing ingredients available in beauty products. Since dry skin could lead to further irritation, choosing concealer that has hydrating ingredients is an ideal choice.

Buildable Coverage

The idea behind a buildable coverage product is that it allows you to create a consistent and smooth finish whether you're using a little or a lot of it in different areas. With sensitive skin, the less covered up it is the safer your chances of it not becoming irritated. By choosing buildable coverage concealer, you can use exactly the amount you need in each area of your face.

FAQ

What makeup looks good on sensitive skin?

Finding the best makeup for your skin type for your skin type is important. If your skin is prone to redness, concealers that have pigments added to balance redness will be very helpful.
What makeup won't irritate sensitive skin?

There are many products available that won't irritate sensitive skin, such as the concealers listed above. If you're concerned about a new product potentially bothering your skin, always do a patch test first on a small area.
What does sensitive skin look like?

Sensitive skin can present in many ways, and as mentioned, may be anywhere from oily to dry. Once characteristic of it that's highly common is redness. That can manifest as anything from bumps, to blushing, to a rash.
Is fair skin more sensitive?

Fair skin is more prone to sunburn, but not necessarily more prone to irritation. Board-certified dermatologist Iris Rubin, MD, says "sensitive skin is actually not a clinical diagnosis, though most people think of it as skin that is easily irritated."

Why Trust Byrdie

Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer specializing in beauty. For this story, she compiled insights from two board-certified dermatologists and three makeup artists, who offered product recommendations and insight into potentially irritating formulations. She also referenced several peer-reviewed articles to cross-check ingredients before narrowing down the selections. Theresa has been contributing to Byrdie since 2020, where she covers color cosmetics, skincare, and lifestyle products.

12 of the Best Waterproof Concealers Money Can Buy

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

Schagen S. Topical peptide treatments with effective anti-aging results. Cosmetics. 2017;4(2):16. doi: 10.3390/cosmetics4020016
Abid Keen, M.; Hassan, I. Vitamin E in dermatology. Indian Dermatology Online Journal. July-August 2016; 7(4): 311–315. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.185494
Radha MH, et al. Evaluation of biological properties and clinical effectiveness of Aloe vera: A systematic review. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. Published 2014 December 23.
Hiblu, Murad & Nyc, M.A.. (2016). Evaluating the potential benefits of cucumbers for improved health and skin care. 10.14283/jarcp.2016.108.
Huang ZR, Lin YK, Fang JY. Biological and pharmacological activities of squalene and related compounds: potential uses in cosmetic dermatology. Molecules. 2009;14(1):540-554. Published 2009 Jan 23. doi:10.3390/molecules14010540
Lolou V, Panayiotidis MI. Functional Role of Probiotics and Prebiotics on Skin Health and Disease. Fermentation. 2019; 5(2):41. https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation5020041
Koch W, et al. Applications of Tea (Camellia sinensis) and its Active Constituents in Cosmetics. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 24,23 4277. 24 Nov. 2019, doi:10.3390/molecules24234277
Radha MH, et al. Evaluation of biological properties and clinical effectiveness of Aloe vera: A systematic review. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. Published 2014 December 23.
Tungmunnithum D, et al. A Cosmetic Perspective on the Antioxidant Flavonoids from Nymphaea lotus L. Cosmetics. 2021; 8(1):12. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics8010012
Farage MA. The Prevalence of Sensitive Skin. Frontiers in Medicine, Dermatology. 17 May 2019 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2019.00098

Best Overall

Dermablend Cover Care Full Coverage Concealer

Best Budget

Almay Skin Perfecting Comfort Concealer

Best Drugstore

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Cream Concealer

Best Clean

Mad Hippie Concealer

Best Medium Coverage

ILIA True Skin Serum Concealer

Best Sheer

Saie Hydrabeam Brightening + Hydrating Under Eye Concealer

Best Soothing

Huda Beauty The Overachiever Concealer

Best Hydrating

Catrice Cosmetics True Skin High Cover Concealer

Best Liquid

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer

Best Stick

Bobbi Brown Skin Concealer Stick

Best Shade Range

Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer

Best for Dark Skin Tones

Mented Cosmetics Skin by Mented

Glossier Stretch Concealer

Best for Dark Circles

BareMinerals Original Liquid Mineral Concealer

Best with SPF

Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35

Best Hybrid

Danessa Myricks Beauty Vision Cream Cover

Related Stories

We Found the 16 Best Concealers for Sensitive Skin of 2023

Best Overall

Dermablend Cover Care Full Coverage Concealer

Best Budget

Almay Skin Perfecting Comfort Concealer

Best Drugstore

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Cream Concealer

Best Clean

Mad Hippie Concealer

Best Medium Coverage

ILIA True Skin Serum Concealer

Best Sheer

Saie Hydrabeam Brightening + Hydrating Under Eye Concealer

Best Soothing

Huda Beauty The Overachiever Concealer

Best Hydrating

Catrice Cosmetics True Skin High Cover Concealer

Best Liquid

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer

Best Stick

Bobbi Brown Skin Concealer Stick

Best Shade Range

Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer

Best for Dark Skin Tones

Mented Cosmetics Skin by Mented

Glossier Stretch Concealer

Best for Dark Circles

BareMinerals Original Liquid Mineral Concealer

Best with SPF

Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35

Best Hybrid

Danessa Myricks Beauty Vision Cream Cover

Final Verdict

What to Look For in a Concealer For Sensitive Skin

Allergy Tested

Hydration

Buildable Coverage

Why Trust Byrdie

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