Our Eczema-Friendly Makeup Recommendations!

When scalp and facial eczema can be the WORST to manage, it's important to consider more than skincare products. Makeup can not only be cakey but also irritating for an eczema flare-up. It's important to choose products that have clean ingredients that won't trigger an allergic response or a flare on our faces. So, we asked our team of advocates which makeup products they use and if they had any tips for application. Here’s what they had to say:

What makeup brands do you use?

• Liz: Neutrogena, Garnier, Jergens, Maybelline
• Noreen: I rarely wear make-up, but when I do I only use Glossier and NARS products.
• Abi: I use Sephora’s products. I don’t use it a lot since I’m fairly new to makeup and don’t like wearing it every day. But so far I haven’t had any issues and it seems to not bother my face.
• Larissa: Thrive Causmetics because they use natural ingredients and donate products to women fighting cancer, emerging from homelessness, and surviving domestic abuse. And, 100% Pure since hey use all-natural organic ingredients.

What specific makeup products do you use?

Foundation

• Noreen: Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint
• Karen: Georgio Armani or Milani Foundation
• Larissa: 100% Pure 2nd Skin Foundation and Too Faced Cocoa Powder Foundation
• Terry: Sappho New Paradigm Essential Foundation
• Ashley: BareMinerals for any foundation-based products

Primer, highlighter, and concealer

• Karen: Smashbox Primer
• Terry: 100% Pure Luminous Primer
• Larissa: 100% Pure Power Highlighter
• Noreen: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

Blush

• Noreen: Glossier Cloud Paint Blush
• Karen: Tarte Blush
• Larissa: Thrive Causmetics Blush
• Terry: Pacifica Beauty Blushes

Eyeshadow

• Karen: Urban Decay Eyeshadow
• Terry: 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented® Satin Eye Shadow
• Abi: Sephora Eyeshadow

Eyeliner

• Karen: Stila Eyeliner
• Terry: Minderal Fusion Eye Pencil

Eyebrow pencils

• Karen: Anastasia Eyebrow Pencil
• Larissa: E.L.F. Eyebrow Pencil
• Terry: Ecco Verde Lavera Eyebrow Pencil

Mascara

• Karen: Milk Mascara
• Larissa: Thrive Causmetics Mascara
• Terry: Pacifica Beauty Mascara
• Abi: Sephora Mascara

Makeup setting spray

• Karen: Urban Decay Setting Spray
• Terry: Royal Sense After Shower Spray

Makeup remover

• Karen: Nutrogena Face Wipes, or Cetaphil Facial Cleanser
• Larissa: Badger Balm Cleansing Oil
• Terry: Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Covering up eczema flares

Karen: Because she's had a lot of experience with skin problems, Jill really loves using good products that work. She can put on full makeup and cover even the worst break out or flare-up. She knows how to play up her eyes and lips to take the attention off of any imperfections. When a big event is coming up, she pays a lot of attention to detail with her products.

Clean and simple products

Jill has also learned that simple clean makeup can be the sweetest and best way to present herself. When in a hurry through work, classes, and social life, she's got her routine down pat and doesn't vary from it. Whether her make up is barely there, or prom night photo finish, she takes the time to protect her skin. Her habits are pretty flawless when it comes to being consistent with a daily routine. She knows a clean washcloth and pillowcase are just as important as a high-end moisturizer.

Finding the right facial makeup for eczema

Larissa: Finding the right foundation/concealer/facial makeup is key! I actually have a couple on hand depending on if my skin is redder or drier.

Covering up redness

For redness, I've found 100% Pure's 2nd Skin Foundation works well. It has a thin, watery texture that is light on the skin while covering redness. I apply it with a beauty blender sponge. Since it is so liquidy, brushes can leave streaks and use too much product. The sponge creates an even texture and blends much easier.

Makeup for dry skin

When my skin is dry, I use Too Faced Cocoa Foundation. This is actually a powder - and I know what you are thinking - a powder sounds counter-intuitive for dry skin. But believe it or not, this applies more like a cream than a powder. I've found it works best when I've applied a healthy layer of moisturizer. I let it absorb for about 10 minutes and then go in with a sponge and this foundation. The foundation melts nicely into the moisturizer and its easy to build on areas that need more coverage than others. I keep a moisturizer on hand in case I need to reapply throughout the day. I've found this combination keeps makeup from flaking off or looking patchy.

When flaring on your cheeks and eyelids

My final tip is to avoid highlighters and eye shadows when flaring on your cheeks or eyelids. Not only do the glitters upset the skin further, but they also draw more attention to flaring skin.

Moisturize and correct

Terry: If you have dry skin, definitely moisturize first. Loose pigments made with iron oxides will be the least allergenic. Green corrector can be useful for reddish, pinkish parts before putting on concealer and foundation.

A simple and light routine

Ashley: I like to keep my make up routine simple and light, especially because I break out very easily with facial eczema if I’m not careful. When it comes to foundation, I have ALWAYS used BareMinerals. Their powder foundation is super light and easy to apply. It feels like it just sits nicely on the top layer of my skin. Yes, I tend to have to re-apply more than once throughout the day since it’s not a heavy liquid foundation, but the lightness of the powder is worth it to me! It’s also very simple to remove. I like to use any type of petroleum jelly like Vaseline or Aquaphor, as well as oil-based products like coconut oil or Vitamin E oil. This, plus a face wash and face cream after, leaves my face eczema-free!