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This post is all about putting makeup on eczema.
Have you ever contemplated putting makeup on the eczema on your face?
If so, some common concerns include: “how exactly should I apply the makeup over eczema?” and “which products work the best?”
I will be honest, it has been challenging as an eczema sufferer to find good makeup products for eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis.
That’s why after much trial and lots of error, I have compiled some tips for easier application as well as the best overall types of makeup products to use when putting makeup on eczema.
I have also included a few specific products that I highly recommend because they haven’t irritated my skin.
Related Posts:
How To Get Eczema Under Control
The Best Moisturizers for Eczema
6 Ways To Clear Your Eczema For Good
My Approach to Putting Makeup on Eczema
When it comes to putting makeup on eczema, there is nothing worse than applying your makeup only to be left with bumpy, flaky patches of foundation all over your face.
Or even worse, waking up to an eczema flare and thinking there’s nothing you can do to manage the appearance of your inflamed skin.
I’m here to tell you that both of those scenarios don’t have to happen.
Eczema doesn’t prevent me from applying makeup and feeling pretty, and it shouldn’t prevent you either.
Here’s a few pointers to keep in mind when it comes to applying makeup to eczema for a flawless finish.
Go Minimal When You Can
If you are anything like me, on a day when your skin is really flaring up, the last thing you want to do is put on a full face of makeup.
Not only because it could intensify your flare, but because without proper prep work, it causes your makeup to look and feel cakey.
While it depends on the severity of your dry skin or flare-up, and what you have going on that day — your best bet is to adopt a minimalist makeup routine on your worst skin days.
Basically, try to go with a lighter, natural makeup look to enhance your features and tone down the appearance of your flare up.
On these days, stick with your tried and true, time-tested products and keep things simple.
Further down in this post I have outlined my own minimal makeup routine for eczema.
Preparation is King When Putting Makeup on Eczema
So here’s the deal: you can use the best of the best makeup products but they will still appear cakey and dry if you don’t do the correct prep work on your skin before putting makeup on eczema.
The first and most crucial step to any makeup routine, regardless of if you suffer from eczema or not, is to begin with a clean, hydrated face.
A few makeup prep steps I do differently as an eczema sufferer before applying makeup are as follows:
- Thoroughly (chemically or physically) exfoliate any and all dry patches.
- After washing your face, pat it dry and immediately begin massaging in a natural oil like Virgin Marula or Rose Hip Seed Oil.
- Instead of using a face moisturizer, use a face cream. They are much thicker and way more moisturizing.
- Use a balm or ointment on top to seal in the previous layers of moisture.
- Wait a few minutes between each step and before beginning makeup application to allow for maximum absorption.
Pro Hack: If you’re on a time crunch and don’t have time to go through your whole exfoliating, cleansing, and moisturizing routine: massage a cleansing balm like this one into your skin, let it sit for 5 minutes, and then gently wipe away the excess prior to makeup application.
This post will give you my in-depth skincare routine for eczema as well as the most effective products for eczema.
Extra Coverage For Putting Makeup on Eczema
Sometimes, when your skin is super red and inflamed, you may need extra coverage.
Save yourself some time and energy by using a green concealer on your problem areas prior to foundation application.
This way, you don’t have to pile on layers of foundation.
Since the color green is the opposite of red on a color wheel, it naturally cancels out and neutralizes redness.
The Physicians Formula Conceal RX Physicians Strength Concealer in Soft Green was my absolute go-to during my really bad periods of eczema.
Trust me, it will cover ANY AND ALL redness.
Just remember a little bit goes a long way and to blend it out well.
Application
When putting base makeup on eczema, there’s a few general rules I go by.
The first is don’t apply foundation directly on your most flared up areas.
For example, I tend to have the most eczema on the most inner parts of my face (around my eyes and above my mouth). So, when I apply foundation, I put it on my outer cheeks and around the perimeter of my face and blend it inward from there.
This way, you’re not concentrating the makeup in the dry areas. The thinner the layers of makeup over your problem areas, the better.
As for technique, it’s super important to apply the makeup in a blotting or tapping motion.
Do not blend in circles with a brush, as this will lift up flakes and make them more noticeable.
Lastly, when it comes to the best tools for application, I swear by the Beauty Blender.
If you’ve never used one before, it’s a game changer.
You just squeeze them under running water from your sink and squeeze out any excess water. You’re then left with a damp sponge to blot and blend your makeup with.
Applying makeup this way adds moisture and gives a perfectly blended, air-brushed look.
Putting Makeup on Eczema: Only the Essentials
When your skin is at it’s worst and you don’t want to cover your entire face with makeup, stick with these essential makeup products.
1. Mascara
Find a mascara that you know is hypoallergenic or use your go-to mascara that you know won’t cause irritation. My personal favorite is Maybelline Volum’ Express The Colossal Washable Mascara because it gives the plush, long, and full effect.
Honestly, if you are going to stick with drugstore mascara, Maybelline is the way to go. I’ve tried several different formulas and none of them have made my eczema flare.
Since mascara is the main eye product I use when my skin is irritated, I like to make sure it’s a good one that gives noticeable definition to my lashes.
2. Brow Gel
Brows frame the face and enhance your features. This step could be skipped if you have naturally thick brows that are shaped well. However, mine are on the sparse side so I like to define them a bit.
I use a tinted brow gel, which looks natural but gives them a more polished vibe than just going bare. I really love E.L.F.’s formula and it comes in clear as well as tinted.
3. Dewy Finish Foundation, BB/CC cream, or moisturizer
A good base makeup for eczema balances out your complexion and camouflages the red inflammation that comes with irritated skin or eczema – all while giving you some much needed glow.
L’Oreal Infallable Pro Glow does just that. It has a super dewy sheen and it blends out easily. This is more on the medium to full coverage side though so if you’re really going for a subtle look try using CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen which is so hydrating!
For a complete list of the absolute best foundations for eczema, check out this post!
4. Bronzer
After you’ve applied your BB cream or tinted moisturizer, you should use some bronzer to give your face some dimension.
I like to put it in the same areas that I would put a contour. I use a lighter, shimmery version of my normal bronzer so that it looks less intense. The shimmer also counteracts the dry look and gives a bit of a highlight to your face.
My bronzer of choice for this is Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer in the shade Rose Gold. It’s not too harsh and gives the perfect amount of sun-kissed color for the days you’re not going for a sculpted contour.
5. Tinted Lip Balm
The first place my eczema tends to pop up is right above my lip. When this happens, I prefer to just give my lips a natural sheer tint to not draw any more attention to the area.
Tinted balms are great for this. They’re super moisturizing while still giving some color to your lips.
My go-to is hands down the Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy Lips.
The more shiny and hydrating the better! When my eczema is flaring around my mouth I stay away from matte lip products because they accentuate flakes and make my lips appear more dry.
Final Thoughts on Putting Makeup on Eczema
Remember, as annoying as flareups are, there’s nothing saying you have no control in combatting it and still feeling confident in your appearance! 🙂
Hopefully this inspires you to not let a skin condition hold you back from living your best life and feeling like the most beautiful version of yourself. And that can mean with or without makeup!
If you have atopic dermatitis on your face, I’d love to know what some of your go-to makeup products are, so please share them in the comments!
And if you’re looking for more eczema help, I share some really valuable eczema management tips in this post.
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This post was all about putting makeup on eczema.
Amanda says
Hi Jessi,
When you mention balm in your routine, which do you use?
Thanks!
Amanda
Jessi Ann says
I love the Barrier Balm by Theraplex!
Erika says
Thank you for this post. I suffer from getting dry, flaky, patches above my eyes. Would this routine help with containing moisture? I usually avoid foundation & powder, but maybe I’m just not using the right products? I already know I don’t know how to apply them correctly yet. Haha
Jessi Ann says
Hi Erika! Flaky patches above eyes are the worst! I would avoid eyeshadow but as far as foundation goes- yes, absolutely! Just be sure to layer up (i.e. exfoliate, use thick cream moisturizer, barrier balm, primer, and then foundation and allow time to set between layers)…let me know if this works for you!
Kay says
I am recently diagnosed with eczema and this is so helpful. Thank you!
Jessi Ann says
Hi Kay! I’m so glad you found this helpful and I hope you are on your way to quick eczema healing! <3