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This post is all about how to put makeup on eczema.
Have you ever contemplated putting makeup on the eczema on your face?
Well, if you suffer from eczema like I do, I’m going to assume the answer is “duh!”
And as someone who has mastered the art of applying makeup to eczema, I’m here to tell you the answer is yes!
Some common follow up concerns people tend to have are:
- how exactly do you apply the makeup over eczema without it looking dry?
- how do you prevent the underlying skin from becoming more irritated?
- which makeup products work the best for eczema on the face?
I will be honest, figuring all of this out was not an overnight process for me.
It’s taken a lot of years and a lot of trial and error to figure out what works best for my eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis.
But, lucky for you, I have compiled all the best tips for getting a beautiful makeup application, even over the worst eczema patches.
I’m also sharing the best makeup products to use when you do put makeup over eczema.
How to Apply Makeup to Eczema: The Basics
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.
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 should not prevent you from applying makeup to enhance your appearance.
Here’s a few pointers to keep in mind when it comes to applying makeup to eczema for a flawless finish.
1. Go Minimal When You Can
If you are anything like me, on days 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, your makeup will look and feel as though it is caked on.
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 very worst of skin days.
Basically, try to go with a lighter, natural makeup look to enhance your features and tone down the appearance of any irritation.
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, including my favorite products.
2. Skin Prep is King
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 prior to applying makeup.
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 though 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, apply a good face cream. They are much thicker and way more moisturizing.
- Follow up with a balm or ointment on top to seal in the previous layers of moisture.
- Be sure to wait a few minutes between each step and before beginning makeup application to allow for maximum skin absorption.
PROFESSIONAL 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.
3. Don’t Skip Out on Extra Coverage
Sometimes, when your skin is super red and inflamed, you may need a little extra coverage, aka concealer.
And not just any concealer.
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.
4. Use a Beauty Blender To Put Makeup on Eczema
Lastly, when it comes to the best tool for applying makeup to eczema, 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 (much needed) moisture and gives a perfectly blended, air-brushed look.
5. Don’t Apply Makeup Directly to Eczema
When putting base makeup (foundation/bb cream/tinted moisturizer) on eczema, don’t apply the product 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, and lessening the chance of irritation and flakiness.
The thinner the layers of makeup over your problem areas, the better.
6. Technique Matters
As for technique, it’s super important to apply the makeup in a quick, light, blotting/tapping motion.
Do not blend in circles with a brush, as this will lift up any existing dry skin flakes and make them more noticeable.
7. Opt for Cream Products
For makeup products like bronzer and blush, try using them in cream form.
They blend easily with your base makeup are perfect for applying to super dry skin.
8. Skip the Powder
One of the perks of having dry skin is that setting powder isn’t always a must.
In fact, I actually recommend it.
If you use powder, you run the risk of it building up on dry patches.
Instead, finish everything off with a good setting spray.
9. Have a Face Spray Handy
Speaking of sprays, a hydrating facial mist/setting spray can be a complete game changer when it comes to wearing makeup with eczema.
Use it before and after you apply makeup, and as a refresher while you’re out and about if your skin starts to feel dry.
My go-to for quite some time has been the Heritage Store Rosewater Facial Mist.
The Best Makeup Products to Put on Eczema: 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.
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.
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.
Dewy Finish Foundation, BB/CC cream, or Tinted 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!
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.
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.
How to Put Makeup on Eczema: Final Thoughts
Remember, as annoying as eczema flare ups 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.
That can mean with or without makeup!
If you, too, suffer from eczema on your face, I’d love to know how you put makeup on eczema as well as some of your go-to makeup products.
Please share them in the comments and let me know if this post on how to put makeup on eczema was helpful! 🙂
And if you’re looking for more eczema help, be sure to check out more of my eczema-help related posts linked here: Eczema Help.
Hi Jessi,
When you mention balm in your routine, which do you use?
Thanks!
Amanda
I love the Barrier Balm by Theraplex!
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
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!
I am recently diagnosed with eczema and this is so helpful. Thank you!
Hi Kay! I’m so glad you found this helpful and I hope you are on your way to quick eczema healing! <3