Cosmetics have been used for thousands of years to help women (and even men) look and feel younger and more beautiful, but for those with sensitive skin using cosmetics can be an expensive challenge of trial and error. As we age, skin does become more sensitive, so follow these make up tips for sensitive skin.

Choose powder when possible

Powder cosmetics are not only good at removing shine, they have very few preservatives and contain minimal ingredients that can cause skin irritation. Powder cosmetics are much less likely to cause problems for women with sensitive skin than their liquid counterparts.

Avoid waterproof cosmetics

While waterproof cosmetics, such as mascara, are great for tearful moments, they require a solvent to remove them that also removes sebum, the oily substance made by the sebaceous glands in the skin. Without this oily barrier, skin is exposed to potential irritants that can cause skin to breakout.

Throw out old cosmetics

We all tend to keep make up until it’s gone; and not pay any attention to its actual expiration date. This is a decided no no! Keep track of cosmetic expiration dates and throw out any items that have passed their peak. Old make-up products may become soiled or contaminated, a particularly important point when it comes to eye products. A few standard product life spans include: one year for foundation and lipstick; three-to-four months for mascara; and two years for powder and shadows. Also, it is important to wash make-up brushes and sponges regularly; they can harbor dirt and germs that will aggravate sensitive skin.

Use black-colored eye products.

Women with sensitive skin will find that dramatic black is best when it comes to eyeliner and mascara product colors. Dermatologists feel that black is the least allergenic of all colorants. Apply in moderation; you do not want to look like you’re going to a Halloween party! ~Stick to earth-toned eye shadows. Lighter earth tones, such as tan, cream, white or beige, seem to cause less upper-eyelid irritation in women with sensitive or itchy eyes. These shades also are more attractive for mature women.

Use pencil eyeliner and eyebrow fillers

Pencil eyeliner and eyebrow pencils are usually wax-based and contain pigment and minimal preservatives. They are much less likely to cause problems than liquid eyeliners that contain latex and may cause problems in latex-sensitive individuals. The pencil forms of these cosmetics are also water removable, making them easier on the surface of the skin.

Check sunscreen ingredients

Dermatologists recommend daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 15 or higher. For women with sensitive skin, this sunscreen should only contain the physical sunscreen ingredients zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Unlike chemical sunscreen agents which absorb UV rays, it is impossible to be allergic to physical sunscreen ingredients since they deflect the rays rather than absorb them.

Use products that contain no more than 10 ingredients; the fewer ingredients in a product, the less likely it is that the product will cause a problem. Many manufactures now make foundations with an SPF factor of 15 or higher; check the labels.

Use foundations based on silicone

While powder is preferred to protect sensitive skin, women choosing a liquid foundation should look for one with a silicone base. Liquid facial foundations based on silicone do not cause acne, and silicone has a very low incidence of skin irritation. When selecting a foundation, be sure to choose one that goes with your skin tone; there is nothing quite as unflattering looking as a make up line of demarcation!

Use blusher sparingly

When shopping for a blusher, be sure to get one that compliments the tone of your foundation (powder or liquid) and apply to your cheekbones minimally, while blending in. Do not just put a big blotch on your cheeks! Sensitive skin already has a tendency to redness, so you may not need as much blush as others.

There are cosmetics for every skin type. If you have delicate skin, follow make up tips for sensitive skin for a beautiful, irritation free look day and evening. Now that you’re an expert at choosing make up for your sensitive skin, you might want to read up on how to apply make up so you’ll look your best.Stick to earth-toned eye shadows. Lighter earth tones, such as tan, cream, white or beige, seem to cause less upper-eyelid irritation in women with sensitive or itchy eyes. These shades also are more attractive for mature women.

Use pencil eyeliner and eyebrow fillers

Pencil eyeliner and eyebrow pencils are usually wax-based and contain pigment and minimal preservatives. They are much less likely to cause problems than liquid eyeliners that contain latex and may cause problems in latex-sensitive individuals. The pencil forms of these cosmetics are also water removable, making them easier on the surface of the skin.

Check sunscreen ingredients

Dermatologists recommend daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 15 or higher. For women with sensitive skin, this sunscreen should only contain the physical sunscreen ingredients zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Unlike chemical sunscreen agents which absorb UV rays, it is impossible to be allergic to physical sunscreen ingredients since they deflect the rays rather than absorb them.

Use products that contain no more than 10 ingredients; the fewer ingredients in a product, the less likely it is that the product will cause a problem. Many manufactures now make foundations with an SPF factor of 15 or higher; check the labels.

Use foundations based on silicone

While powder is preferred to protect sensitive skin, women choosing a liquid foundation should look for one with a silicone base. Liquid facial foundations based on silicone do not cause acne, and silicone has a very low incidence of skin irritation. When selecting a foundation, be sure to choose one that goes with your skin tone; there is nothing quite as unflattering looking as a make up line of demarcation!

Use blusher sparingly

When shopping for a blusher, be sure to get one that compliments the tone of your foundation (powder or liquid) and apply to your cheekbones minimally, while blending in. Do not just put a big blotch on your cheeks! Sensitive skin already has a tendency to redness, so you may not need as much blush as others.

There are cosmetics for every skin type. If you have delicate skin, follow make up tips for sensitive skin for a beautiful, irritation free look day and evening. Now that you’re an expert at choosing make up for your sensitive skin, you might want to read up on how to apply make up so you’ll look your best.