‘I’m a Makeup Artist With Sensitive Skin, and This Is How I Spend $200 at Sephora’

Sephora is *the* spot for everything from makeup to skin care to hair care essentials, and more. But what if you have sensitive skin? Whether your sensitives manifest themselves in redness, dry patches, itchiness, or breakouts, shopping for skin that irritates more than most can be a drag. That said, if you know where to look, what to look out for, and what specific products and ingredients are the root cause of your woes, browsing the aisles of Sephora can easily turn from a game of “duck, duck, duck, and finally goose” to a total “pick me, choose me, love me” moment. And no, you don’t have to sacrifice your favorite trendy brands in the process.

When it comes to makeup in particular, creating a solid routine that is kind to your sensitive skin but also allows you to create the Instagram-worthy looks that pile up in your “Saved” folder can sometimes feel like a fool’s errand. To help, we tapped two makeup artists to walk you through the best Sephora finds for sensitive skin…and the best part? You can shop them all for under $200! Go ahead and scroll down to shop the hauls from MUA and founder of Beia Beauty, Brittany Lo and MUA, as well as the founder of Guide Beauty, Terri Bryant.

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The best makeup products for sensitive skin at Sephora

Youthforia Byo Blush — $36.00

This color-changing blush oil is both fun to wear (who doesn’t love something that changes colors?!) and kind to your skin. It’s buildable, great for all skin types, and is packed with 20 plant-based antioxidant-filled oils that nourish your skin while you wear it.

Kosasport LipFuel Hyaluronic Acid Lip Balm Snack Pack Set — $25.00

Perfect to throw in your gym bag or carry on when you’re on the go, these hydrating lip balms provide the perfect balance of moisture with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E for winter chapped lips and a hint of color for both your lips and your cheeks to mimic a windswept flush.

Tower 28 Beauty Mini SOS Save. Our. Skin Daily Rescue Facial Spray — $12.00

This pH-balanced spray is one of Bryant’s favorite products for prepping your skin before makeup. It’s great for soothing any irritation and also creating a protective barrier for your skin against makeup and environmental aggressors.

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation + Skincare — $39.00

Don’t have time for a whole routine of steps? This foundation combines your skincare and makeup into one with buildable coverage as well as nourishing hyaluronic acid, vitamins, and aloe vera extracts that help protect and calm your face while you wear it.

Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser — $34.00

Removing your makeup is a crucial step for all skin types, but is especially important if you have sensitive skin. This melting cleanser does that job and a few others. What an overachiever. Gentle enough to use around the eyes, this balm-turned-milky face wash is packed with antioxidant-rich fruit extracts and oils to help soothe your skin and a blend of marula, baobab, kalahari melon, and mongongo oils to nourish and protect.

NARS Mini Radiant Creamy Concealer and Orgasm Blush Customizable Set — $24.00

Made for travel, this set of minis is perfect to keep in your purse and reapply on the go. The magnolia bark extract, grape seed extract, and vitamin E in the concealer are all crucial for reducing redness while hydrating and promoting moisture retention in the skin, while the blush is not only award-winning, but also free of parabens, sulfates, and formaldehydes.

LAWLESS Mini The Glam One Eyeshadow Palette — $25.00

And for one final bonus pick—Paula Floyd, ex-makeup artist and current founder and CEO of Headkount touts this palette for being a holiday staple and the one eyeshadow combo that convinced her that she needed yet another. “I was getting bored with my palettes, some drying out since they were unused during COVID. This palette kicks it up a notch, giving you tons of creative options for the holiday, I use shade Glam and Angel Rose for highlighting on my face, too,” she explains. The palette is super versatile, heavily pigmented, and uses clean and non-irritating ingredients so it’s sensitive to your lids.

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