Is it safe to use makeup over rosacea?

Yes, but (and this is a big one) it’s important to find the right formula so the makeup doesn’t further irritate your skin. “People with rosacea can certainly wear makeup, but with their skin being more sensitive, gentler products that aren’t aggravating are most important,” says New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Orit Markowitz . Look for formulas with anti-inflammatory ingredients and gentle formulations to minimize the risk of a flare-up.

How can you conceal the redness created by rosacea?

Seek out products designed to counteract redness. For instance, you can opt to use a green-tinted concealer or primer beforehand to help neutralize red tones. Think back to middle school art class, and ruminate on the color wheel—red and green are on the opposite sides of the wheel, so they neutralize each other.

Will makeup make my rosacea worse?

Certain ingredients can if they’re too harsh on your skin. Before committing to any certain formula, Dr. Patricia Ceballos of Schweiger Dermatology Group recommends doing a patch test on your arm or neck to see how your skin reacts.

The 11 Best Makeup Products for Rosacea of 2023

Post-spin class, a cringe-worthy moment, one too many martinis—all of the above can leave you a little bit red in the face. But there’s a significant difference between the occasional blush and perma-flushing. If your cheeks and nose are chronically red, you may have rosacea.

It’s an incredibly common condition; according to the National Rosacea Society, 415 million people worldwide deal with it. “Rosacea is triggered by episodes of blushing and flushing caused by over circulation of the blood,” celebrity esthetician Renée Rouleau says. “It presents as sensitive, red, or inflamed skin that shows telangiectasia (small, visible blood vessels) near the skin’s surface, which can become pustular, often causing it to be mistaken for adult acne.” Like many other conditions, the exact cause is unknown, though genetics, as well as sensitivity to mites and bacteria that live on our skin (file under gross but true), can play a role.

The good news is that, while the root of the issue is undetermined, we do know what types of triggers can exacerbate the flushing. Common ones include sun exposure, alcohol, spicy foods, hot temps, and more. The other piece of good news? There is plenty of OTC skincare that can help; we’re talking calming, cooling products packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients that effectively help quell redness. Make those the first part of your routine, followed by makeup that’s specially made to help knock out redness. There are more options out there than ever before, all of which can help camo and conceal flushing. The goal is to abide by many of the same rules as you would when choosing skincare; avoid irritating ingredients, such as fragrance and alcohol, and stick with simple products that contain minimal ingredients, though ideally with some skin-calming ingredients built-in, suggests celebrity makeup artist Bryan Cantor.

Ahead, the best rosacea-approved makeup products.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness Correcting Cream at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Full-Coverage:

Dermablend Smooth Liquid Camo Foundation

Jump to Review

Best Sheer Coverage:

Chantecaille Future Skin Gel Foundation at Amazon

Jump to Review

Runner-Up, Best Primer:

Make Up For Ever Primer Redness Corrector at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best with SPF:

IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream With SPF 50+ at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Tinted Moisturizer:

Macrene Actives Tinted Moisturizer at Nordstrom

Jump to Review

Best Concealer:

Laura Mercier Concealer Duo Stick at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Powder:

BareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation

Jump to Review

Best Color-Correcting:

Algenist Reveal Correcting Drops at Amazon

Jump to Review

Runner-Up, Best Color-Correcting:

Clinique Protective Base

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

4.5

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness Neutralizing Correcting Cream

Courtesy of Sephora

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Ulta

I Tested IT Cosmetics' CC Cream and Said Goodbye to Red Skin Instantly

What We Like

Reduces UV and free radical damage
Hydrating
Improves skin's elasticity

What We Don't Like

Can be a bit cakey

This color corrector is repeatedly recommended by derms and makeup artists alike, thanks to its top-notch ability to camouflage redness. (It’s no surprise, given that the formula was developed by dermatologists and plastic surgeons.) And while it’s technically not a foundation, the full coverage pigments cover redness—be it from rosacea, pimples, irritation, you name it—so well that you very well may be able to get away without wearing any other makeup.

Price at time of publish: $35

it cosmetics bye bye redness neutralizing color-correcting cream — Byrdie / Ashley Rebecca

What Our Testers Say

"After I applied it, there was no trace of redness or any kind of blemish in sight—not to mention it did a fabulous job covering up my under-eye dark circles." — Ashley Rebecca, Product Tester

Dermablend Smooth Liquid Camo Foundation

Amazon

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Dermstore

What We Like

Buildable
Contains concentrated high-performance pigments
SPF 25 broad spectrum sun protection
Smudge- and transfer-resistant

What We Don't Like

A bit greasy

“Full coverage” and “lightweight texture” are often an oxymoronic pairing in the makeup world, but this formula somehow manages to achieve both. Super pigmented, it’s choice for those looking to completely and totally even out their skin tone. Still, it’s nice and hydrating, won’t clog pores, and offers a dose of important sun protection to boot.

Price at time of publish: $38

Chantecaille

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Ecosmetics.com

What We Like

Featherweight
Adjustable coverage
Loaded with natural botanicals

What We Don't Like

Pricey

“This is one of the most natural-looking foundations I have ever tried, and its sheer, buildable, oil-free formula is perfect for rosacea-prone skin,” Cantor says, who adds that the brand is well-known for creating sensitive skin-friendly products. (In fact, there are lots of skin-soothers already in this foundation, including aloe, chamomile, and arnica.) The unique, gel-based texture is made with 60% water, contributing to the featherweight feel and sheer pigment.

Price at time of publish: $89

MAKE UP FOR EVER Step 1 Primer Color Corrector - Redness Corrector

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

Corrects redness for up to 24 hours
Hydrates all day
Adds radiance and balances the skin

What We Don't Like

Very strong scent to some
Blends poorly on dry and acne spots

Cantor is a fan of this formula: “The green tone makes it perfect for erasing all-over redness,” he says. Keyword being ‘all-over.’ He points out that applying green-tinted products on areas that aren’t red or flushed can end up making you look sick, so reserve these types of formulas for more diffuse and widespread redness.

Price at time of publish: $39

4.3

Sephora

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

SPF 50+ high UV protection
Anti-aging
Full of botanicals

What We Don't Like

Feels too heavy to some

Wearing sunscreen daily is a non-negotiable for everyone and their mother, but diligent sun protection becomes even more imperative when you’re dealing with rosacea. Not only can sun exposure trigger a flushing flare, but sun damage also exacerbates the redness (it weakens and can even break down blood vessels). That’s why we appreciate that this overachiever, a go-to for Byrdie Email Editor Karli Bendlin, packs an impressive punch of broad-spectrum SPF 50+.

And the benefits don’t stop there. It’s also highly hydrating, contains youth-boosting collagen and peptides, and offers coverage that works equally well on its own, under foundation, or dabbed on as a spot treatment.

Price at time of publish: $44

Macrene Actives High Performance Tinted Moisturizer

View On Nordstrom

What We Like

Buildable
Firms the skin
Made from active organic plant-derived ingredients

What We Don't Like

Very pricey

Cantor says this is choice for those who prefer lighter, tinted moisturizers over classic foundations. He lauds the derm-developed formula for containing ingredients that not only help tamp down redness, but also shrink pores, protect against environmental damage, and minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s pricey but considering all those benefits, well worth it.

Price at time of publish: $165

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer Duo Stick

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

Large shade range
Easy-to-maneuver stick form
Optically blurs imperfections
Glides on smoothly

What We Don't Like

Could blend more evenly

If your rosacea appears in smaller patches, Cantor says a good concealer is a must. This dual-ended, a new take on the OG creamy variant, is his pick. “Formulated with calming ingredients, this two-in-one has a blurring concealer on one end to hide redness and imperfections, and a brightening concealer that you can use for the under-eye area on the other.” Bonus points for the lightweight texture that never looks or feels cakey.

Price at time of publish: $32

4.5

Courtesy

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Nordstrom

Reviewed: BareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation

What We Like

Mineral-based SPF protection
Silky, soft-skin feel
Gives a natural-looking color to skin
Pure and minimal ingredients

What We Don't Like

May settle in pores

“With foundations, it’s a trial-and-error thing,” Rouleau warns. “But mineral powders like Bare Minerals generally work better than liquids, as they’re far less irritating.” And less irritating is a very good thing if you have rosacea; after all, the last thing you want is more redness to deal with. Credit a minimal ingredient list of only five minerals, which also somehow never look chalky. Bonus points for the fact that there’s an impressive array of 30 shades to choose from.

Price at time of publish: $35

What Our Testers Say

“The price is on par with a ton of other products out there, but what’s cool about the Original Loose Powder Foundation is that you can use it as foundation or as a setting powder.” — Khera Alexander, Product Tester

Algenist Reveal Concentrated Color Correcting Drops

Courtesy of Sephora

View On Amazon

What We Like

Weightless
Long-lasting
Works instantly
Travel-friendly

What We Don't Like

Product dries up and thickens in months

Customization is the name of the game here. You can either use these green-tinted, redness-neutralizing drops solo or add a few to either your foundation or moisturizer to instantly transform it into a rosacea-hiding superstar. (Decide on how many to add based on how much redness you have.) We’re here for it.

Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Protective Base

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Nordstrom

What We Like

Allergy-tested
Filled with anti-inflammatory ingredients
Contains a mix of physical sunscreens

What We Don't Like

Difficult to apply

Bendlin also likes this color correcting primer, another green-tinted pick that has the distinction of being both oil-free and having SPF 15 built-in. Given Clinique’s heritage when it comes to making products tailored for the sensitive crowd, you better believe this formula is allergy-tested and touts soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients, too.

Price at time of publish: $30

Ilia Multi-Stick Cheek & Lip Tint in Dreamer

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Dermstore

What We Like

Easy-to-use stick form
Buildable, blendable, and breathable
Creamy formula
Travel-friendly

What We Don't Like

Doesn't provide long-lasting color

Blush may be the last thing you want to put on already-flushed cheeks, but you can still add some color to your face—so long as it’s the right color. “Red-toned blushes and lip colors can make you look even redder, but this peachy hue is perfect for adding a pop of color on cheeks or lips if you have rosacea-prone skin,” says Cantor. As an added benefit, it’s filled with hydrating and nourishing ingredients, think avocado oil and shea butter.

Price at time of publish: $34

Cantor says that it’s a good idea to test any new product on a small area before applying it to your full face and to wait 72 hours to see if it irritates your skin or causes increased redness.

Final Verdict

So long as you choose wisely, the right makeup can work wonders when it comes to improving the look of rosacea-prone skin. The It Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness Neutralizing Color-Correcting Cream is our ultimate fave (and a fave of derms and makeup artists alike), for both camouflaging redness and helping to soothe the skin. If you prefer a mineral powder or foundation, you can’t go wrong with the beloved Bare Minerals Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15.

What To Look For in Makeup For Rosacea

Fewer Ingredients

Generally speaking, the simpler and shorter the ingredient list, the better, as there’s less likely to be something in the mix that will irritate your already stressed-out skin.

Alcohol and Fragrance-Free

Just as you would when choosing skincare, steer clear of these two, some of the most common irritants out there, says Cantor.

Calming Ingredients

More and more makeup formulas today include the addition of skincare ingredients that can help calm and soothe the skin, think aloe, chamomile, and allantoin, just to name a few.

FAQ

Is it safe to use makeup over rosacea?

Yes, but (and this is a big one) it’s important to find the right formula so the makeup doesn’t further irritate your skin. “People with rosacea can certainly wear makeup, but with their skin being more sensitive, gentler products that aren’t aggravating are most important,” says New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Orit Markowitz. Look for formulas with anti-inflammatory ingredients and gentle formulations to minimize the risk of a flare-up.
How can you conceal the redness created by rosacea?

Seek out products designed to counteract redness. For instance, you can opt to use a green-tinted concealer or primer beforehand to help neutralize red tones. Think back to middle school art class, and ruminate on the color wheel—red and green are on the opposite sides of the wheel, so they neutralize each other.
Will makeup make my rosacea worse?

Certain ingredients can if they’re too harsh on your skin. Before committing to any certain formula, Dr. Patricia Ceballos of Schweiger Dermatology Group recommends doing a patch test on your arm or neck to see how your skin reacts.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. While she doesn’t have rosacea, she does have extremely sensitive skin and chooses her makeup accordingly.

Meet the Expert

Reneé Rouleau is a celebrity esthetician and founder of Renée Rouleau Skin Care, known for catering her products especially towards those with sensitive skin.

Bryan Cantor is a global celebrity makeup artist based in New York City. He brings his impressive knowledge of skincare, makeup products, application techniques, and professional tips and secrets to clients and companies in New York City and across the globe.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any makeup for rosacea from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

The 15 Best Moisturizers for Rosacea of 2023

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

National Roscea Society. New Study Finds 415 Million People May Suffer from Rosacea Worldwide.
Hoel DG, Berwick M, de Gruijl FR, Holick MF. The risks and benefits of sun exposure 2016. Dermatoendocrinol. 2016;8(1):e1248325. doi:10.1080/19381980.2016.1248325
Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;19(1):70. doi:10.3390/ijms19010070

Best Overall

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness Neutralizing Color-Correcting Cream

Best Full-Coverage

Dermablend Smooth Liquid Camo Foundation

Best Sheer Coverage

Chantecaille Future Skin Oil-Free Gel Foundation

Runner-Up, Best Primer

Make Up For Ever Step 1 Primer Redness Corrector

Best with SPF

IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream With SPF 50+

Best Tinted Moisturizer

Macrene Actives High Performance Tinted Moisturizer

Best Concealer

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer Duo Stick

Best Powder

BareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15

Best Color-Correcting

Algenist Reveal Concentrated Color Correcting Drops

Runner-Up, Best Color-Correcting

Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Protective Base

Best for Cheeks

Ilia Multi-Stick Cheek & Lip Tint in Dreamer

Related Stories