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- Makeup
- Face
They conceal redness and blemishes like a charm.
By
Syden Abrenica
Syden Abrenica
Syden Abrenica is an NYC-based writer with 5+ years of experience writing and editing for national magazines such as Family Circle, Good Housekeeping, Health, All You, and Harper's Bazaar.
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Updated on 10/05/23 05:07PM
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In This Article
In This Article
Our Top Picks
Reviews
Where We Stand
How We Evaluated
What To Look For
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Trust Byrdie
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Rosacea is tricky. It can look like acne, feel like an allergic reaction, and, in some cases, cause painful flare-ups. “Rosacea is an inflammatory disease that involves multiple ideologies starting with certain skin types that are more susceptible,” says Dr. Orit Markowitz, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC. Rosacea flare-ups include redness, red bumps, visible blood vessels, and swollen skin.
Because of rosacea's complexity and various flare-ups, it can be challenging to find products that’ll work for 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 Markowitz. Foundations, in this case, shouldn’t just cover and conceal but should also feel comfortable, provide anti-inflammatory benefits, and neutralize redness seamlessly.
We conducted hours of research on the best foundations for rosacea, evaluating them on active ingredients, how easily they absorb, skin feel, and how well they color correct and conceal. After consulting with a skin expert and considering dozens of options, we landed on these top-rated choices.
Our Top Picks
Best for Redness:
Best Long-Wearing:
Best Shade Range:
Runner-Up, Best Shade Range:
NYX Professional Makeup Can't Stop Won't Stop Foundation at Amazon ($15)
Best for Mature Skin:
Best Matte Finish:
L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation at Amazon ($15)
Best Full-Coverage:
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What We Like
Matte, natural finish
Wide shade range
A little goes a long way
Long-wearing
What We Don't Like
No SPF
For that coveted soft-focus finish, we always look to this long-lasting foundation. Plus, it's medium- to full-coverage and comes in 50 shades, so you can customize your look to your exact preference. When testing it ourselves, we found that it can easily be applied with fingers, but a beauty sponge is best for getting those hard-to-reach spots. We also love how it evened out our skin tone, kept our T-zone matte, and matched our complexion seamlessly.
Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 50 | Finish: Matte | Size: 1 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Read Full Review: This Fenty Foundation Kept My Skin Shine-Free in the Georgia Heat
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What We Like
Lightweight
Velvety finish
SPF 20
What We Don't Like
Not many deep shades
Infused with antioxidants like vitamin E, feverfew, and natural soy, this foundation glides on like a dream and works to improve your skin's tone and texture while it sits. Users describe it as lightweight with satiny coverage. For best results, use a dense blending brush to apply it to the skin.
Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 13 | Finish: Satin | Size: 1 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No
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What We Like
Weightless texture
Skin looks dewy
Buildable
What We Don't Like
Shade looks a bit deeper when dry
We like to call this beloved foundation the OG color-corrector. Not only is it a buildable and full-coverage formula, but it also provides major sun protection with SPF 50, locks in moisture with hyaluronic acid, and encourages visible elasticity with collagen.
Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 12 | Finish: Matte | Size: 1 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Read Full Review: IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ Is Lightweight and Hydrating
Best Long-Wearing
Dermablend Smooth Liquid Camo Foundation
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What We Like
Smooth finish
Blends into skin seamlessly
Covers everything yet looks natural
SPF 25
What We Don't Like
Can be a little watery
A smooth finish is totally achievable—as long as you have this hard-working foundation in your arsenal. Get the coverage you want—even over uneven textures or tones—with this 16-hour formula that resists smudging and transferring. And while it works to give you a seamless complexion, the result still ends up looking natural.
Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 15 | Finish: Natural | Size: 1 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Shade Range
Uoma Beauty Say What?! Foundation
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What We Like
Sits well on the skin
Six different formulas to target varying skin needs
Inclusive shade range
What We Don't Like
Only comes in a matte finish
This award-winning foundation is a total game-changer for anyone looking to mask redness and rosacea. The buildable, long-wear formula hydrates while delivering a second-skin matte finish that blurs and conceals imperfections like a pro. Plus, it’s available in a whopping 51 shades, so finding your perfect match is a breeze. To that point, our favorite part is that it offers the perfect matte finish for any skin tone or texture.
Coverage:Adjustable |Shade Range:51 |Finish:Matte |Size:1 fl. oz |Cruelty-Free:Yes
Runner-Up, Best Shade Range
NYX Professional Makeup Can't Stop Won't Stop Foundation
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What We Like
Inclusive shade range
Smooth, matte finish
Lightweight
What We Don't Like
Can be a little drying
With 45 shades, you shouldn’t have much trouble finding the right one for you. The formula is equal parts lightweight and pigmented, making it a great go-to for everyday wear or special occasions. Plus, it’s ideal for all skin types and doesn’t dry shiny.
Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 39 | Finish: Matte | Size: 1 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Mature Skin
Doucce Cache Crème Satin Foundation
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What We Like
Feels like silk
Moisturizing formula
Rich, creamy texture
What We Don't Like
Not a wide shade range
You’ll feel like you’ve turned the clocks back after applying this silky-smooth foundation. With full coverage, it helps to mask blemishes and redness—plus, it even helps to moisturize dry skin. If you have mature skin and want a creamier, richer foundation that also moisturizes, try this one.
Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 13 | Finish: Matte | Size: 1 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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What We Like
Sweat-proof
Blurs pores
Lightweight
What We Don't Like
Can oxidize
Sometimes, you want a completely matte complexion. And that’s exactly what you’ll get with this popular formula—a seamless, poreless look that’s water-resistant and lasts all day. No oil or shine here. Plus, this drugstore buy is easily accessible and comes at a decent price, which we can always get behind.
Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 22 | Finish: Matte | Size: 1 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No
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What We Like
SPF 40
Lightweight
No white cast
What We Don't Like
Not for full coverage
Tinted moisturizer fans, rejoice! This one is for you. One part moisturizer and one part color, this SPF cream is non-greasy and delivers a sheer and even finish. I love the non-irritating and mineral-based formula—but the best part, by far, is that it doesn’t leave a white cast.
Coverage: Light | Shade Range: 2 | Finish: Matte | Size: 1 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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What We Like
Makes skin glow
Reasonably priced
Inclusive shade range
What We Don't Like
Could be more long-wearing
Meadowfoam seed oil is the star ingredient in this ultra-hydrating liquid foundation, as it locks in moisture, balances oil production, fights aging and free-radical damage, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Users not only love the full coverage, but they loved how natural and glowy their skin looked after the application. You won’t find any cakey-ness here. It's a great choice if you’re on a budget and looking for a foundation with natural, medium- to full-coverage.
Coverage: Medium to full | Shade Range: 8 | Finish: Natural | Size: 1 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Where We Stand
Our favorite foundation for rosacea is the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, thanks to its lovely matte finish and wide shade range. Following close behind are the budget-friendly Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup SPF 20 and the color-correcting IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ for its youthful finish.
How We Evaluated
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then consulted an expert to gather this list of best in show.
We evaluated each foundation for rosacea on the basis of these attributes:
- Ingredients
- Formula
- Coverage
- Color-correcting properties
- SPF protection
What to Look for in a Foundation for Rosacea
Texture: “People with rosacea should stay away from thinner formulations,” says Dr. Markowitz. These are products that are more alcohol or gel-based because they tend to cause flare-ups. “Go with richer-textured formulations,” she suggests. We like Doucce's Caché Crémé Satin Foundation for that very reason.
Ingredients: Depending on your needs, additional ingredients may be beneficial for you. SPF should be high on your list of needs, given sun exposure can trigger flare-ups, says Dr. Markowitz. Moisturizers like hyaluronic acid are also helpful in keeping your skin feeling comfortable. (IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream has both SPF and hyaluronic acid—you're welcome.) Soothing ingredients like licorice root extract can be exceptionally nourishing and calming, too.
FAQ
How can I cover rosacea on my cheeks?
Covering rosacea on your cheeks may require color correction, plus an appropriate foundation for rosacea. If you want to skip color correction, using a full-coverage foundation is your best bet. Consider finishing with a powder or setting spray.
How do you apply makeup with rosacea?
To apply makeup with rosacea, it’s best to start with a smooth base. Use a gentle moisturizer that is suitable for rosacea and primer before applying a thick textured foundation. You can also use a concealer under your foundation that has color correcting ability in a shade that will cover redness, such as light green. Set with powder and/or setting spray.
Is it OK to wear makeup with rosacea?
It is OK to wear makeup with rosacea as long as you choose makeup products that are suitable for rosacea and that do not cause flare-ups. Rosacea is inflammatory, and some ingredients could make your rosacea worse. Choose a thick textured foundation with a creamier consistency and SPF to protect from sun exposure, which can make rosacea worse.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has nearly fifteen years of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She’s written for Byrdie since 2020, covering hair, makeup, skin, health, wellness, fashion, and more. She doesn’t have rosacea but does have sensitive skin and is always looking for gentle, non-irritating makeup.
Byrdie contributorSyden Abrenicahas years of experience in the editorial beauty industry. She’s written for magazines like Health, Good Housekeeping, Family Circle, and more. When she’s not interviewing dermatologists, she’s renovating her century-old home and watching Disney movies with her husband, son, and three rescue dogs.
Team Byrdie worked with an expert for full insight into foundations for rosacea:
- Dr. Orit Markowitz is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and a skin cancer specialist
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.
Bowe, Whitney P, and Silvina Pugliese. “Cosmetic benefits of natural ingredients.”Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDDvol. 13,9 (2014): 1021-5; quiz 26-7.
Zielińska, Aleksandra et al. “Two- and Three-Dimensional Spectrofluorimetric Qualitative Analysis of Selected Vegetable Oils for Biomedical Applications.”Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)vol. 25,23 5608. 28 Nov. 2020, doi:10.3390/molecules25235608
