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My Favourite Makeup Products as Someone who has Dry and Sensitive Skin

The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Wilfrid Laurier chapter.

As someone who’s suffered from chronically dry, sensitive and acne-prone skin, I’ve spent my fair share of money on makeup products. I’ve come a long way in uncovering the best products that work well for my skin and don’t break me out. Although I’m not a beauty guru or a certified dermatologist, these are some products that work well for my skin!

Tower 28 Concealer

I’ve tried so many concealers but every one that I’ve tried has made my eyes puffy, irritated, sting, burn and uncomfortable. In late 2023, I discovered the Tower 28 Concealer on TikTok: a game changer for me! The product is water-based, creamy and doesn’t break me out. It has medium coverage and such a natural finish. This product is overall my holy grail!

Elf Power Grip Primer

I’ve also tried many primers but nothing beats the Elf Power Grip Primer. This primer makes my makeup stay on and last ALL DAY! Although the primer has a tacky feel, as someone with dry skin, always moisturize before you put the primer on. Skin prep is everything! This primer also doesn’t make me break out and is necessary in my makeup routine. 

Elf Glow Reviver Lip Oil

Elf recently came out with lip oils, and these are worth all the hype! My lips are super dry, especially throughout the winter, and almost all lip products dry out my lips, except this lip oil! The Elf Lip Oil comes in many shades; my favourites are Rose Envy and Pink Quartz! These lip oils are also lightweight and cool on the lips! Most importantly, these Lip Oils are super affordable, retailing for only 10 dollars in Canada! 

Elf Camo Liquid Blush

Elf also recently came out with their new Camo Liquid Blushes. These Camo Liquid Blushes from Elf are also worth all the hype. This blush is highly pigmented, comes in beautiful shades and, most importantly, doesn’t break me out! It’s a dupe for the Rare Beauty Blushes that I recommend 10/10. My favourite shades are Berry Well and Dusty Rose! Like the Elf Lip Oils, these blushes are also super affordable and only cost 10 dollars in Canada!

The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalene

I hear all kinds of talk about The Ordinary products. However, I NEVER hear anyone talk about their 100% plant-derived squalene serum! This serum is super hydrating, perfect for dry skin and doesn’t break me out. This serum also gives your skin a glow and natural-looking highlight. I use the 100% Plant-Derived Squalene before I apply moisturizer, after washing my face at night and before I put my makeup on!

L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara 

Like concealers, I’ve spent so much money trying lots of different hypoallergenic mascaras. However, every mascara I’ve tried has made my eyes puffy, itchy, burn and uncomfortable. The L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara is the only mascara that doesn’t make me feel uncomfortable or give me allergic reactions. The L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara is also super lightweight, lengthening and holds my eyelashes up all day! This mascara is my go-to and I recommend it for people with dry eyes! 

Although I’m not a beauty guru or a dermatologist, I’ve had my fair share of going through many different products as someone with dry and sensitive skin. I hope you found my makeup recommendations helpful! 

Sophia Guardado

Wilfrid Laurier '25

Sophia is an English Literature student at Wilfrid Laurier University. On her free time, you will catch her reading books, taking long nature walks or at the gym!