Best Makeup Products for Mature Rosacea

by Linda Robison

If you suffer from rosacea, and you're over 50, finding makeup products that address aging skin issues and rosacea is a challenge. 

Mature woman applying rosacea specific makeup.

How to choose the best makeup products for mature women with rosacea?

We know makeup can conceal embarrassing flare-ups, like redness, bumps, and visible blood vessels. It helps boost confidence and make us feel more at ease in social settings. 

But what kind of makeup foundation is safe and healthy for this inflammatory condition?

Dealing with rosacea on its own is a makeup challenge, but when you also have aging skin that's sensitive, discolored, or prone to wrinkles, it becomes an even greater challenge!

The National Rosacea Society recommends women pick foundations with simple ingredients and opt for oil-free choices, like mineral powders specifically formulated to color-correct redness.1

What kind of makeup is good for rosacea and mature skin?

As a woman over 50 with an inflammatory skin condition, what do you want from your foundation?

You want it to address the specific needs of sensitive and redness-prone skin AND, aging skin issues. Here's an overview of what women like us, over 50 with rosacea, want in our foundation makeup:

  • Mineral-Based: Mineral foundations, like those containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, are often gentle on sensitive skin, provide good coverage, and protects from sun damage.
  • Hypoallergenic: Hypoallergenic products help to reduce the risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions.
  • Non-Comedogenic: Very Important! A non-comedogenic foundation is needed to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.
  • Fragrance-Free: Fragrances can be irritating. So don't take chances.
  • Full Coverage: If redness and imperfections are an issue for you, full coverage can help conceal it.
  • Green Tint or Color-Correcting: Foundations with a green tint or color-correcting properties can help neutralize redness.
  • SPF: A foundation with sun protection (SPF) can help shield your skin from UV rays, which can trigger rosacea flare-ups.
  • Designed for Rosacea: For best results, look for brands that contain herbal extracts specifically designed for rosacea-prone skin.
  • Long-Lasting: It would be nice if your foundation to maintain coverage throughout the day.

My results with mineral makeup products

Any cosmetic or foundation that contain heavy creams make my skin feel hot and irritated. So I always opted for mineral powders.

They wore well, but, not all of them made my complexion look good. In fact, the powders accentuated fine lines and made my face look, well, just aged.

But then I tried a high definition color correcting mineral powder makeup, I noticed my skin didn't feel like it was burning, and it looked poreless.

The makeup is so light, I don't feel like I'm wearing anything at all. And, the yellowish tint helped reduce redness and imperfections.

High definition color corrector rosacea makeup.

What about dry skin?

Yes, while it's true most women over 50 have dry skin issues, you're better off using a rosacea specific moisturizer under your mineral makeup product, then buying a foundation that claims to contain it all! This oil-free moisturizer with SPF 30 was developed specifically for mature rosacea skin.

TIP: Got super dry skin? Many makeup artists recommend applying two layers of moisturizer. One under the makeup and one on top. On hot or humid days, you can use less moisturizer as needed. Or try an interesting trend called slugging for dry rosacea skin issues! 

Why pay more for your makeup?

A cartoon of woman giving away money.

Ladies, just because we have specific makeup needs doesn't mean we should have to pay more for it. Whatever makeup product you choose, just make sure you're not overpaying! 🤔

Why pay for ingredients you don't need?

I've tried a ton of those expensive "anti-aging" makeup products. They're not bad, but they didn't do anything special for my complexion either, considering I spent a fortune on them!

With so many makeup brands to choose from at a wide range of prices, it might be difficult deciding on the best makeup product for your skin type. I hope this article can help make your decision easier.

Price: 

Avoid overpaying for makeup products. A good clean rosacea makeup shouldn't cost a fortune.

Extra Ingredients:

Many makeup manufacturers boost their prices by including a small quantity of anti-aging ingredients and marketing the product as high-end. This tactic is commonly known as "Window Dressing."

For example: A very well known makeup company says their rosacea formulated foundation contains anti-aging ingredients like DMAE and Alpha Lipoic acid which supposedly helps reduce wrinkles overtime.

But over $55.00 for a one ounce bottle! I’d rather save the money and invest in a good anti-aging cream that has a high concentration of active anti-aging ingredients like DMAE, peptides or retinols.

But, this is just my opinion.

How to apply makeup: Best Tips

To apply foundation the right way, consider these steps:

1. Don't use your fingers or sponges. Instead, use an antibacterial foundation brush to keep your skin happy. Or consider a paddle brush.

2. If you're using a liquid foundation, put a small amount on the back of your hand, dab the brush in it and gently spread it from the center of your face outward.

3. For powders, glide the brush across the compact's surface and then apply it to your face. Use broad strokes for larger areas like your cheeks, forehead, and chin. For narrower areas such as the nose, mouth, eyes, and hairline, employ the brush's edge. Ensure a thorough blend.

4. Make sure to clean the brush after every use for a fresh and flawless finish.

My experience: Rosacea can appear in your 50s

In high school, I tried makeup foundation to even out my skin, as it always looked spotty.

But I didn't know the cheap makeup I used back then was making my rosacea worse. I thought the redness and pimple-like bumps were just normal teen acne. It wasn't until I was over 50 that I found out I had rosacea.

Once I knew, I searched for makeup that not only made me look good but also eased my rosacea symptoms.

And, what a task that was!

While there are a TON of anti-aging makeup products for women over 50 to choose from. Not many address aging and rosacea in one product.

That's why I tried and recommend the mineral makeup foundation from Zenmed, a company that develops products specifically for aging, problem skin like rosacea.

I also like that it contains herbal extracts like green tea, licorice, aloe vera and jojoba that can help rosacea symptoms.2



FAQ: Best Makeup Products for Mature Rosacea

Q: What Color foundation is best for rosacea?

A: Those that have a slight green-ish tint can help cover-up redness. However, try it first to make sure it blends well with your skin tone.

Q: What makeup do dermatologists recommend for rosacea?

A: Most derms will recommend mineral makeup that's free from additives and fragrance.

Q: How can I choose the right foundation for my sensitive rosacea skin?

A: Look for makeup labeled hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. It should also be fragrance-free, offer full coverage and color-correcting. And, offer SPF protection because the sun can trigger symptoms.

Q: How can I cover redness from rosacea on my cheeks?

A: Try a color corrector mineral powder, like the one mentioned above (by Zenmed). It helps conceal uneven complexion, dark spots, and redness. I find it works with just one single, brush application.