These 8 Rosacea-Friendly Foundations Will Cover Redness Without Causing Irritation (2024)

TL;DR

Our Top Picks

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 50 | Finish: Matte | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We always turn to this long-lasting foundation for that coveted soft-focus finish, but it happens to be gentle on the skin, too. It provides medium- to full-coverage and comes in 50 shades so you can customize your look to your exact preference. When testing it out, 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 well it evens out skin tone, keeps the T-zone matte, and matches various complexions seamlessly. It is lacking SPF though, so be sure to swipe on a layer of sunscreen before applying and going out.

Read Full Review: This Fenty Foundation Kept My Skin Shine-Free in the Georgia Heat

Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 13 | Finish: Satin | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Infused with antioxidants such as 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, and we love that it comes with broad-spectrum sun protection (although, it's a lower SPF so you'll likely want to apply more beforehand). We just wish it came in more shades at the deeper end of the spectrum. For best results, use a dense blending brush to blend it into the skin.

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 12 | Finish: Matte | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We like to call this beloved foundation the OG color-corrector. Not only does it provide buildable, full coverage but it also comes with major sun protection with SPF 50, locks in moisture with hyaluronic acid, and encourages visible elasticity with collagen. We love how well it masks redness and the numerous shades available, but note they can dry darker than they appear upon application.

Read Full Review: IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ Is Lightweight and Hydrating

Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 15 | Finish: Natural | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

A smooth finish that lasts all day 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 can give you a seamless, no-pore complexion, the result still ends up looking natural. Our only gripe is it can come out of the bottle a bit watery.

Coverage:Adjustable |Shade Range:51 |Finish:Matte |Size:1 oz |Cruelty-Free:Yes

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. Our favorite part: it offers the perfect matte finish for any skin tone or texture, however, if you're not a fan of that sort of finish, you won't love this one.

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 39 | Finish: Matte | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

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. However, it can be drying, especially if you're prone to dry skin; if that's you, we recommend using a good facial moisturizer before applying.

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 13 | Finish: Matte | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

You’ll feel like you’ve turned the clock back after applying this silky-smooth foundation. With full coverage, it masks blemishes and redness—plus, it even helps to moisturize dry, flaky skin (which mature skin needs since it tends to be drier). We love the creamy, rich formula, but wish it had a wider shade range.

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 22 | Finish: Matte | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Sometimes, you want a completely matte complexion. It's especially helpful when attempting to mask rough, uneven skin, aka when you're experiencing a rosacea flare-up. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this popular pick—a seamless, pore-less 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. Just be aware it can oxidize (aka change color) if exposed to the air for too long, so we suggest capping it tightly after each use.

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?

  It’s best to start with a smooth base. Use a gentle moisturizer 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 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.

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