I’m excited to let you know that I’ve overcome my chronic rosacea! I’ve updated this post with new links since some brands and products have changed over the past three years. I still use Well People Foundation Powder and have included some of my favorite clean beauty brands for cosmetics, from lipstick to mascara. My skincare go-to is Hello Joyous.
Around 415 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with rosacea, but the number could be higher when you consider those who self-report the condition. Since sharing my journey with rosacea, including my natural skin care routine and dietary tips, I’ve received an overwhelming response from people seeking advice.
Due to popular demand, I’m sharing the best natural makeup I use to cover up flare-ups. There’s no shame in wanting to feel better about your skin—sometimes covering up redness helps ease stress and obsessive thoughts. On a daily basis, my rosacea severity is minimal, around a 1-3 on a scale of 10, but I’ve come a long way from when it was at its worst.
For me, it’s definitely worth spending a few extra minutes in the morning to reduce redness. I empathize with those who wake up after eating well and leading a healthy lifestyle, yet still have skin that looks irritated. This is why I’m sharing my favorite natural makeup products in hopes that my experience can help others.
Over the years, I’ve invested a considerable amount in natural products to find what works for my skin, and I hope this post saves you some money.
Before discussing my favorite products, let me mention that everyone’s skin and rosacea is unique. What works for me might not suit you. If you haven’t checked out my skincare routine detailing the face wash and serums I use, I’d recommend doing so first—it’s how I prepare my skin before applying any makeup.
If your current products contain irritants, start by addressing that before exploring makeup options. It’s important to note that the products I use are free from parabens, alcohol, heavy oils, petrochemicals, and other skin irritants—they are also cruelty-free. They’re suitable for sensitive skin unless you’re allergic to specific ingredients.
First step: Daily Sunscreen Use
When you have rosacea, daily sunscreen is crucial because your skin is more sensitive to UV damage. I’ve dedicated a post to the Best Natural Sunscreens, which you can check out.
Second step: Color Corrector
The green color corrector by Lily Lolo is a pressed powder specially formulated for rosacea and acne-prone skin. Its formula includes jojoba oil, closely resembling skin’s natural sebum. Green counteracts red on the color spectrum, so it helps neutralize redness. For olive skin tones, it might work but testing is advised, while darker tones might benefit more from peach, orange, or red hues.
Application: Use after your moisturizer and sunscreen with a large blush brush. Apply it any areas that are red before your finishing powder. Remember—a little goes a long way; avoid overdoing it to prevent looking nauseated.
I’ve also used Pacifica’s color corrector which comes as a cream offering three colors. It’s great alone but doesn’t layer well under powder. When my skin healed, I stopped using Pacifica but it’s worth trying.
Application: Again, after moisturizer and sunscreen. You can thin it out in your hand to make application easier.
Third step: Finishing Powder
The Well People foundation powder blends everything beautifully. I choose a shade slightly darker for a bronzing effect, applying modestly on my cheeks and nose without touching my chin to avoid irritation from my unique skin ecosystem.
Application: Use as the final step after moisturizer and sunscreen.
For mascara, lip gloss, and other enhancements, here are some clean beauty brands I love:
Whenever I’m filming, these are the products I rely on for a natural look.
If you have rosacea-friendly brands or questions about those listed, feel free to share or ask below; I might have tried them.
Next, I plan to share natural health supplements I’ve been using.
Wishing you radiant skin and a lovely day!
Love hearing your tips about this!
I didn’t use much makeup for years—just lipstick and eyeshadow—because my skin felt uncomfortable and looked flushed. Now, I use Savvy mineral makeup lightly across mineral foundation, powder, and bronzer. Honestly, I was initially skeptical but now enjoy the clean and well-researched products, essential oils, and brushes.
Thanks for sharing your discovery! While there are many wonderful natural brands, multi-level marketing products like Savvy by Young Living can be pricey. Prices can seem high, but joining for free earned me points for purchases. Comparing product quality, they’re fairly comparable in price. Just ensure products exclude unsafe particles and mica ethically sourced sans child labor.
Smart points! Enjoy those free perks.
Have you tried Pure Simple’s Flawless Foundation? It’s a tinted moisturizer, akin to BB cream, offering good moisturization and redness coverage likely without needing a color corrector. Your experience may differ, though.
At Healthy Moms Store in Junction, my partner found Aurum’s Calming Birch Serum for rosacea, which I’m excited to try. Fascinating ingredients!
Thanks for the recommendation! I’ve often found liquid foundations too heavy, making me break out, while light ones dry out my skin. I appreciate your suggestions, though, thank you. The birch serum sounds interesting but quite pricey! Wonder if samples are available.
Do you recommend a daily sunscreen?
Here are some clean brands to consider: https://www.joyoushealth.com/27349-blog-overheard-at-joyous-health-best-natural-sunscreens
Thank you, Joy! I developed rosacea at 40 and relate deeply to your podcast. Avoiding triggers like cold wind, coffee, and chocolate have helped. Prefer Canadian-owned products; recently discovered Merit’s foundation stick for precise coverage. Ilia’s products unfortunately irritate my skin. Will explore your supplement recommendations.
Thanks for your feedback, Tania! I’ve never found a good foundation either, so I avoid them. My sunscreen’s tint gives me a nice glow without needing foundation.
Thank you for your detailed information, Joy. I’m experiencing a frustrating rosacea period and really appreciate your acknowledgment of its stress. Having perfect skin before this, I’m unsure how to solve it effectively.
What’s your makeup removal process? As a Las Vegas performer with heavy makeup use, my current removal method feels aggravating. I’ve ordered recommended bamboo cloths but seek a remover suggestion.
Erica, I’m sorry you’re going through this. I use Fresh Face cleanser with organic glycerin and herbs—also my skincare brand, safe for rosacea/sensitive skin. If needed, wash twice. Heavy eye makeup removal requires Biotherma Micellar Water, avoiding other areas. Balancing skin pH with something like my Magical Mist prevents excessive alkalinity. Hope this helps!
Thank you for your response; I’ve already explored your rosacea posts and ordered all three products. A dermatologist’s approach, including Vaseline application, didn’t suit me.
I believe your products will help. Your photos give me hope.
Happy to help! It will improve, I promise! Vaseline suffocates the skin. Listen to podcast episode 66—Managing Rosacea Naturally. Thank you for trying my products; you’ll love them!
Considering Kosas and Ilia products for foundation and concealers but worried about pore blockage and flare-ups.
I understand completely! Ilia’s tinted serum didn’t work well for me but it might suit you. It’s best to sample products before purchasing to ensure compatibility with your skin.
Hi Joy, your insights have offered so much hope towards tackling my rosacea. I addressed mine using diet changes in 2020 but life stress brought it back. Foundation wasn’t useful, but I’ll try new recommendations. Curious on Cover Fx pressed powder’s ingredients?
I’m happy my insights helped, Daniella. Consider using a BB cream instead as they’re lighter. Cover Fx isn’t a MAC product—I’m unfamiliar.
Hey, thanks for this. Nice to connect on shared skin challenges. I’m cautious about full face makeup now but wish for a good mascara. Suggestions?
I understand! Less makeup is better for sensitive skin. For mascara, I love Pure Anada and Elate Cosmetics—both clean brands.
Hi Joy! I’m thrilled to find your rosacea post—it’s been helpful amid this journey.
Can you share your foundation powder shade?
Hi Joy, grateful for your rosacea post, it was really helpful. Navigating skin issues can be tricky.
Could you share your shade for Pressed Powder Foundation by Well People? Unsure which shade suits.
Hi! I’ve switched products—currently using Well People: https://www.wellpeople.com/bio-powder-foundation Hope this helps!
Top makeup picks feature Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Foundation, Tarte’s Shape Tape Concealer, NARS’ Orgasm Blush, Lancôme’s Hypnôse Drama Mascara, Becca’s Shimmering Skin Perfector, and MAC’s Retro Matte Lipstick. These high-rated products deliver performance and versatility.
What moisturizer and cleanser do you recommend, Joy?
Hi Katherine! I rely on these to heal and maintain my skin health.
