As makeup has been an increasingly important part of several industries and people’s lives, it’s important that, with such a vast amount of options out there, you are picking the right products for you and your skin.
Some people are in their makeup for 8 plus hours a day, and when it comes down to it, this acts like another layer of skincare so it’s imperative that you are selecting makeup with key ingredients and complement your skin type and any conditions that you have, such as eczema, dry patches, dermatitis, acne and so forth.
Ingredients For Hydration
You want to gather some products that are hydrating to prevent your pores from being clogged but also to prevent dryness, patcheness and so forth. To keep your skin as hydrated as possible during a long day of makeup wear, look for products that include these ingredients from both creams to powders.
- Hyaluronic Acid: A humectant that pulls moisture into the skin and is a product that you will find in most skincare products nowadays. It’s great for cream products and will allow your makeup to sit on top of your skin without creasing.
- Glycerin: Often overlooked but incredibly effective, it acts as a moisture magnet and strengthens the skin’s barrier. This is a great ingredient to look for in primers or ‘skin prep’ products.
- Squalane: A lightweight oil that provides a dewy finish without feeling greasy. This is another skin prep product that creates a hydration barrier for all of your creams and powders to go on top.
Ingredients For Protection
As mentioned above, since makeup is on your skin for prolonged periods of time, you want to ensure they acting as a form of protection from the elements and so forth.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Another ingredient you will find in modern-day skincare, but overall it works through minimising pores, regulating oil and preventing dull skin. This ingredient in your makeup is essential, especially for those who have oily skin.
- Vitamin C: A must-have in some part of your skincare, if not your makeup routine. Vitamin C is an antioxidant which shield against pollution and helps brighten skin tone over time. Therefore, if you can find a product with this in it, try for sure.
- Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide: Found in mineral makeup mostly, these 2 ingredients together provide sun protection (SPF) and are naturally anti-inflammatory (great for sensitive skin girlies).
- SPF: While the ingredients above might already double up as this, you can settling for products that are labelled as SPF. While you can find skincare and skin prep that includes SPF, there is no harm in adding makeup products that also include SPF. SPF essentially protects your skin from harmful UV rays and acts as a method of safe ageing. This can be found in foundations, primers and other cream-based formulas.
Ingredients For Soothing
If you have acne-prone or sensitive skin in general, you want to ensure that your makeup doesn’t add to the struggles you are trying to combat. You shouldn’t have to go without makeup to heal, and that’s why some brands have considered these skin conditions and include core ingredients that soothe the skin and don’t act as counteractive.
- Centella Asiatica (Cica): Famous in Korean beauty for its ability to soothe redness and speed up skin healing. You will find this ingredient in cream-based products like foundations and concealers.
- Aloe Vera: A classic ingredient that also can be extremely hydrating but at the same time provides a cooling effect and reduces inflammation, making it a common base for “clean” foundations. This, alongside Cica, would be incredible for soothed skin.
- Green Tea Extract: Packed with polyphenols that reduce puffiness and soothe angry breakouts. You don’t just have to drink your green tea, but you can also find products that incorporate green tea into your makeup and skincare.
Brands That Practice Safe Makeup
You want to look for brands that are committed to producing safe makeup, so they will be paraben-free, cruelty-free, full of key ingredients and promote being an ethically sourced brand.
Brands such as REFY beauty is a great example of a brand that saw a gap and a lack of ethical and safe makeup that only offers leadping bunny approved products. With their evolution, other brands have now begun to become more ethical; however, ensure that this 100% true and be sure to always check the ingredients list before investing in a product.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to makeup ingredients to look for, this can be a bit of a tedious process for many when they are in retailers or ordering online. However, there are apps now available that allow you to scan a product’s barcode, and it will clearly list the pros and cons while giving it a score out of 100. This is a quick and easy way to buy makeup safely without compromising your skin’s health.