Are you a sucker for anything related to flawless and radiant-looking complexion? Well, luckily we can achieve that with a foundation. However, for people with sensitive skin, it means that they have to be extra careful with the product that they use. Although there are a plethora of foundations on the market, it can be quite difficult to find the right product that suits those with sensitive skin types. Rest assured as Beauty Insider has rounded the best foundations for sensitive skin in Malaysia so that you can have a flawless-looking complexion all day long!

What is Sensitive Skin?

Well, before we delve right into the topic of the best foundations for sensitive skin. It is important that you know what are the symptoms of sensitive skin. It can be difficult to determine whether the person has sensitive skin or not. Thus, it is recommended that you visit a dermatologist so that an accurate diagnosis can be made from the treatment. However, there are several symptoms that indicate you might be suffering from sensitive skin.

  • Reactions when using products that contain dyes, chemicals, and fragrances.
  • Have a very dry skin
  • Tend to experience blushing and skin flushing
  • Suffer from skin reactions such as pustules, skin bumps, and erosion

What are the Ingredients to Avoid in Foundation?

It must be known that different people have reactions to different ingredients. Hence, knowing the exact ingredients or products that trigger your reactions, will significantly help to minimise it. We have listed the main ingredients that you need to avoid when choosing the best foundations that are available in the market.

Synthetic fragrances

You need to avoid using a product that contains synthetic fragrances, instead opt for unscented or fragrance-free. Furthermore, the product is more likely to have alcohol, if it contains fragrances. Therefore, it can lead to more dryness.

Dyes

Usually, the foundation is formulated with dyes. Thus, look for the list of ingredients before you decide to purchase any foundation.

Preservatives

You need to avoid preservatives at all costs, particularly parabens, methylchloroisothiazolinone, imidazolidinyl urea, and phenoxyethanol

How to Pick the Best Foundation for Sensitive Skin?

Well, it all comes down to your skin type. Apart from picking the best foundation that is suitable for sensitive skin, you need to consider your skin type as well.

Oily skin

People with sensitive and oily skin types need to use a powder foundation or water-based liquid foundation. With the matte finish, it will minimize the shine on the skin. Furthermore, you need to opt for a non-comedogenic foundation as it will not clog the pores.

Dry skin

If you have dry skin, you will likely feel tightness and irritation. Therefore, choosing a cream-based liquid foundation will allow you to conceal the blemishes and hydrate them at the same time.

Combination skin

People with combination skin will find that cream and power foundations work the best for them. Besides that, if your skin tends to be oilier during the summer, a mineral powder foundation will significantly help. On the other hand, if you experience dry skin in the winter, opt for the cream-based foundation for extra hydration.

The Best Foundations in Malaysia for Sensitive Skin

1. Make Over Powerstay 24H Weightless Liquid Foundation

Make Over Powerstay 24H Weightless Liquid Foundation was crowned the Beauty Insider Malaysia’s Beauty and Wellness Awards 2024 for Best Foundation and Best Newcomer Award! Given the flawless, smooth matte finish this foundation gives that doesn’t budge on the face for up to 24 hours, we can’t say we’re surprised. Thanks to the Oil Regulatory Technology this foundation contains, any excess oil produced on both the skin’s surface and below is quickly absorbed, resulting in a shine-free face. More than just lightweight, comfortable, and protects the skin with SPF 30 PA+++, this foundation is also available in twenty inclusive shades, suitable for all skin tones.

Why we love it:

  • Diverse with twenty different shades
  • Regulates oil and sebum production
  • Contains SPF 30 PA+++

Cons:

  • Not suitable for those who prefer a glowy finish

Price: RM60.72

Where to buy: Guardian

2. NUMBUZIN No.3 Porcelain Base-Skip Tone Up Beige

One of the hottest brands making its rounds within the beauty community is NUMBUZIN. This trending beauty brand seems to have captured the hearts of many thanks to its many products suitable for everyone. The NUMBUZIN No.3 Porcelain Base-Skip Tone Up Beige is no exception. It is a sunscreen, primer, and powder all in one! As a 3-in-1 cream, it also makes your skin look naturally smoother. Not only does it help cover up any imperfections, but it also contains SPF 50+ PA++++ for ultimate protection. So if you are looking to achieve a natural makeup look, try this foundation-free tone-up cream instead!

Why we love it:

  • Long-lasting
  • Moisturising
  • Evens out skin tone

Cons:

  • Contains zinc oxide which causes oxidization

Price: RM86.40

Where to buy: Watsons

3. Y.O.U Beauty Noutriwear+ Velvet Liquid Foundation

With its impeccable formulation and skin-loving ingredients, nothing can truly beat the Y.O.U Beauty Noutriwear+ Velvet Liquid Foundation. It is expertly formulated with Innovative Litestay technology which forms a lightweight layer on the skin for 24 hours of flawless coverage. Thanks to its soft-light diffusing powder formula, it features an auto-correcting function that instantly blurs out any imperfections on the skin while regulating excess sebum.  

Powered by Immortelle C-lock Essence and Centella Asiatica, these ingredients work together to promote collagen production, retain moisture levels, and soothe inflamed skin. This highly-rated foundation seamlessly blends on the skin, revealing a silky-matte finish. 

Why we love it:

  • Features SPF 25 and PA+++
  • Free from paraben, alcohol, and mineral oil
  • Long-wearing
  • Available in four diverse shades

Cons:

  • Contains fragrance

Price: RM45.90

Where to buy: Watsons 

4. Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation

Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation is a perfect option for people with sensitive skin as it is tested for allergy and non-comedogenic. Formulated with micro-powders which effectively minimize the appearance of pores and control shine. Besides that, this lightweight foundation makes your skin flawless with a natural finish.

Why we love it:

  • Non-comedogenic
  • Allergy tested
  • Formulated to control shine and minimise pores

Cons:

  • Does not come with a pump

Price: RM56.90

Where to buy: Maybelline’s official website

5. SON&PARK Ultimate Cover Stick Foundation

If you prefer the stick type, SON & PARK’s Ultimate Cover Stick Foundation is a must-have for you. It’s free from parabens, alcohol, sulfates, and EU allergens and it’s built to last throughout the day while controlling sebum and oil. Comes with an added SPF, so it has extra protection against the sun when you wear it!

Why we love it:

  • Lightweight texture
  • Has blurring effect
  • Buildable coverage
  • Handy to bring in your purse for on-the-go touch-ups

Cons:

  • Only comes in two shades

Price: RM55.00 (Original price RM59.00)

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6. Koh Gen Do Moisture Foundation

A pretty expensive one, but it’s another great option for those with very sensitive skin. Made with 80% plant-based ingredients, this foundation from Koh Gen Doh gives a beautiful finish without weighing down your skin. Combined with skincare elements, it cares for your skin as it covers scars, hyperpigmentation, and spots.

Why we love it:

  • No artificial colours, fragrances, mineral oil, and parabens
  • Cruelty-free
  • No flashbacks
  • Helps retain skin moisture while absorbing oil

Cons:

  • Higher price point

Price: RM179.00

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7. MKUP The Edelwiss Unicorn Foundation

If you prefer a dewy finish, MKUP’s foundation will leave your skin with a natural and beautiful glow after application. It’s formulated with skin-loving ingredients such as Fresh Spring Edelweiss extract, Aloe Vera extract, Vitamin C, E, and B5 to keep your skin protected, moisturised, and covered all throughout the day.

Why we love it:

  • Soft and velvet
  • Unique mesh design to evenly distribute foundation on the puff
  • Long-lasting and buildable coverage

Cons:

  • Only comes in two shades

Price: RM49.00 (Original price RM99.00)

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8. LUNA Essence Water Pact FX

Another BB cushion that’s suitable for sensitive skin is from LUNA! It’s been tested and proven to be hypoallergenic based on skin tests made while creating this product. A makeup artist’s favourite, it has triple functions to cover, tone up, and adhere to the skin.

Why we love it:

  • Unique tapered puff that’s made to fit the formula for the skin
  • Doesn’t melt off easily
  • Has rejuvenating and moisturising properties for all-day comfort wear

Cons:

  • Only comes in two shades

Price: RM99.00 (Original price RM149.00)

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9. M.A.C Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation

With 4.5 star ratings on Sephora, M.A.C Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation is a cult favourite. It effectively conceals flaws and blemishes, leaving your skin smooth. Furthermore, it is easy to use and the lightweight texture enables the skin to breathe.

Why we love it:

  • Velvety texture
  • Long-wearing
  • Matte and natural finish

Cons:

  • Does not provide as much coverage as a liquid foundation

Price: RM190.00

Where to buy: Sephora

10. IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream SPF 50+

With 4.5 star ratings on Sephora, people have raved about the Your Skin But Better CC Cream SPF 50+ by IT Cosmetics. It is a multipurpose product that contains sunscreen, anti-ageing serum, and moisturiser. Formulated with essential vitamins and antioxidants, this hydrating CC cream delivers a radiant and flawless complexion. With its amazing features and results, this product beats other foundations!

Why we love it:

  • Contains SPF 50+
  • Features an anti-ageing serum
  • Serves as a moisturizer

Cons:

  • Some users have complained that this product feels too thick on their skin
  • Higher price point for 32ml of product

Price: RM208.00

Where to buy: Sephora

11. Palladio Herbal Liquid Foundation Tube

Loaded with vitamins and herbal extracts, Palladio Herbal Liquid Foundation Tube delivers a matte and natural finish. Besides that, it minimizes the appearance of pores, fine lines, and blemishes. Infused with cucumber, chamomile, and aloe vera, it instantly hydrates the skin upon application.

Why we love it:

  • Suitable for all skin types
  • hydrate and soothe the skin
  • Oil-free formula
  • Contains herbal extracts

Cons:

  • May contain iron oxide which causes oxidization

Price: RM27.95

Where to buy: Guardian

12. RMS Beauty “Un” Cover-Up Concealer + Foundation

RMS Beauty “Un” Cover-Up Concealer + Foundation is a multipurpose product that conceals blemishes and redness on the skin. Furthermore, it minimizes the pores and ensures that your skin is radiant-looking all day long. With its hydrating formula, it will be a great addition to your beauty regimen.

Why we love it:

  • Lightweight texture
  • Contains hydrating ingredients
  • Radiant and smooth-looking skin

Cons:

  • Some users have complained that this product is difficult to blend

Price: RM212.00

Where to buy: Sephora

13. Too Faced Born This Way Foundation

Lastly, this oil-free foundation by Too Faced is infused with coconut water to soothe dry, parched skin as well as Alpine rose to brighten and increase skin elasticity. Besides that, it contains hyaluronic acid for hydration, leaving supple-looking skin.

Why we love it:

  • Oil-free
  • Contains coconut water and Alpine rose
  • Effectively hydrates the skin

Cons:

  • Often sold out

Price: RM179.85

Where to buy: Shopee

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