This Oil-Free Foundation Magically Makes Redness Disappear (2024)

Chantecaille Future Skin Oil Free Foundation

Yes, it's expensive, but Chantecaille's Future Skin Oil Free Foundation, which is made with 60 percent water, is basically perfect. "I love that this is a gel, so it feels ultra lightweight on your skin and that you can build up on the coverage as desired. I particularly like this for rosacea-prone skin because it is rich in skin-soothing botanical extracts such as chamomile and aloe," says Dr. Margarita Lolis, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Hackensack, New Jersey

Pros: Hydrating; Allergy-tested; Dermatologist-approved; Lightweight; Oil-free

Cons: Expensive; Darker shade selection is lacking

Dermablend Smooth Liquid Foundation

Dermablend excels at combining full coverage with a safe-for-senstive-skin formula, which makes it a dermatologist favorite. "Their products are allergy-tested and fragrance-free," notes Dr. Yang. This smooth liquid foundation will entirely conceal redness (it even covers tattoos) and holds up impressively during the day, even in major heat.

Pros: Impressive coverage; Fragrance-free; Dermatologist-approved

Cons: Some reviewers aren't impressed by the size

Westman Atelier Vital Skin Complexion Drops

Makeup mastermind Gucci Westman has struggled with chronic rosacea throughout her life, which means she knows the drill when it comes to creating the perfect foundation. Vital Skin Complexion Drops are great for light coverage and actually soothe the skin thanks to calming actives that neutralize redness.

Pros: Weightless; Editor-approved; Skin-loving ingredients

Cons: More expensive than other options

Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation

Specially designed for sensitive skin, SunnyDaysSPF 30 Tinted SunscreenFoundationis a combination of mineral sunscreen andfoundationthat received theNational Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance. With light-to-medium coverage, it contains protective, soothing ingredients like prickly pear extract, aloevera, and white sage.

Pros: Wide color range; Buildable; Contains SPF

Cons: None found

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Foundation Full Coverage Moisturizer with SPF 50+

Dr. Kseniya Kobets, Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore, loves this full-coverage formula for its multi-purpose design. Not only is it a moisturizer with seven fermented ingredients for absorption and efficacy, but it also features SPF 50+ broad-spectrum physical sunscreen. You're covering all of your bases here.

Pros: Moisturizing; Good coverage

Cons: Some reviewers report creasing

CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen with Sheer Tint

Dr. Kobets advises reaching for this CeraVe option if you're looking for lighter coverage. A mineral sunscreen first and foremost, this fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, sheer formula features ceramides and hyaluronic acid to protect the skin barrier and help you retain moisture. It's a great option for summer, too.

Pros: Dermatologist-recommended; A little goes a long way

Cons: Some reviewers report a white cast

bareMinerals Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15

This is a classic powder (it's been around for nearly two decades) that's free of parabens, fillers, and binders. "It’s a pretty pure product, so there is less irritation potential and it is oil-free, so it does not clog pores," Dr. Lolis shares. "It provides lasting, good coverage and has built-in sun protection from the titanium and zinc oxide minerals."

Pros: Lightweight; Oil-free; Built-in sun protection; Wide shade range

Cons: Can be messy to apply; Some reviewers find the product cakey

ILIA Skin Rewind Blurring Foundation and Concealer Complexion Stick

It hasn't been around long, but ILIA's Skin Rewind is already a holy grail beauty item. Available in 42 shades, this fragrance-free, medium-coverage foundation stick boasts a ceramide-peptide complex to visibly firm and strengthen your skin barrier and butterfly lavender extract to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Pros: Impressive shade range; Easy to apply; Moisturizing

Cons: None found

Clinique Redness Solutions Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 With Probiotic Technology Foundation

Like many in her profession, Dr. Yang is a big fan of Clinique, a brand whose offerings are all developed by dermatologists and suitable for sensitive skin. While every single foundation in the range is a safe bet, this one was specially formulated to cover redness. The biggest downside? It only comes in six shades, all of which are quite light.

Pros: Calming ingredients; Oil-free; Color-correcting; Lightweight

Cons: No shades for darker skin tones

L'Oréal True Match Super-Blendable Foundation

L'Oréal True Match was my first foundation, and it still holds up. But now it's even better because the packaging has been updated to have a pump for mess-free application. Super blendable with medium coverage, this alcohol-free, oil-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic selection is available in a whopping 47 shades, so you can find exactly what suits you.

Pros: Affordable; Impressive shade selection

Cons: No longer contains SPF

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30

It's not technically a foundation, but Dr. Jart+'s Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting treatment is a rosacea-prone skin must-have, according to Erica Marie Gatt, an aesthetician and founder of EM Skin. Because green and red are opposites on the color wheel, the minty colored cream neutralizes a rosy complexion. "On days when I don’t want to wear a full-fledged foundation but still want to tone down redness, this Dr. Jart cream is my go-to," Marie Claire beauty editor Samantha Holender previously wrote. A bonus? It includes SPF 30.

Pros: Aesthetician-approved; Neutralizes redness; Contains SPF

Cons: Some reviewers find it greasy

Dr. Yang is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, known for her dedication to helping patients achieve and maintain healthy, beautiful skin.

She attended Northwestern University for her undergraduate studies, building a strong foundation in the sciences. She pursued her medical degree at Boston University School of Medicine and spent a dedicated research year at Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Dermatology where she worked in the clinic for pigmentary disorders and served as the administrative director for Project Phoenix, MGH’s pro-bono tattoo removal clinic. She completed her dermatology residency at Mount Sinai Hospital, where she served as Chief Resident of Cosmetics in her final year of residency.

Dr. Yang is certified by the American Board of Dermatology and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Dr. Lolis is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group. She is fellowship-trained in Mohs surgery, cosmetic dermatology, and laser surgery. Her areas of expertise include skin cancer, Mohs micrographic surgery, cosmetic procedures, and laser surgery.

Dr. Lolis received a Bachelor of Science with honors at Yale University and a medical degree from Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in NYC. She is passionate about education and research and is very involved in training cosmetic and procedural fellows as well as physician extenders. Dr. Lolis has published many book chapters and articles in leading dermatology journals and is active in the Schweiger Dermatology Group clinical research department.

Skin health guru Erica Marie Gatt's decades worth of experience working as an aesthetician and makeup artist has shaped her foolproof, fuss-free beauty philosophy. She believes that curating thoughtful, streamlined skincare regimens for her clients is key to achieving effortless natural beauty and an overarching sense of empowerment, confidence and well-being. As someone who loves the outdoors and being active, Erica recognizes the link between health, wellness and beauty and embraces a holistic approach that puts equal emphasis on both an inner and outer glow.

Erica honed her talent and channeled her passion under the tutelage of celebrated Los Angeles esthetician Gina Mari after having spent years as a makeup artist.Acknowledging that the optimal canvas for makeup is clear, toxin-free skin, Erica gained invaluable experience working on a myriad of skin types with a range of needs, while learning from the industry’s top beauty mavens.