All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors.

However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

This is especially true for people with rosacea.

image of a woman applying blush

David Urbanke

For this reason, cosmetic products that contain irritating [ingredients] can cause irritation and worsen redness.

Heres what you should probably know to pull it off, according to dermatologists and professional makeup artists.

Preparation is key.

Thats where smart skin care comes in.

If a redness-relief moisturizer doesnt cut it, you might need a little color correction.

She especially likes its ability to reduce redness and calm rosacea.

Choose your formulas carefully.

If you have rosacea, theres a good chance youve been told at some point to use mineral makeup.

Lucero also loves cream blushes, particularly those with a thicker, tackier texture.

She also recommends avoiding shimmery shades, as people with rosacea sometimes find the silica particles irritating.

Start with cooler or muted shades.

This way you get that blushy feel without pulling red like a pink or peach might.

If you cant find a caramel-colored blush, a bronzer will give you the same effect.

Just be sure to choose a shade slightly deeper than your skin tone so it actually shows up.

Use the right tools, like soft brushes and sponges.

Brushes with stiff, densely-packed bristles are the worst possible tool for blush, especially if you have rosacea.

That strong spot of pigment needs to be blended out, which means more rubbingand more irritation.

Why is rubbing your skin such a bad thing?

When you have rosacea, too much blood goes to the skin when it shouldnt.

So what you want to do is avoid bringing blood to your skin.

To do this, Lucero recommends using soft tools and avoiding rubbing your skin.

Look for bristles that are wispy, airy, and lightweightlike a feather.

I use and love theE.L.F.

blush brush, $3, which fits this description perfectly.

Its long, super-soft bristles are gentle as can be and it’s extremely affordable.

Sponges are another good option.

In fact, they are Ciuccis tool of choice for clients with rosacea (she recommendsBeautyblenders).

While they may be tempting, she says, avoid instant brush cleaners.

They contain harsh solvents and heavy fragrance; even a small amount of residue could seriously irritate sensitive skin.

Instead of rubbing, master some gentler system techniques.

Its not just the proper tools that are important, but the right technique as well.

Fingers also work great for cream blushas long as you use them right.

Let your skin settle.

So before you criticize yourself too harshly, give it five minutes,thenlook in the mirror again.

This time, you might just love what you see.

All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors.

If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.