Shopping for Makeup with Psoriasis

Makeup counters are stressful, I get that. Especially, if like me, you get psoriasis on your face. But it's important to go in person. Makeup shopping online can never turn out good, unless you know what you're getting.

Tips for how to shop for makeup with psoriasis

Makeup choices are tough. I am telling you now though, you cannot color match a foundation online. I rarely get a good color match first time at an actual makeup counter. I know it's hard but avoiding confrontation and convincing yourself you will make a blend online is a money waster. How do you know for sure if you will blend the perfect match?

Here are the best ways to work a makeup counter

Take a friend who gives you confidence

I take my sister. She knows more about makeup than me and if the shop assistant asks me questions about my psoriasis or makes a misinformed comment, I know my sister is there. She'll either give me a knowing look or step in for me if I look shellshocked or unable to cope with replying.

She will also tell me straight up if the color is wrong or if the makeup artist is getting a bit slap happy.

Ask if any sales assistants have a skin condition

Skin conditions like eczema, rosacea and yes, psoriasis are so familiar. If you think that roughly 1 in 50 people have psoriasis and you add in people with other skin complaints, suddenly the probability of finding someone who works on a makeup counter who really understands your challenges and concerns becomes surprisingly high.

Watch out for people saying vegan and natural are obvious choices because of our skin. Just because they have the same skin challenges doesn't mean they understand the ingredients. Vegan products can still contain perfumes that can irritate our skin. Always check the ingredients before buying.

Take the time to react to your psoriasis skin

Most of the time I find that the makeup sinks into my psoriasis plaques. As my skin dries out, it leaves flaky and dry finishes on my foundation, which makes my skin look worse than it did before.

The best solution is to thank the sales assistant, explain that you need to see how the makeup reacts with your skin and you will come back after you have been for coffee. This is also much easier if you have a friend, as they can suggest you go for coffee and see if it reacts with your skin. Especially if you're feeling shy, or under pressure to buy immediately.

This also gives you a chance to see what the colors look like on you in natural daylight and inside a building with different lighting. Sometimes the orange foundation look isn't apparent until you leave the shop. Not a great look for anyone.

Always ask for makeup samples & about the return policy

The more expensive brands often have samples. It doesn't matter if the color match isn't the same if you still look good an hour later, it's important to test how well the product reacts with your skin when applied several days in a row.

It takes days for me to react and I get psoriasis in the most annoying of places when I use the 'wrong' mascara or eyeliner - along my eyelid. This is made more annoying if the privilege of extra psoriasis cost me $50. Samples mean I can check there is no delayed sensitivity and whether the product does what I want in my everyday life. If samples are not available it is worth checking the return policy.

I was surprised recently to find that the new product I tested could be returned within 30 days, even if it had been opened and used. Winner. As long as you are the type of person that would actually return it.