Photo: Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
Lots of women find that scent enhances the experience of makeup -- but if you have sensitive skin or allergies, perfume can signal the beginning of a break-out nightmare. Luckily, finding high-quality cosmetics that avoid the use of fragrance isn't too tough. Just be aware that, while many cosmetic claims are regulated, "fragrance free" isn't a regulated term, so anyone can slap it on a package. There are some reputable options, though, that let you pretty up without perfume.
Clinique
Clinique is part of the Estee Lauder empire of cosmetics and skin care, but the line was created especially to cater to women who require a bit of dermatological expertise in their makeup. None of Clinique's products have any fragrance to them. The line offers color cosmetics of all sorts and even brushes that will flatter your sensitive skin without any chemicals from perfumes in the way. Clinique is available online or in department stores.
Lancome
Lancome started off as a fragrance company that aspired to spread French glamour throughout the world. So how is this good for your skin if you can't take perfume in your cosmetics? In the 75 years since its inception, the luxury brand has introduced a fragrance-free face base, Dual Finish Fragrance Free. While there isn't a wide Lancome range to soothe perfume-sensitive skin, this one product does a lot. It's a versatile base that can blot shine like a powder and cover imperfections like a foundation. You can wear it sheer or matte and it works perfectly with moisturizer underneath.
Andrea Rose
Andrea Rose cosmetics are available online, but, if you have intolerances besides perfume, they're worth missing out on the fun of testing color in a department store. Andrea Rose also avoids gluten and salicylates, salicylic acid derivatives that are irritating to some women and can block the effectiveness of fibromyalgia treatments. These cosmetics are perfect for women who need cosmetics that are good for their skin and their internal health.
Physician's Formula
Physician's Formula is the manufacturer of Mineral Wear, the all-natural, mineral makeup that promises less ingredients and vitamin infusions to support healthy skin. This is a great drugstore line for women who can't handle perfume in their makeup. It's accessible and inexpensive compared with a lot of other brands and avoids a lot of the nasty chemicals, including parabens and phthalates, that other cosmetics include in their formulas.
