Navigating Eczema Flare-Ups: My Skincare & Makeup Routine for When My Skin Fights Back
- Mar 24
- 6 min read
Updated: 16 hours ago
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Honestly, I’m so ready for this cold, miserable weather to pack up and leave. Every year, without fail, the drop in temperature invites my eczema to make an unwelcome appearance on my face - and let me tell you, it’s not just a physical struggle. It messes with my mood and confidence, especially on days when I feel uncomfortable stepping outside without makeup.
But over time, I’ve learned how to work with my skin instead of against it. I’ve crafted an eczema skincare and makeup routine that lets me feel put-together, even during the worst flare-ups. So, if you’re battling dry patches, redness, or irritation, I’m sharing what works for me in the hopes that it might help you, too.
Step 1/3: Gentle, Hydrating Skincare
The key to managing eczema is hydration and kindness to your skin. No harsh exfoliators or stripping cleansers - just gentle, soothing products that calm inflammation. Cleanse, tone, serum or essence, moisturise.
Cleanse:
Start with a fragrance-free, gentle cleanser that doesn’t leave your skin feeling tight and dry.
My go to products: Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water and The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm.
Top tip: If my skin is feeling very dry or irritated, I skip the cleanser entirely and just use a damp cloth to wash away any dust or hair oil that could have settled on my face overnight.
Tone:
I used to avoid toners because they often made my skin sting as many are very chemical . But then I discovered the Byoma Hydrating Milky Toner, and it honestly feels like it cures my dryness the moment it touches my skin.
This product is a holy grail for me. I haven’t tried other Byoma products yet, but their Hydrating Serum and Phyto-Mucin Glow Serum are on my list!
Serum/Essence:
This step acts as another level of hydration to lock in by your moisturiser.
My favourite: The viral Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence - honestly this was the product that drastically reduced the amount of peeling on my lip eczema. If snail mucin isn't your thing then Byoma have a few serums that seem to be a great alternative.
Moisturiser:
Now anytime I see a post or video from someone with eczema sharing what moisturiser works best for them I buy it. However, the eczema girlies will know the horrifying sting of trying something that does not help your skin whatsoever.
My tried and true product: Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion (dark blue pump) with the soothing triple oat complex and Shea butter.
Ingredients to look for: Ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, or shea butter - but always do what works best for your skin.
Lip balm:
Lip eczema is probably the toughest area for me confidence wise. I’ve had it for 10+ years now and when my lips flare, it’s incredibly upsetting.
The best product ever: If there’s one product you take away from this post let it be this one. Uriage Bariéderm-CICA Protecting Lip Balm. This is the only product that consistently stops my lips from peeling. I always have at least 3 of these in my house at a time because I refuse to run out.
Top tip:
When I apply my toner, snail mucin and Aveeno to my face, I also apply them to the eczema on the back of my hands. Then I layer La Roche Posay Lipikar Baume on top to seal in the hydration. It’s been a game changer over winter!
Step 2/3: A Thoughtful Makeup Routine
Makeup can be tricky during a flare-up. My goal is always to enhance rather than mask, as heavy coverage can sometimes draw more attention to dryness. Look for products labelled hydrating and avoid anything that is matte - matte products might look good at first, but they can quickly cause flaking!
Now I would always recommend wearing as little makeup as possible during a flare up but personally I struggle to leave the house with confidence without a full face. Here is my makeup routine with the products I use every day.
Primer:
A hydrating primer smooths your base and gives your makeup something to grip to without settling into dry patches.
Currently using: SHEGLAM Good Grip Hydrating Primer (a dupe for the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip). I also like the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer which is perfect for travel!
How I apply: I pump a small amount onto each cheek, forehead and chin, then spread it with my fingers.
Colour corrector:
Green cancels out red, so a good corrector can work wonders on eczema-induced redness.
My pick: The best green corrector I’ve ever used - Erborian CC Red Correct (SPF 25 included!).
How I apply: I pat a small drop into red areas and gently rub in with my fingers until the green disappears.
Concealer:
Serum based concealers are a lifesaver for covering redness without emphasising dryness.
My favourite: NYX Bare With Me Concealer Serum (with tremella mushroom, cica and green tea).
How I apply: I pat a small drop onto red areas and under my eyes, sometimes adding more after foundation if needed.
Foundation/Tinted Moisturiser:
In the summer, I use a light tinted moisturiser. In the winter, I mix it with a hydrating foundation for extra coverage.
Summer fave: Wet n Wild Tinted Hydrator.
Winter combo: Wet n Wild Tinted Hydrator and e.l.f. Soft Glam Satin Foundation.
How I apply: If you are mixing your tinted moisturiser then you should do this on the back of your hand before applying to your face. However I have eczema on my hands so I apply the drops directly on my face and blend with a damp beauty blender. Sponges are a lot gentler than brushes on dry, flaky skin.
Contour and Bronzer:
Powder products tend to emphasize texture, so I reach for cream or liquid formulas for a healthy glow.
My go-to: Made By Mitchell Curve Case. I use shade Coolectable for my contour and Creme Carve for bronzing.
How I apply: I use a brush to place the product and then blend with my beauty blender.
Blush:
Don’t fear blush! Cream blush can give you a healthy flush that draws attention away from redness.
Current fave: e.l.f. Camo Liquid Blush in Dusty Rose).
How I apply: I apply this from the stick straight onto my cheekbones and then blend in with my beauty blender.
Setting Spray:
Instead of powder, I finish my base with a dewy setting spray to lock everything in place.
My favourite: e.l.f. Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray. Sometimes I’ll take this out and about with me and spritz my face to freshen up a bit.
Eyes & Brows:
If my eyes are irritated, I skip this step entirely. Otherwise, I use my cream bronzer or contour as a subtle eyeshadow, a tinted brow gel to define my brows and mascara to coat my top lashes.
My current picks: NYX Thick It. Stick It! Brow Mascara in Brunette, and e.l.f. Lash n Roll Mascara (a dupe for Benefit Roller Lash).
Hygiene Tips:
Always make sure your hands and nails are clean before applying makeup with your fingers.
Wash your brushes and sponges regularly, even replace your beauty sponge every few weeks to be safe. You can get multipacks relatively cheap on Amazon!
Make sure you brush your teeth before doing your skincare so that you’re able to clean off any excess with your cleanser as fluoride on you face can be very drying.
Step 3/3: Emotional Self-Care
Managing eczema isn't just about products — it’s about mental well-being, too. On days when my skin feels like it's at war with me, I remind myself that my worth isn't tied to my appearance. I practice self-love affirmations, wear cosy clothes that make me feel good, and sip endless cups of peppermint or green tea.
My Eczema Makeup Routine: Final Thoughts
Living with eczema can be frustrating, but building an eczema skincare routine that supports your skin and your confidence makes a world of difference. It’s okay to have bad skin days - we all do. The important thing is to treat yourself with kindness, both inside and out.
Do you have a go-to product or tip for dealing with eczema? Share it in the comments - I’d love to try it out!
Movi x
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