Skin trouble concerns

I rarely have major acne, but my skin is blemished and uneven, so makeup doesn't look flawless. Exfoliating irritates my skin, and not exfoliating makes my skin feel tight, making it difficult to manage. Every time I change cosmetics, I feel like I'm becoming more sensitive, so I'm careful about what I choose. I'm wondering if there's a way to gently smooth my skin texture while avoiding irritation.