6 Life-Changing Tips for Applying Makeup on Dry Skin

Contributed by Pia Rodriguez for Maybelline

Flaky, dry skin is a girl’s worst enemy.

Taking care of your skin is a trial-and-error process, pretty much like dating. You buy different products to put on for every occasion. You also make sure to complete your vanity stash with different types of makeup, concealer, or facial serums for a quick retouch. 

It is a constant love-hate relationship with your skin; one moment, you are pretty glammed up, only to have flaky skin after a few hours. Even worse — sometimes you even wake up to breakouts the next day!  

If you’ve ever had those moments when you scroll through photos and see your face looking like it’s peeling off or caking up, you probably felt terrible. Honey, it’s not you — it’s probably your choice of makeup and wrongful application. And just like with dating gone wrong, girls have experienced all too many makeup-related horror stories. 

The question is, what can we do about it? Simple — we prevent them from ever happening again. Read on for our tried and tested dry skin makeup tips!

Also read: 10 Local Beauty Brands That Deserve Your Attention

The right foundation is a clean face

So, what are you possibly doing wrong when your makeup compatibility score is a hit and miss — and what can you do right?

The basics of skincare rules begin with how you wash your face. Wash your face gently with lukewarm water. Skip the hot water, as it can strip your skin of essential oils and leave it dry.  

Next, pick a mild facial wash for your dry skin. It should contain essential ingredients that lock in moisture, such as polyethylene glycol, alkyl-polyglucoside, silicone surfactants, lanolin, and paraffin. On the other hand, chemicals such as sulphur trioxide, sulphuric acid, and ethylene oxide are not recommended for dry skin. 

Finally, don’t forget to moisturise day and night. There are facial serums for dry skin that help restore its natural barrier against harmful environmental factors like UV rays and pollution. Generally, apply before and after sun exposure, especially after cleansing, when skin is damp for best absorption.

After you establish your regular skincare routine, we move on to the next step: Find the right makeup for your dry skin. Cover your bases and update your stash with makeup that’s perfect for every occasion and abrupt weather changes.

Makeup on dry skin made easier

If you have dry skin and have a hard time finding the right makeup, we got you, girl! There are dozens of makeup products that can help transform your dry appearance into a long-lasting luminous glow — minus the flaky look. Here are six dry skin makeup tips that will change your life:

1. Use the right tools

First, find a hydrating foundation that suits your skin. When applying makeup, it’s best to use a makeup blender or brush instead of massaging it with your fingers for smoother application. If you have a hard time visualising what works best for your skin tone, a foundation finder tool might help you decide which shade to get. 

2. Choose cream- or water-based products

Many people with dry skin fail to mask it because they are simply layering up their makeup. The solution: use cream- or water-based products. They sink into the skin and hydrate the surrounding areas of the dry, flaky skin to make it look soft, diffused, and bright. Refrain from using silicone-based or matte foundation to prevent your skin from looking uneven and patchy. 

Pro-tip: Look for products with hyaluronic acid or Vitamin E oil, as they help blend the makeup onto your skin.

3. Moisturise and exfoliate regularly

People with dry skin should use products like hyaluronic acid serum to restore the skin’s moisture and smoothen the appearance of fine lines. To maintain youthful-looking skin, it’s advisable to exfoliate twice a week, as this will remove dead skin cells and uncover the healthy glowing skin beneath. 

4. Don’t forget the lips!

Just like your skin, your lips need TLC. Apply lip balm during the day to moisturise. Then, for a few days in a week, apply an exfoliating lip mask at nighttime. Smooth on a hydrating lipstick on some occasions.

5. Avoid powder-based products

If you feel like your T-Zone (forehead, nose, and chin) are getting oily, lightly tap powder on the necessary areas only to prevent accentuating patches in your skin. But if you can, avoid setting powders or powder blush makeup because they deplete the skin of moisture. 

For a quick retouch: If your base makeup separates during the day, apply a heavy cream first, then layer it with a concealer. Finish with an alcohol-free setting spray for a radiant finish. 

6. Keep your skin hydrated

 Makeup or no makeup, a hydrating mist can instantly perk up your skin. It can help maintain the makeup on your skin and keep it flake-free. If you don’t like putting on makeup, it still does wonders, as it keeps your skin feeling fresh and moisturised.

Also read: I Got a Keratin Lash Lift & People Wouldn’t Stop Asking What Products I Was Using (Spoiler Alert: None!)

Ready for your best glow-up yet?

You won’t look your best if you aren’t taking care of your skin; so don’t let your dry, flaky skin get in the way of letting you glow. Adhere to the abovementioned dry skin makeup tips, and you’ll find that the perfect combination of makeup products and the right skincare routine will surely steer you in the right direction. It’s about time you break up with your dry skin for good — trust us, it’ll be one of the best feelings in the world!

Featured image credit: Pixabay | Pexels