How to Apply Makeup to Dry Skin

Not only does tight, dry skin put a damper on your skin’s inner radiance, it also makes makeup application a difficult feat to conquer. But don’t fret! With a few helpful tricks and the right product picks, you can achieve the glowing, radiant look you so desire. Don’t believe us? It’s true! Using the right products from start to finish—a.k.a. from your skin care routine to your makeup routine—can make a world of a difference for your dry, dehydrated complexion. Whether you have dry skin year-round or just during brutally cold temps, we’re sharing five tips for applying makeup to a parched complexion, below! Get ready to take some notes.

1. CLEANSE 

One of the reasons why it’s harder to achieve a flawless makeup look on dry skin is because cosmetics tend to cling onto dry patches and accentuate them. This creates a rough, uneven appearance on your complexion, making your makeup look poorly-applied and patchy. Since you’ll want to apply your makeup atop a silky canvas, the first step is to cleanse your skin. Doing so can help remove unwanted dirt, debris, and impurities from the surface, which can lead to breakouts and even more texture-related problems. If you have dry skin, you’ll want to reach for a cleansing formula that’s mild and hydrating—think: micellar water or a cream-based cleanser like SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser. These gentle formulas can help maintain your skin’s natural moisture levels, while cleansing away all the bad stuff. After cleansing, to ensure that dryness doesn’t get worse, you’ll want to moisturize thoroughly…which brings us to our next tip.

2. MOISTURIZE

Fact: The secret to long-lasting makeup hold and a healthy-looking complexion is well-hydrated skin. Once your skin is clean, make sure it has an adequate amount of hydration. Pick a formula that’s safe for dry skin and is recommended for use under cosmetics, or layer with hydrating serums and moisturizers for a deeper hydration. Need help choosing? We share five of our favorite moisturizers to layer underneath makeup, here!

Tip: To "set" your moisturizer, spritz a face mist, like Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water, onto your complexion after moisturizing to provide additional hydration!

3. PRIME

After cleansing and moisturizing, it’s time to get started with your makeup routine, and what better way to kick things off than with a primer. If your moisturizer is really thick, you might be able to get away without priming your skin, but if your skin is extremely dry, however, we do recommend applying primer. Not only can a primer help provide a smoother base for your cosmetics, many primer formulas can also prolong its wear. For an affordable drugstore option, try NYX Professional Makeup Hydra Touch Primer. Formulated with ingredients like green tea and chamomile, the Hydra Touch Primer—with its dewy finish—gives your skin a base coat that leaves it feeling soothed, refreshed, and hydrated. Simply smooth on after completing your skincare routine and just before starting your makeup routine.     

4. CHOOSE THE RIGHT PRODUCTS

Now that your skin is primed and ready to go, it’s time to go in with your foundation. Most everyone knows that dry skin and foundation don’t always play nice. That’s why it’s important to pick an agreeable foundation formula, rather than blindly choosing one off the drugstore rack. Go for a creamy blend that hydrates and conceals blemishes at the same time. Reaching for a hydrating foundation formula can supply the skin with an extra layer of moisture while providing coverage. Having trouble finding a good foundation match for your skin? Good news, we did the hard part for you! Here, we share four moisture-packed foundations that can help revive your dull looking, dry skin.

Tip: You’ll want to steer clear of powder on your dry skin as this might lead to your skin to look even more dry. Stick to cream-based or liquid foundations, blushes, and bronzers in order to achieve a fresh, dewy look. Another good tip is to use a damp foundation brush or sponge rather than your fingers to blend it all in. This can help minimize flaking since it’s a gentler motion on your face.

5. SET IT IN PLACE

Instead of using powder to set your makeup in place, apply a setting spray, like L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Extender Setting Spray.  Most sprays offer a moisturizing effect where powders can absorb precious moisture for a matte finish, potentially making skin appear drier than it actually is as stated above— and no one wants to make matters worse than they already are. Setting powders might be great for the gal with oily skin, but dry skin types need to hold on to all the moisture they can get! Reach for a setting spray after completing your makeup look to not only keep things in place for longer, but add an extra boost of hydration to the complexion.