If you have dry skin, you know how it is – foundation can glide over flakey patches and cover red, irritated skin. It can also settle into fine lines and make you look like a peeling statue. It all depends on your skin care routine and what type of products you use.
Dry skin isn’t something that you need to just live with forever. If you treat it properly, it will get better. Start a new routine now and see a transformation within the next few weeks.
#1: Prep your skin
Before you start sloshing on product, you need to prepare your skin. Use a gentle cleanser in the morning. After you wash your face, apply a moisturizer. Wait at least five minutes before you apply your foundation.
It is important to give the moisturizer some time to dry so that you aren’t just wiping it around your face. Let it sink into your skin for a few minutes before you do anything.
If you skin tends to get flakey midday, you probably have a buildup of dead skin. Try using an exfoliating scrub at least once a week. It’s important to clear away the dead layers of skin then moisturize the active skin daily.
#2: Start with primer
Source via www.tumblr.com
If your skin is flakey, primer is incredible useful. It will create a strong protective barrier to help keep the moisture in and protect your skin from environmental stressors. There are a few foundations and BB creams that have primer mixed in but they won’t do the job as well.
The combo formulas can be great for everyday use but if you are dealing with a flakey patch, you will need a separate primer. There are primers specifically designed for dry skin so do a bit of searching to find the right one for you.
#3: Be careful with powder
Liquid foundation will work for dry skin much better than powder. It will glide over dry spots rather than settle into them like a powder can do. The one time that you can use a powder on dry skin is to set the foundation.
Give the liquid foundation a few minutes to dry then gently brush on a thin layer of translucent powder.
Be sure to use a good quality brush. Sponges and the small brushes that typically come with powder won’t give you even coverage.
#4: Use a foundation brush
Applying liquid foundation with your fingertips can cause more flaking so stick with a brush. Use a very gentle touch and go in a downward motion as you put it on.
If your skin is irritated and dry, the last thing that you want to do is irritate it more. When you are applying it, remember that less is definitely more when it comes to cream. If you apply too much, it will start to get cakey and settle into patches.
#5: Choose foundation wisely
High definition foundations can a godsend for every skin type, especially people who are dealing with dry patches. It isn’t just marketing hype. There is a real difference between your standard foundations and those that are true high definition.
By adding micro beads of silicone and mica, high definition foundations cause light to bounce off of your skin. The diffusion of light is going to cover up any kind of skin imperfection from dryness to wrinkles to redness.
Avoid oil-free foundation. Don’t worry about breakouts that can be caused by oil. You are actually more likely to breakout if your skin is overly dry. It is fine to use the oil-free formulas on days when your skin is feeling hydrated but avoid it when your skin has dry batches.
Combination skin can definitely be tricky. Rather than trying to find something that works for every bit of your face, use multiple foundations.
If you are prone to dry spots in particular areas, treat them differently. Use extra moisturizer in these places and hydrating foundation then stick with oil-free products on the rest of your face.
#6: Highlight you assets
Fake a dewy glow with highlighter. After you get a thin layer of foundation on and let it dry, add a highlighter. Dab it on over your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and across your forehead. Only use a tiny bit on then blend well.
Carry a small bottle of hydrating toner with you throughout the day. A quick mist will be energizing and give your skin a glowing boost.