Six Expert-Approved Dry Skin Makeup Tips
Achieving a luminous, dewy makeup finish can feel impossible for dry skin types, especially during winter and low-humidity seasons. Between crumbly, cakey and cracking foundation that clings to dehydrated patches, applying makeup for dry skin can feel like waging a war on our complexion. So, how can dry skin and makeup exist in harmony? For dry skin types, the solution is a combination of hydrating skincare and cosmetic formulas that nourish the skin instead of drawing out moisture, as well as the techniques used to apply makeup. To help you create a radiant, long-lasting finish, Lancôme has compiled six expert-approved tips for applying makeup to dry skin.
Tip #1: Wash your face with a cream cleanser
Skincare is the base of makeup for dry skin, so the aim is to nourish the skin as much as possible before starting your makeup routine. The first step for how to prep dry skin for makeup is to wash your face with a cleanser that removes impurities while comforting the skin with hydrating ingredients. Cream cleansers strike this delicate balance, and recommend Galatée Confort Rich Creamy Cleanser to gently melt away makeup and impurities, and leave the skin feeling silky-soft and smooth.
Tip #2: Incorporate gentle exfoliation weekly (optional)
A gentle exfoliant in serum form once per week can help loosen and slough dead skin cells that build up on the skin and become emphasised by makeup. Dry skin is often dull because of slow skin cell turnover, so an exfoliant can also assist in brightening the complexion. It should be noted that certain exfoliants can be harsh for certain individuals.
“We know that there tends to be a lot of crossover with dry and sensitive skin types, so it’s important to start slow when introducing an exfoliant into your skincare routine,” says Brittany Hanchard, Lancôme's National Skincare Expert. “Start out with usage once per week and monitor your skin for signs of sensitivity like redness or flaking.”
Tip #3: Apply hydrating serums and a moisturiser
Facial serums are a great way to imbue the skin with added hydration. When the skin is lacking moisture, it can accentuate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and foundation can settle into this texture. Seek out hydrating serums and moisturisers that have skin-loving ingredients that lock in moisture on the skin surface and support the skin’s moisture barrier function like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and niacinamide. Lancôme’s Génifique range is powered by hyaluronic acid and pre- and probiotic fractions to promote smoother, more radiant skin that is ready for makeup application. Apply 2-3 drops of Advanced Génifique Serum to freshly cleansed, damp skin to maximise its absorption and efficacy. Next, apply the Génifique Day Cream over your face and neck – this is going to help lay the supple base of your makeup for dry skin. At this point in your routine, we also recommend applying your SPF50+.
Tip #4: Choose the right base combination for dry skin
After skincare, creating a dewy makeup look requires the right base combination of primer and foundation that doesn’t exacerbate dry texture.
“Without primer, dry skin can ‘drink’ your makeup, which makes your foundation look flaky and uneven,” explains Lancôme Australia's Beauty Director, Lara Srokowski.
“Dry skin types can treat primer as a pseudo-skincare product. This means using formulas that offer hydration in addition to smoothing and blurring effects. For example, Teint Idôle Ultra Wear 24h Hydrating Priming Serum is enriched with 1% hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to nourish the skin under makeup and extend foundation wear.”
Knowing what type of foundation is best for dry skin can take some trial and error, but much like the primer and skincare the precedes it, you’ll want to find a foundation formula that has moisturising qualities. This will make blending much easier and give you a smoother finish that is less likely to crumble or dry out the skin.
While powder foundations are best avoided, natural or satin finishes work well with dry textured skin. Teint Idôle Ultra Wear Care & Glow Foundation is a serum-infused foundation with hyaluronic acid to plump the skin and mandelic acid to refine and smooth texture. With medium, buildable coverage that doesn’t transfer, fade or settle into fine lines, this foundation gives the complexion day-long luminosity.
Tip #5: Know how to apply makeup for dry skin
In terms of makeup application, dry texture can be difficult to work with, so the priority is maintaining hydration on the skin’s surface. A damp beauty sponge gives uniform product distribution and enhances a dewy complexion over fingers or brush application. Once your primer has settled into the skin, run your beauty sponge under cold water, then squeeze out the excess water. Gently press foundation onto the skin, taking care to apply evenly without rubbing. If applying concealer, you might use a smaller beauty sponge for smaller surface areas, though we suggest that you avoid heavy concealer in regions that are more prone to dryness such as the eye contour area and cheeks.
Tip #6: Powder strategically and mist with a setting spray
While dry skin and makeup powder historically don’t mix, you can brush a light dusting of Translucent Loose Setting Powder on high-shine areas if they aren’t susceptible to flaking. Lancôme’s setting powder has been formulated to lightly mattify without fusing to dry patches. Of course, the denouement to any makeup routine for dry skin should include a setting spray. This will both lock your makeup in place and give the complexion a refreshing glow. Mist the Fix It Forget It Spray all over your face to give you that natural, hydrated finish.
We hope you enjoyed this guide on what makeup is good for dry skin and how to apply it for longevity. Next, explore Lancôme’s tips-and-tricks-to-brighten-dull-skin.