How To Apply Makeup On Dry Skin

Cake face is always a beauty faux pas, but it's hard to avoid if you have dry skin. Making your foundation look natural and dewy when winter is wreaking havoc is practically impossible. Fret not, though — here's how to apply makeup on dry skin so your face is glowing.

The problem with naturally or seasonally dry skin is the texture. Drying, peeling, and flaking is caused by lack of moisture in the air, harsh conditions, and indoor heating. These wintertime conditions can cause the oiliest of skin to become dry, so whatever your skin type — oily, combo, or naturally dry — you may be experiencing a big problem applying your foundation come December. Foundation on dry skin can be patchy, because the product is clinging on top of dry patches instead of absorbing into the skin for that natural, airbrushed look.

You'll want to combat the unevenness of skin by exfoliating and moisturizing often, but also by creating an even base for your foundation to stick to. In addition to exfoliating and moisturizing, utilizing primers, dewy skin mists, and luminous foundation formulas will help achieve a smoother, more flawless finish. They'll not only help your foundation go on smoothly and stay on longer, but they'll also work to combat the underlying causes of dreaded cake face.

Here are some of my favorite products to help dry skin.

1. Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System

Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System, $117, Amazon

We all know how important it is to exfoliate for smoother skin texture. If you are extra sensitive, you can swap the brush head for a softer alternative that will still do the work.

2. Clinique 'Moisture Surge' Extended Thirst Moisturizer

Clinique 'Moisture Surge' Extended Thirst Moisturizer, $39, Nordstrom

If you aren't already moisturizing your skin after you shower, you need to start ASAP because water can dry out skin. Applying moisturizer will help your foundation adhere to the skin without being patchy.

3. Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist

Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist, $48, Sephora

For added moisture, use this heavy duty skin mist to further prime and smooth your face. Think of a mist as prepping the foundation of your face — pre-foundation!

4. Too Faced Primed & Poreless Pure Skin Smoothing Face Primer

Too Faced Primed & Poreless Pure Skin Smoothing Face Primer, $30, Sephora

Don't just apply primer onto your face. If you have dry skin, consider mixing primer with your foundation before applying it to your face. It will sheer out the foundation and help it stick to the skin better.

5. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, $64, Sephora

This is a top shelf moisturizing foundation that leaves a dewy finish. You'll want to opt for hydrating formulas like this one and stay far away from matte formulas, as they'll further dry out your face.

6. Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer

Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer, $28, Sephora

I love this creamy, weightless concealer that looks great and feels even better. You can use it as a highlight or dab it under your eyes to erase any dark circles.

7. The Original Beauty Blender

The Original Beautyblender, $20, Amazon

The Beautyblender is great for working with patchy, flaking or sensitive skin because you can gently press the foundation into your skin instead of dragging brush bristles across your face, which can cause unevenness.

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Images: Courtesy of Brands