Women with dry skin usually don’t have to worry about their foundation fading, breaking down or wearing off before the end of the day like their oily-skinned countertops. That’s because they don’t have an issue with oil breaking through the makeup and causing it to slip off the skin. Dry skinned women are usually less prone to acne as well, so they don’t have to worry about their foundation breaking them out either.
But that doesn’t mean that finding a foundation for dry skin is easy either.
Dry skin presents its own challenges when it comes to foundation. Since dry or dehydrated skin is usually dull, a foundation with a matte finish can actually make you look older and more wrinkled than you actually are. If the makeup is designed to absorb shine while you wear it, it can even your skin look drier and drier as the day goes on. Foundation can also have a habit of clinging to dry, flaky patches, making your skin look splotchy and uneven no matter how much you blend it in.
The key to finding the right foundation for dry skin starts with choosing the right formula. Skip powders and stick foundation, which tend to be dry and difficult to blend, and stick to liquid and cream foundations. Check the ingredients’ list to make sure that they are hydrating agents like glycerin and hyaluronic acid in the foundation to keep your skin moisturized all day. You also want to look for a foundation that has a dewey or satin finish to give your skin the glow that it may be missing naturally.
In many cases, anti-aging foundations can be a good fit – even if you’re dealing with dry skin in your teens or 20’s. Skin tends to become drier as it matures, so foundation for older skin is usually chock full of moisturizing and brightening ingredients that flatter dry skin no matter how old you are.
In addition to finding a good foundation for your dry skin, keep in mind that your application method can make a big difference in how your makeup looks too. With dry skin, you may want to avoid using a brush to apply your foundation – the bristles can actually exfoliate the skin and make dry patches even flakier. Instead, use clean fingers or a damp sponge to get a smooth, even foundation application.
If you still need some help finding a good foundation, here are 10 foundations guaranteed to keep your skin looking smooth, hydrated and glowing all day long.
