Besides the fact that dry skin can be uncomfortable especially when it’s flaky, it also creates a difficult base for applying makeup. And if you have read our previous articles, then you know how much the nature of your skin affects the outcome of your makeup, especially your base. Most of the time we even tend to moisturize excessively but this only worsens it as the makeup clings onto the dry patches which emphasizes them even more. When it comes to applying makeup on dry skin, the products and method of application should be key considerations.

The good news though is that, with a good skincare routine, good products and layering them right, you could always achieve that smooth and flawless base. Continue reading to find out more on how you can achieve the perfect face beat even with a peeling and flaky dry skin.

1. Exfoliate regularly

The most obvious reason why dry skin tends to be flaky and peeling is due to build-up of dead skin cells on your face. These dead skin cells causes your face to have irregular texture hence why your makeup clings onto the dry patches and leave you looking patchy. Exfoliation helps get rid of the build-up therefore removing the dry flakes. It also helps improve product absorption which might not be happening due to the flakes and dead skin cells that are blocking penetration. Ensure you gently exfoliate once or twice a week with a mild scrub and focus mostly on your T-zone which is the forehead, nose and chin.

2. Moisturize

As much most foundations for dry skin are hydrating, ensure your face is still moisturized before applying your foundation. This is because the foundation does not really add as much hydration to your skin as compared to a moisturizer which will help retain moisture in your skin the whole day. A rich and hydrating moisturizer will sink deep into your skin and give you instant boost of hydration. Remember to leave your moisturizer on for about 5-10 minutes before applying your foundation.  This is to ensure it is fully absorbed into your skin first before layering other products.

3. Use a hydrating primer

Hydrating your skin is never enough. A nourishing and hydrating primer will help add even more hydration to your skin and create a smooth canvas for your makeup to sit on. A primer also gives your foundation something to adhere to therefore making it last longer as well as preventing makeup transfer.

4. Choose the right foundation

Foundations labelled as matte or powder finish might be very popular though they are the worst for dry skin. This is because these types of foundations will cling onto the dry patches on your skin and leave your makeup looking uneven. For the extremely patchy spots, try correcting with a hydrating concealer first to get more coverage. The best foundation for dry skin is one with a dewy finish. You could also opt to skip the foundation and go for products such as tinted moisturizer, BB cream or CC cream. Also remember to use patting motions instead of rubbing the products around your face. This is because rubbing causes friction therefore resulting in even more peeling.

5. Set your makeup with a setting spray

When you have dry skin, the last thing you want to do is to add more drying products. Try to stay away from products such as powders, both loose and pressed as much as possible. Powder foundation will emphasize the dry areas on your face making all the moisture you added earlier seem useless. You can use loose powder on areas such as your under-eye since they are prone to creasing then set the rest of your face with a setting spray that offers a dewy finish. Also make sure you use a finely milled powder that is not full coverage to prevent skin looking drier.