6 Makeup Hacks Everyone With Dry Skin Should Keep In Mind

When it comes to applying makeup on dry skin, there are a few basic tips one should keep in mind to make the makeup look natural, skin-like, healthy, and glowing. From using the right products, to following the correct application techniques, here we list some such tips you should follow. 

1. Prep skin with a two-step hydration technique

 Most people underestimate the power of skin-prep when it comes to makeup. But this is what differentiates an average makeup job from a flawless one. This is the difference between cakey, flaking skin, and smooth, shiny skin. 

If you have dry skin, prepare your skin for makeup application by creating a hydrated and smooth base. 

First, use a hydrating, watery moisturiser such as the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel. 

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Image Credit: Stuti Bhattacharya

Then, use a nourishing occlusive cream or oil, such as the Indulgeo Essentials Rose Gold Oil to seal in the hydration. 

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The first step gets rid of flakes and plumps skin from within, while the second layer of moisture softens rough skin and adds a layer of lipids to protect the skin from transepidermal water loss via alcohol-rich makeup. 

2. Always prime with an illuminating primer, or mix it with your foundation

Dry skin lacks oil, and the lack of oil results in less sheen on the skin. The lack of shine makes skin look less radiant. But, you can fake that healthy luminosity with an illuminating primer like the Becca Backlight Priming Filter. You can either use it under foundation, after applying moisturiser, or mix it with your foundation to give skin a glowing finish.

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Image Credit: Stuti Bhattacharya

3. Don’t use anything with the word “matte” written on it

 Matte-finish products soak up oil and tend to contain a lot of alcohol, which can be drying for the skin. If you have dry skin, applying matte products can make skin feel taut and stretchy. They can also dry out the skin– which is bad if your skin is already dry– and lead to flaking, which isn’t a great look. Obviously, your makeup will not look good if half of it is chipping off! 

Instead, use something which says “dewy,” “glow,” “hydrating,” or “luminous” on it. The Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, or the Clinique Even Better Glow Liquid Foundation are good options for dry skin. 

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Image Credit: Stuti Bhattacharya

4. Use cream blushes, highlighters, bronzers, and contouring products

While most people with dry skin know better than to use powder foundations, this understanding doesn’t extend to products like blush or bronzer. That’s a faux pas, because people with dry skin should use as many cream products as possible.

The Nudestix Nudies Bloom blush stick is an excellent choice, because it gives a fresh glow to the skin and makes it look healthy, instead of looking like dull rouge. 

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Image Credit: Stuti Bhattacharya

The SUGAR Cosmetics Champagne Champion stick highlighter is also a beautiful cream formula that doesn’t feel dry or look chalky. 

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Such products contribute towards making dry skin look hydrated and healthy. 

5. Avoid “baking” your makeup with powder

Use natural-hair powder brush to lightly dust areas you want to set, instead of slapping on loads of setting powder. This technique makes sure a minimal dusting of powder is applied on the skin to set cream and liquid makeup. Since the amount of powder deposited is not a lot, so the skin doesn’t look cakey or too dry. 

6. Never forget to use a mist to finish your makeup

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Did you know that you don’t necessarily need a setting spray to finish your makeup with, especially if you don’t need your makeup to last very long? You can use a regular old face mist, and then fan your face very quickly to set it. This locks makeup in and seals it so that it doesn’t move. But, it does so while leaving a lived-in, glowing, hydrated-looking finish. This is especially important for dry skin because dry skin can look too dull, flat, and matte when makeup is freshly applied. 

Lead Image Credit: Stuti Bhattacharya