After doing makeup on a variety of skin types and having some friends with dry skin, I feel like I finally have some opinions on products that work well for that skin type. Although I have skin that looks like it’s been dipped in an oil vat if I don’t take steps to prevent it, I want to be a resource for others. My future sister-in law came over the other day and I did her makeup and made her a list for some products that I’d recommend for her dry skin so I figured I’d put a more in depth post out there for anyone else that’s in the market for skin base products that suit dry skin. I have a lot of drugstore products on here because TBH I like to wow people that get overwhelmed by all the products out there that there are some truly amazing drugstore products out there. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have beautiful makeup. I did throw in a few high end ones I love if you’re shopping for a special occasion and want that to splurge. I think that if you’re someone that likes to wear makeup everyday, why not save money on the thing you use a lot of?
No matter what kind of skin you have, even more important than the foundation you pick is prep. I talk about the prep products that I love in this post as well. A skincare routine is important for everyone, and I think that dry skin needs a lot of protection to keep the skin barrier protected, hydrated, and glowing. Once or twice a week, it’s helpful to buff away dead skin cells with a chemical exfoliant. My favorite are these pads that I have on auto- subscribe from Amazon. They’ve done wonders for my skin. I use them at least twice a week after cleansing at night, and sometimes in the morning before applying moisturizer and sunscreen.
Let’s walk through a full routine for a daily shower to makeup scenario:
- Use a gentle cleanser like Pixi Glow Mud Cleanser from Target. Massage into skin for at least 60 seconds, rinse thoroughly. Save intense cleansers or treatments for nighttime.
- Apply any serums or essences. I love this one that I apply with my hands to not waste any from soaking into a cotton pad.
- Moisturize face and neck- A drop or two of Bio Oil mixed into a little Ponds Dry Skin cream is super hydrating.
- Sunscreen! I love Neutrogena Hydro Boost SPF 30, but right now I’m using the Up & Up Target Knockoff of Cerave AM SPF 30. Let your skin soak everything in while you do eye makeup.
- Makeup Primer- I’ve recommended some favorites ones below. After face primer, spray any of the setting sprays below lightly. The rosewater spray is something you can add in at any step for extra hydration. It’s also good to use after skincare day or night.
- Foundation – I prefer to use a brush. Start with a couple dots and add more in areas as needed.
- Set it- After I’ve done setting powder, bronzer, blush, highlight, etc., I do a setting spray and use a damp sponge to lock it into my skin. The Morphe setting spray is so glowy and beautiful on all skin types.
Foundations- More Coverage
Makeup Forever HD Foundation Stick
Makeup Revolution Conceal & Define Full Coverage Foundation
Loreal Fresh wear / This is a new obsession!
Covergirl Clean Matte BB Cream / Although this says matte, the BB cream aspect makes it awesome for just about any skin type. Use lots of spray before/ after/ during application and it will wear like a dream.
Foundations – Lighter Coverage
Covergirl Healthy Elixir
Flower Beauty Light Illusion
Mac Face & Body / KEY to this one is to apply with hands.
Neutrogena Glow Sheers / Apply with hands
Primer
Elf Poreless Putty Primer
Revlon Photoready primer
Ulta Poreless Primer
Mac Yellow Radiance Primer
Smashbox Primerizer
Laura Mercier Radiance Primer
Prep
Covergirl Go Glow Vitalist Luminizing Lotion
Loreal Glotion / Truly a must have. Mix it into face lotion, foundation, or wear it on it’s own. You could even mix it into body lotion.
Bio Oil
Ponds Dry Skin Cream
Heritage Rosewater Spray
Setting Spray
Morphe Continuous Setting Mist
Catrice dewy setting spray
Milani Make it Last
L’oreal Infallible Setting Spray
Wet n’ Wild 3-in-1 Primer Water
Here’s the simplified version I actually sent over to her:
Foundation
Pick one based on the shade selection or price you want to spend, all are awesome.
Covergirl Healthy Elixir
Flower Beauty Light Illusion (Walmart)
Loreal Fresh Wear Infallible
Primer
Ulta Poreless Primer
Loreal Glotion
Setting Spray
Morphe Continuous Setting Spray (Ulta)
Wet n Wild 3 in 1 primer water
Skin Prep
Pond’s Dry Skin Cream (blue top)
Bio Oil
Optional Tinted Moisturizer
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Glow Sheers
Although I have oily skin, I love all these products for a healthy glow and more natural look. I put them on in super thin layers and really set them down with powder and spray to lock them in. I actually only use my matte foundations on more full glam occasions.
-Kim