How to wear foundation if you have dry skin (for Koz)

My friend Koz asked me how she should deal with foundation when she has dry skin.  The answer is pretty simple, so here we go - for her and for any of you who also have dry skin and have been asking yourself this question.

#1: Exfoliate.  Make sure that you're exfoliating regularly.  That will remove all the dry, dead skin that adds to the look of flakiness.  You can use either a chemical or mechanical exfoliator.  A chemical exfoliator is alpha hydroxy acid.  Mechanical is any kind of gentle scrub - you can be as basic as baking soda and water, or even sugar and water.

#2: Moisturize.  Use a thick, creamy moisturizer if your skin is very dry.  You don't have to go expensive on this - there are good options at the drugstore.  I have oily skin, but dry patches around my nose and, let me tell you, Aquaphor works wonders.

#3: Use a moisturizing foundation.  If you're not looking for that "made up" look or if you have pretty good skin, a tinted moisturizer is probably your best bet.  It will add another layer of moisture to your face while helping your skin to look even and smooth.  If you need a bit of heavier coverage, try a creamy foundation - powders will exacerbate dryness and liquid may not be thick enough (although there are some moisturizing liquid foundations).

Let me know if you have any particular beauty issues that you'd love to discuss and I'll post all about it!

Comments

[Lilan]

I love your tips, Toya! I agree that exfoliating is really key to nice, good-looking skin :) I gotta try the sugar and water formula - sounds so easy!

[Suzanna]

Toya, I have dry skin in the winter, and what I use for that is Clarins Lotus oil (smells a bit like patchouli) really helps when rubbed in at night.

Most of the time I use Origins Look Alive cream (which is now discontinued) beneath foundation; it makes a lovely base and I don't have to switch for another product when I use the Clarins oil the night before.

I am really liking Cover Girl Advanced Radiance foundation. I use the compact when my skin isn't too dry and the cream otherwise.

One thing I'd like to add to your wonderful tips is that powder is a no-no; finally learned that one the hard way. Even a highlighting powder can turn "hard" on dry skin and look crusty. Even my Shimmerbricks! Cream highlighter is better, as is cream blush.

[Brandie]

These are great tips. I have dry skin and I always make sure to moisturize. And I've found that liquid foundation compliments my skin more than a powder.