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Health

How Do I Choose the Best Foundation for Dry Skin?

By Angela Crout-Mitchell
Updated May 17, 2024
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There is a wide variety of makeup options available to women today, many with an emphasis on specific needs, such as foundation for dry skin. It is not unusual for the facial skin to exhibit dry patches or overall dry skin problems. In order to control the condition and wear makeup effectively, it is important to choose a foundation specially formulated for this condition. Beauty experts recommend looking for certain types of foundation makeup as well hydrating formulas, and choosing formulas that closely match your skin pigmentation to effectively control and reduce the appearance of dry skin patches.In most cases, moisturizer for sensitive skin should be applied under the foundation for effective skin hydration.

Regardless of the causes of dry skin, certain types of foundation are more effective than others for providing moisture to the facial skin as well as covering blemishes and evening out skin tone. When choosing foundation, you may want to consider the cream based and hydrating formulas many companies offer. These formulas often contain ingredients that serve to protect the skin for daily drying agents, such as air and air-borne pollutants, while providing essential moisture. Cream foundation for dry skin is typically very thick and may not be comfortable for all makeup users, but it does offer the required functions. Hydrating foundation formulas are effective and lighter on the skin.

When choosing foundation for dry skin, it is important to choose a shade that matches or complements your skin color and tone. Failing to do so often enhances the appearance of the dry skin and patches instead of helping to disguise them. Most makeup companies offer these dry skin products in a wide variety of colors. You may also choose to visit a department store makeup counter or makeup specialty shop for professional help choosing the correct shade and type of foundation for dry skin to meet your needs.

Correctly using foundation for dry skin has many advantages. You can help to treat your dry skin condition while looking attractive and reduce the appearance of dry patches with one product. It is also important to properly apply the dry skin foundation of your choice. Most makeup experts suggest beginning with your face clean and dry, followed by applying a hydrating moisturizer to your face. Cream foundations may be applied with a makeup sponge, while liquid based foundations may be applied in even strokes with your fingers or sponge, depending on your preference.

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Discussion Comments

By ddljohn — On Mar 18, 2013
@literally45-- Foundations for dry skin don't have to cover up patches and flaking. You need to remove those by gently exfoliating your skin first. A good foundation for dry skin just needs to have moisturizing properties to prevent your skin from drying out.

Look for emollients/moisturizers such as glycerin in the ingredients list of foundations before buying. If you don't have pores prone to clogging, you can try foundations with natural oils in them as well. Silicone is another great ingredient, it prevents skin from drying out.

I also recommend that you apply your foundation with a wet sponge. This will not only give a dewy finish to your makeup but it will add moisture to your foundation and skin in the process.

By turquoise — On Mar 18, 2013

I have very dry skin due to rosacea and the only foundation that works for me is liquid mineral foundation. Foundations with synthetic ingredients and perfumes make my skin even drier.

I use very thick, moisturizing facial cream. Even then, if I use a regular pharmacy-brand foundation on top, my skin will dry out, become tight and painful within a couple of hours. Mineral foundation doesn't do that.

By literally45 — On Mar 17, 2013

I have tried several liquid foundations labeled for dry skin but none of them covered my dry skin patches well. In fact, they made the dry patches even more apparent.

What type of ingredients should a foundation contain to cover up dry skin patches?

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