Follow These Makeup Steps for Dry Skin and Get a Smooth Complexion Every Time

Few things can wreak havoc on your makeup look than dry skin. No matter how much you moisturize, it can seem like your makeup clings onto and emphasizes the dry patches on your complexion. Achieving that smooth and even complexion can be difficult, especially if you're someone with dry skin that's also peeling or flaking — which is why learning makeup steps for dry skin is important.

So, if you've tried to douse your face in the most moisturizing products countless times, but you still feel like getting a smooth and even makeup application is impossible, we've got you covered. We tapped professional makeup artists Dominique Lerma, Billie Gene, and Cassandra Garcia to get their most coveted tips and tricks for how to apply makeup on dry skin.

It's All About the Prep

When it comes to how makeup sits on your face, it's all about what's underneath. 

"There are levels to perfecting any makeup application," said Lerma. "If you're someone who suffers from those dry areas during the harsh winter months, your first call to order should be solidifying a skin care routine that sets you up for successful makeup application."

If you aren't already, start incorporating serums, moisturizers, and face mists into your routine with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. 

"I like to use serums and dry oils to the skin before moisturizers to help revitalize the skin and prepare it for makeup application, said Gene. "I also tend to spray the face with a refreshing mist before moisturizer to add moisture and soften the skin for better absorption."

Exfoliate

On top of adding moisturizing skin care products into your routine, exfoliating is one of the best ways to eliminate flaking skin. It also helps improve product absorption, which might not be happening because flakes and dead surface skin cells are blocking penetration.

"People often think that they shouldn't exfoliate if their skin is dry, but on the contrary, choosing gentle exfoliators will aid in preparing your skin to follow up with your skin-care regimen and then applying your makeup," said Lerma.

The key to exfoliating dry skin is to use a gentle chemical exfoliant instead of harsh physical exfoliants like scrubs. For starters, consider lactic acid.

Skip the Foundation

According to Lerma, instead of layering up on a full-coverage foundation in hopes of covering any dry patches, go with a lighter formula like a tinted moisturizer, BB cream, or CC cream. This can prevent makeup from clinging to dry flakes and/or creating a cakey finish.

For those severely dry patches, try spot-correcting those areas with concealer for more coverage. 

"You can cover dry patches with a hydrating concealer after the skin is prepped with proper skin care," added Gene. "Be sure to spot-treat, and don't rub the concealer on." 

This brings us to our next point.

Pat, Don't Rub

Gene said the technique you use to apply makeup can either help or worsen dry patches. 

"When applying [product] on dry or peeling skin, be sure to apply it in one direction when using a brush or pressing technique with a makeup sponge," Gene continued. "You don't want to rub the brush around the face (in different directions) too much because that can cause friction to the skin, resulting in the skin peeling even more."

Be Strategic When Using Powders

Despite what you may think, you don't have to completely skip powder formulas if you have a dry skin type. Whether you have combination-to-dry skin or a matte finish, you can use a powder, but you have to be strategic about placement.

"Be sure to apply the powder only where you need the additional coverage or setting," advised Gene. 

Also, make sure you choose a finely milled powder and one that isn't full-coverage, which Lerma noted can make the skin look drier. Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder ($47) is a great option.

Avoid "Glowing" Formulas

According to Garcia, always look for hydrating makeup products, but be careful about formulas that say they promote a glow.

"Something to be aware of a glowy formula is make sure there isn't texture with glow particles," Garcia said. 

For example, make sure the promised glow isn't due to shimmer or glitter in formulas because that can add more texture to flaking or peeling skin. Instead, look for formulas that keep it simple and boost hydration to offer that natural-looking glow. 

"If you want, choose to add glow or shimmer in other places with a highlighting powder or cream so that no texture is added," suggested Garcia.

Face Mist Is Key

The biggest tip to making your makeup last and avoiding dry patches or flakes appearing throughout the day is to keep a face mist handy. 

"The best tip to keep your makeup smooth throughout the day during the winter is using a refreshing mist to help set the makeup," said Gene. "A spray can be used continuously throughout the day without interrupting makeup and keeping your look smooth."