8 Rules for Applying Makeup to Dry, Flaky Skin

Rule #1: Start With Exfoliation

Before you do anything, be sure to exfoliate your skin to loosen and rid yourself of dead skin cells that your makeup might cling to. “I’m a hug fan of dermaplaning the skin to get a totally smooth surface for longer periods of time,” explains Patinkin. “Not only does it get rid of dry flakes, but it also takes away all the peach fuzz, so your skin is totally and completely smooth.”

No time to head to the dermatologist for dermaplaning? A gentle, at-home scrub can work great at preventing your makeup from caking onto dry patches of skin. Try one that’s jam-packed with hydrating ingredients and antioxidants so that once those dead skin cells have been buffed away, the skin underneath will still be left moisturized. The Fresh Sugar Face Polish ($62) is a good option because it contains plum seed oil and grapeseed oil for extra hydrating benefits.

Rule #2: Slather on a Hydrating Product

It might come across as a no-brainer, but prepping your skin with extra hydration before your makeup application is key for a good outcome. “You can fake the look of even, hydrated skin by moisturizing really well with a hyaluronic acid treatment or a rich serum or moisturizer,” explains Patinkin. “Not only will it create a slightly slick surface that your makeup can glide right on top of, but it’ll also make your skin look more plump, pliable and elastic.” 

Rule #3: Never Use Powder

Consider powder products your makeup nemesis during dry skin season. These kinds of formulas simply lie on top of dry patches, giving the skin a heavily made-up appearance.

“I like to use a cream or liquid foundation that has buildable coverage and a slightly dewy finish,” says Patinkin. “Foundations that come in a pan or a stick tend to be more opaque and flat, but if you can hear the foundation sloshing around in the container, the chances are good that it will be suitable for dry skin.” 

Rule #4: Avoid Mattifying Formulas

“People with a dry complexion should avoid makeup that’s formulated to absorb oils or mattify the skin because they don’t have any excess moisture to spare,” says Patinkin. So, if you see any labels on your makeup that say “mineral powder,” “cream-to-powder,” “velvet,” “matte” or “oil-free,” it’s not a good option for dry skin. 

Rule #5: Skip Concealer

Because the skin around your eyes is so thin, it has the tendency to become dry and crepey during the wintertime, which automatically accentuates fine lines. So, either skip the concealer altogether and opt for an illuminating eye cream instead, or try out a creamier concealer formulation. Patinkin recommends one that comes in a click pen because formulas in that kind of packaging are typically more hydrating for dry skin. A good option? The Charlotte Tilbury Mini Miracle Eye Wand ($45) because there’s an eye cream on one end and concealer on the other, making it perfect to throw in your bag for midday touch-ups as well.

Rule #6: Use Cream Blush and Bronzer

“I’m a huge fan of cream blush for dry skin because it glides seamlessly on top of cream or liquid foundations, blends really smoothly and makes the cheeks glow by adding a touch more moisture,” says Patinkin. Powder blush or bronzer will dry out already parched skin, so it’s better to opt for something richer. Our top pick is a creamy blush like the Tarte Cheek Stain ($30) because it includes various fruit extracts to nourish and brighten the skin.

Rule #7: Use a Damp Beauty Blender for Application

As any makeup lover knows, the beautyblender ($20) is the holy grail of makeup applicators, and that fact is certainly still the case for people with dry skin. “Applying foundation with a damp beauty blender sponge puts a little extra hydration into the skin as you pat it over the surface,” says Patinkin. Make sure to wring out the beautyblender until no more water drips out before using it to apply your foundation. If the beauty blender is too wet, it’ll make the coverage too sheer.

Rule #8: Less Is More

When it comes down to it, Patinkin confirms that the biggest mistake you can make for dry skin is simply applying too much makeup. Using less products is always better when it comes to successfully avoiding that dreaded flake face.