Q&A for How to Apply Makeup to Dry Skin

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  • Question
    What is the best hydrating moisturizer?
    Yuka Arora
    Makeup Artist
    Yuka Arora is a self-taught makeup artist who specializes in abstract eye art. She has been experimenting with makeup art for over 5 years, and has amassed over 5.6K Instagram followers in just 5 months. Her colorful and abstract looks have been noticed by Jeffree Star Cosmetics, Kat Von D Beauty, Sephora Collection, among others.
    Makeup Artist
    Expert Answer
    The great thing about dry skin is that you can always add moisture. Try a deep moisturizer, smoothing moisturizer, or even a moisturizing oil. They'll all nourish your skin, and your makeup will go on really smoothly on top of that.
  • Question
    How do I cover acne with makeup?
    Community Answer
    Pick either a thick foundation that matches your skin type or use a concealer that is buildable -- but remember that when you wear makeup throughout the day, it can wear off, so you'll want to bring the concealer to touch up.
  • Question
    Which moisturizer is best for dry skin?
    Community Answer
    Use moisturizers with oils in it (almond oil, jojoba oil, sesame seed oil etc). It is important to use a non-comedogenic moisturizer so it won't cause acne. If you are using the moisturizer for nighttime, use oils; if you are looking for moisturizers for daytime, buy non-comedogenic types for your age and skin type.
  • Question
    How can I prevent my lipstick from spreading around my lips?
    Community Answer
    Lip liner! Line your lips with lip liner, color your lips in, and then apply the lipstick on top.
  • Question
    Do I apply moisturizer before primer?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you use moisturizer before applying primer. You put it on, then wait a couple of minutes to let it absorb into your skin.
  • Question
    How do I set makeup under my eyes?
    Community Answer
    Try spraying your beauty blender or brush with setting spray then patting it over your under eye make up before applying your powder.
  • Question
    How do I get my makeup to last longer?
    Community Answer
    First of all, make sure you have high quality makeup. Second, use a primer before applying foundation and an eyeshadow primer before applying eyeshadow. Third, use a setting spray or a setting powder after. Another method you could try is baking, where you pack translucent powder onto your forehead, bridge of nose, underyes, chin and under your cheekbones.
  • Question
    I have seriously dry skin. Even if I do all the steps on here and then apply some liquid foundation, it causes dry skin straight away. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Put moisturizer on first and use a good primer. I used a Smashbox one and my skin was instantly soft and smooth.
  • Question
    How do I apply makeup to combo/oily skin?
    Cecilia Flores
    Top Answerer
    Make sure you apply a tacky primer before foundation, powder on top of the foundation and setting spray, you should be fine. If you find that you get too oily, try baking if you have time (look it up on YouTube).
  • Question
    I just got Mac Studio fix foundation and primer. Would those be okay with my dry skin?
    Community Answer
    Any foundation and primer would not do you much harm. You can even mix moisturizer with your primer and this will really help your dry skin.
  • Question
    I have very dry skin and even after I put a lot of moisturizer on, my skin still flakes. Do I have to apply my moisturizer more than once a day?
    Community Answer
    Try a hydrating night cream as well and use a gentle exfoliator a few times a week.
  • Question
    When do I use CC cream in this step?
    Cecilia Flores
    Top Answerer
    You'd apply primer but you don't have to because it's much lighter than a foundation, then use the CC cream, then concealer, then powder. You wouldn't use foundation at all.
  • Question
    Can I set the foundation with loose powder on my dry skin?
    Community Answer
    Absolutely, but if you have dry skin this may not be the best. Instead, you should just set it with a setting spray.
  • Question
    How do I make my dry skin glow?
    Community Answer
    Building up moisture before applying makeup will give your skin natural luminosity. This means layering a hydrating mist or serum and following it up with a moisturizer. After that, using a luminizing primer or foundation will give you an all-over glow, while a liquid highlighter can give a more targeted glow.
  • Question
    I don't like heavy makeup. What else could l use that has foundation and primer in one?
    Cecilia Flores
    Top Answerer
    You could use a tinted moisturizer. It's lighter weight and less coverage than a foundation and it doesn't require a primer. A primer doesn't usually have any weight, so it doesn't feel like you're wearing anything. It's the foundation that'll have a "makeup feeling", if you will.
  • Question
    Which brand is good for foundation and concealer?
    Community Answer
    You will have to find the brands that work best for your skin type and personal needs. You can go to a makeup counter at Sephora or similar stores to try several different brands, before you purchase any.
  • Question
    How can I prevent eye concealer from creasing?
    Community Answer
    Instead of using a makeup pad, use your fingers to smooth out the lines of your concealer. It will solve the creasing and give you a nice natural tone.
  • Question
    Is it okay to use a 3-in-1 foundation for dry, acne-prone skin?
    Community Answer
    No, definitely not. Those foundations have a lot of chemicals and substances that'll make your skin react badly, possibly even creating more acne. Go for foundations that don't have so many ingredients that can make your dry skin and acne worse.
  • Question
    I want a bright under eye, but I have dry skin. What can I do?
    Paulina Czarnecka
    Community Answer
    Apply primer that hydrates the skin then a thin layer of foundation and afterwards, add a layer of a bright concealer. Or, apply a little bit of red lipstick under your eyes, then do your makeup routine and cover the red lipstick with a bright concealer. Remember that when applying the red lippie, less is more.
  • Question
    Is there a foundation that can cover the red lines of rosacea that will not irritate dry skin?
    Community Answer
    Try using cream/liquid foundation from MAC. Prior to putting on the foundation, use a moisturizer and primer.
  • Question
    I have dry skin, should I put moisturizer and primer or sunscreen on first?
    Community Answer
    Use your moisturizer first, then sunscreen (or use a moisturizer with SPF included). Then, you can use a hydrating primer on top or directly apply a hydrating foundation of your choice. Make sure to properly clean your face in the evening and use a hydrating serum and cream at night.
  • Question
    Do you apply toner to dry skin?
    Community Answer
    Yes, if it is the right kind of toner. Look for toners that contain soothing and hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin E, chamomile and antioxidants like green tea. Make sure you use the toner after cleansing your face and before putting on a good moisturizing cream.
  • Question
    What would be the best makeup for someone in her 70s?
    Community Answer
    Moisture is key, so always make sure you start with a moisturizer that’s hydrating. Stimulate your face with a quick massage at night or before applying the product to get the blood flowing and add a bit of glow to the skin. Apply little foundation (less is more!), and go for a light-weight hydrating cream foundation which promises glow or a dewy finish. Press the product into your skin with your warm fingers or a damp beauty sponge. A light blush or bronzer and a hydrating rosy or peachy lip color can bring some youth into your look. Fill in your brows with a light color and use some mascara if you like.
  • Question
    My face feels tight after I apply my foundation, does this mean my makeup is drying?
    Demagorgeous
    Community Answer
    Try using a hydrating moisturiser beforehand, as your skin is almost 'drinking' up the makeup as the day goes on (or in this case after it is applied).
  • Question
    Is it ok to put moisturizer over stick concealer if I have dry skin?
    Buggylu25
    Top Answerer
    It depends on how your moisturizer and concealer interact with each other. Some ingredients will counteract each other, separating on the skin and making it look scaly. Test it out on your hand before trying it on your face to see if you're happy with how it looks. Another alternative is applying a hydrating primer or moisturizer prior to applying concealer. Using a hydrating or dewy concealer may also help reduce the dry appearance.
  • Question
    How can I fix my dull skin, even when I don't get much sun exposure?
    Buggylu25
    Top Answerer
    Incorporating SPF into your daily skincare regimen will help protect your skin cells, even if you're not directly in the sun for very long. Using hydrating primers and moisturizers can also bring some glow back into your skin. Consider using a color corrector with a lavender or apricot shade (depending on your skin tone) underneath foundation/concealer to brighten the skin.
  • Question
    Can I use primer when I have dry skin?
    Paulina Czarnecka
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can. Choose primers that make your skin feel fresh and more hydrated. This can be especially good if you are putting a layer of foundation on.
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