Makeup for Dry Skin

You might think that hiding dry skin under loads of makeup is the answer to dryness, however; over-applying makeup will only accentuate this condition.

Pre-makeup prep

Before reaching into your makeup bag, start with a clean, hydrated face. This critical step will ensure skin is ready for makeup and it only takes a few extra seconds to add moisturizer, eye cream and makeup primer. The payoff — makeup will last longer and remain fresh and pretty all day.

• Get much-needed hydration with a moisturizer made for dry skin. A great choice is L’Occitane Immortelle Precious Cream.
• Eye treatments make smile lines, crow’s feet and dark circles less noticeable. Try StriVectin SD Eye Cream. Pat a small amount (the size of a pearl) between the ring fingers and then lightly apply around the eyes, and up over the brow bone. Do not apply directly to the eyelids.
• For the final step of makeup prep, apply a makeup primer, like Skindinavia Face and Eye Makeup Primer. Primer temporarily fills in and smoothes imperfections in the skin, allowing foundation to adhere cleanly and completely.

Concealer and foundation

These makeup basics are key to getting even-toned skin. Many women think that concealer and foundation must be used over the entire face, however, experts disagree and stress that concealer and foundation can be equally as useful when used only where needed, such as to hide redness, dark circles, or on cheeks, forehead and chin

• Concealer. Use concealer to hide under-eye circles or broken blood vessels around the nose. Opt for a creamy consistency that’s one shade lighter than your skin tone and use a concealer brush for the most precise application and blending. Be sure to use a brush that is made from synthetic materials, such as nylon or Taklon, as these fibers will blend the product rather than absorbing it. Try: Amazing Cosmetics Concealer Brush.
• Foundation. Foundations are often specialized for skin type, especially dry. Check the label for words like "age defying," "moisturizing" or "hydrating." In general, dryer skin will enjoy a thicker, creamier foundation such as Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Plump Perfect Makeup SPF15.

Another factor to consider is how much coverage you need or the amount of discoloration you want to hide. For women with an even complexion yet who desire a bit of color, look to tinted-moisturizer rather than traditional foundation for an easy, all-in-one product. MD Skincare All-In-One Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 combines sun-protective moisturizer with a bit of color in one easy-to-use product.

• Pass on the powder. If your skin is severely dry, or flaking, skip pressed powder. Not only will powder further dry out the skin, it can cause the skin to look dull and tired, rather than fresh and matte. Plus, powder settles into lines and wrinkles, accentuating them. If, however, your skin is dry to normal, and you desire to set foundation with powder, opt for one that features hydrating ingredients, such as Stila Illuminating Powder Foundation, which has shea butter and an illuminating finish on the skin.

Eye makeup

Dry skin and wrinkles often go together, especially around the eyes. Unfortunately, powder eye shadows, which can settle into lines, tend to accentuate wrinkles, as do shimmery and frosted shadows. Your best bet is cream eye shadow. Go for shades that make eyes appear wider and more open such as off-white, pearl or bone. For added depth, add some contrast with mocha brown, chocolate, navy, plum or forest green.

Pencil eyeliners are a great way to get extra definition along your lash line. To prevent eyeliner from looking too intense, carefully smudge it with a makeup brush or cotton swab. Neutral gray and brown colors are great choices for all eye colors such as ColorScience Eye Pencil Shades of Gray or Cup O’ Joe.

Blush

Dry-skinned women complain that it’s difficult to get an even application of color on cheeks. Helen Foster, author of The Beauty Book, explains that when blush is absorbed by dry skin, it "leaves dusty, blotchy pigmentation on the surface". To avoid blush-disappearance, try cream blush or even better, a blush-stain, which temporarily 'stains' the skin with clear, intense, deep color that lasts all day. Stila Convertible Color, a lightweight cream blush is available in a wide range of fresh shades as is DuWop Blush Therapy.

Lipstick

Dry lips can be chapped, cracked and exhibit a rough texture, practically ensuring that lipstick won’t last long. Even worse, lipstick has a tendency to seep or smudge into lines around the mouth. Getting dry lips into shape requires extra TLC. To start, exfoliate away dry skin with Philosophy Kiss Me Exfoliating Lip Scrub once or twice a week. Then, use a moisturizing, conditioning lip balm at least twice a day such as MD Formulations Lip Balm, containing vitamin E, aloe and peppermint oil to lock in moisture and prevent dryness.

When applying lip color, trace lips with a lip pencil in the same color as your lipstick. Then, use the pencil to color in lips. This will keep lipstick in place and give it longer wear. Finally, slick on a moisturizing lipstick with vitamins: Stila SPF 20 Shine Lip Color or Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant for a final flourish.