What’s the Best Makeup for Dry Skin? Learn Everything You Need to Know

Putting on makeup should make you feel more confident. It’s hard to feel that way if it only reveals flakes around your face. Check out the best makeup for dry skin to defeat the flakes once and for all. You’ll learn what your skin needs and what makes the products effective, which means you’ll feel more confident even without makeup on.

What Causes Dry Skin?

Dry skin happens for various reasons, including genetics, your environment and your diet. The International Eczema Council found that for every 100,000 adults, 1-2,000 will have dry skin between ages 25 and 73. Factors affecting the intensity of your dry skin include activities like:

• Developing eczema (genetics)
• Swimming
• Washing hands often
• Being in areas with cold or hot dry air
• Getting repeated sunburns in the same places

If your dry skin is impossible to ignore due to severe discoloration, cracking, peeling or burning, talk with your doctor before experimenting with new products. You could have an undiagnosed condition requiring medication before your skin is stable enough to undergo new product ingredients.

Although it may seem like having standard dry skin is a daily challenge, you don’t have to deal with flaking all the time. Check out which ingredients are better for skin that doesn’t maintain its own oil production.

Effective Ingredients in Dry Skincare Products

People often read the ingredients list on their food products before purchasing or eating them. Your skin might require the same research. Look for these ingredients in skincare and makeup products to see if they’ll help or hurt your dry patches.

Hyaluronic Acid

You might hear that collagen keeps the skin young, but hyaluronic acid is an all-natural anti-aging component in your skin too. Skin cells produce it on their own up until age 25, which is when they slow or stop hyaluronic acid creation to focus on other age-related processes.

You can restore your cells with products that have hyaluronic acid as the primary ingredient. It rejuvenates skin cells so they have all the moisture they need to retain a youthful glow. Apply this ingredient in a small area to test how your body reacts to it. If there isn’t any redness or itching, you might be able to use it across your face.

Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid naturally present in foods. Your skin uses it to create new cells when old ones die. Dead skin cells build and create flakes if turnover doesn’t occur. Glycolic acid could be an excellent ingredient to add to your cycling product routine so your skin gets well-rounded help.

Ceramides

If glycolic and hyaluronic acid soothe your skin cells from the inside, ceramides help the outside. They fortify skin cell barriers to retain moisture better, so products featuring them are best when preceded by other hydrating ingredients.

Best Makeup for Dry Skin

This is a roundup of the best makeup for dry skin. Consider trying a few of these options to see how they’ll revolutionize your skin’s health and your favorite makeup styles.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint With Hyaluronic Acid

Infuse your face with hyaluronic acid every time you use Neutrogena’s hydrating tint. This foundation comes in various shades and sinks effortlessly into wherever people apply it. You won’t have oily residue leftover either. It lets your skin breathe while helping heal from periods of dryness.

This product also comes with a built-in applicator brush, but you can also use your own brushes or sponges as needed. Just ensure you always clean your tools with soap or vinegar to remove any bacterial buildup that could result in breakouts or infections.

$9.72 from Amazon

Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Primer and Setting Spray

Too Faced makes an incredible primer and setting spray that’s perfect whether or not you’re actually hungover. Spray this fine mist over your face before applying makeup to soothe dry patches with the product’s coconut water and probiotics.

It also locks in your daily look with a fine mist over your finished makeup. The ingredients provide essential benefits, but what’s missing might be just as important. This primer and setting spray doesn’t have alcohol, so it won’t dry your skin and create that tight, uncomfortable feeling across your face.

$22 from Amazon

Neutrogena Hydrating Concealer Stick With Hyaluronic Acid

Concealer is the best tool for hiding those undereye bags, red patches and even breakouts. Dab Neutrogena’s hydrating concealer stick wherever you need to even your skintone. The non-greasy foundation never cakes, even around dry patches. It soothes skin into an even surface while you’re healing it with ingredients like hyaluronic acid.

$19.99 from Amazon

E.L.F. Hydrating Face Primer

Makeup enthusiasts love e.l.f. products because they’re so affordable. The budget-friendly prices continue to astound shoppers who need makeup solutions for dry skin. The brand’s hydrating face primer creates a smooth canvas from even the driest face. 

Gently rub it into your cheeks, forehead, nose and chin before applying your makeup. The formula contains vitamins C, E and A to strengthen your skin’s health by giving hydrating nutrients it might lack. This formula even supports a range of skin types, so you could love it whether you have dry skin that never breaks out or experiences acne regularly.

$8 from Amazon

Wet n Wild BareFocus Tinted Hydrator 

Hyaluronic acid is back with Wet n Wild’s tinted hydrator. It’s an oil-free foundation that covers your skin in a thin veil of even coverage. Use it daily to watch your flaky patches disappear alongside any fine lines that might develop with age.

Wet n Wild is also a cruelty-free brand, so it aligns with vegan lifestyles. Check out the twelve shades in this hydrator product line to find one that matches your natural skin tone.

$6.49 from Amazon

Try the Best Makeup for Dry Skin

Now that you’ve discovered some of the best makeup for dry skin, start shifting your makeup routine to better support your body’s needs. Once your skin cells have what they need to thrive, flaking will be a problem of the past. You’ll be able to wear whichever type of makeup looks you enjoy without worrying about how dry patches will affect your appearance.