As the beauty industry caters to every skin type that’s out there, shopping for dry skin can still get a little frustrating with silicones in makeup and fragranced skincare. At first glance, it might not feel like too much, but then the flakiness, dry patches, and pilling begin, and it’s back to the drawing board to analyse what went wrong. And with winter coming up, the increase between colder, drier air and hotter showers only further strips the skin. So whether dry skin comes seasonally or year-round, here is our guide across makeup and skincare to take care of the skin without further aggravating it.
Add An Essence
Sloughing the skin with hydration doesn’t make sense unless you know exactly what you’re adding. So instead of relying on a series of serums and ampoules, replace the step with an essence. A step born out of K-Beauty, essences are watery-gel-like skincare that’s primarily designed to hydrate the skin. They’re not as thick as a serum nor as concentrated as an ampoule but are especially formulated with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid to deeply penetrate the skin and maintain its moisture barrier. This step went mainstream once the world found out about the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence and since then, you can find essences in multiple formulations, including ingredients such as peptides, collagen, and vitamins, but ultimately focus on hydration.
Never Skip Skin Prep
The temptation is there, especially when makeup is done in a rush, but for those with dry skin, a little patience will take you a long way. One of the holy grails of skin prep for dry skin is using a milk toner, i.e. a toner thicker in concentration that helps hydrate and condition the skin. Rhode’s Glazing Milk is a trendy one, but you can also find similar formulations at TIRTIR and BYOMA.
Eye cream is also another step worth taking the time for. It helps concealers from caking up and creasing while also hydrating the delicate under-eye area. Whereas SPFs are a no-brainer, especially in this region. The key is to opt for hydrating ingredients and lightweight textures that easily melt into the skin.
Skincare-Makeup Hybrids Are Your Friends
For the skin, skincare-makeup hybrids are the best option out there. Centred on skin-loving formulations, they work on helping the skin first before enhancing it through makeup. We’re talking skin tints and serum foundations, which hydrate the skin upon application. While most of them don’t sport high coverage but rather a natural, buildable finish, it’s infinitely better to work in thin translucent layers rather than one heavy swatch.
Stick to Creamy Blushes, Bronzers, and Contours
When it comes to blushes, bronzers, contours, and highlighters, opt for creamy formulations that melt into the skin. Not only do they provide a natural colour payoff, but they also feel great on the skin thanks to nourishing oils in their formulations.
Work With Hydrating Powders
Powders aren’t all bad and you don’t have to avoid them completely. Especially when it comes to setting, blotting, and quick touch-ups, having a powder can be very efficient. But it’s the kind of powder that makes all the difference. Opt for talc-free powder like the latest release by Kosas or one with hydrating ingredients, since hydration at every step is key for plumping up dry skin.
Keep the Cleansers Gentle
Although obvious, it’s a step we often forget since cleansers stay on the skin for less than a minute. But a gentle cleanser ensures that the skin isn’t stripped of its natural oils, and that is what helps dry skin not get even drier. When it comes to oil-based cleansers, opt for a light cleansing oil such as the SKIN 1004 Centella Light Cleansing Oil. As for exfoliators, because yes, you still need to exfoliate unless you’re ok with flaky skin piling up, opt for gentler concentrations and that still include soothing ingredients. And of course, skip the scented products; you don’t need to smell like apricot and your skin will thank you for it.
