Jan 26, 2022

Best Hydrating Foundation: 4 Foundations for Dry Skin

When you have dry skin, you have to be careful about what products you use. You never know what contains ingredients that could make your skin drier or accentuate any flakiness. All makeup isn't created equal, and some foundations work better than others for dry skin.

Using a foundation that isn't meant for drier skin types can make your complexion look uneven or chalky. It becomes even trickier if you have areas that are more dehydrated than others. Thankfully several different options do work for dry skin.

We are going to go over what hydrating foundations are out there that may work for your skin.

What Causes Dry Skin?

Before we go over the various foundation options, let's go over what causes dry skin. It is often the result of environmental stress. There are also certain diseases and conditions that can cause your skin to lose moisture.

Here are some potential causes of dry skin.

Weather: Most people experience drier skin during the winter months. Temperatures drop in the winter, and humidity levels go down, resulting in dry skin. Not only are the outdoors leading to a loss of moisture, but inside, central heating and space heaters can dry out your skin.

Hot Water: When you take a long hot shower or bath, you can develop dry skin. The longer and hotter the shower, the more moisture your skin loses. The water strips your skin of its natural oils and water in your skin's protective barrier. Taking a lukewarm shower is better for your skin.

Harsh Soaps and Detergents: The soap and detergent you're using can also strip your skin. There are many ingredients in soaps and detergents that are too harsh for your skin. Look for products with gentle ingredients that won't irritate your skin.

Skin Conditions: Certain skin conditions, like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, are prone to dry skin. Severe forms of these conditions can lead to skin cracking and even infection.

Age: When you get older, your oil glands don't produce as much oil that hydrates your skin. You may notice dryer skin on your legs, elbows, arms, and face.

Dewy Foundation

The first type of foundation that can hydrate your skin is a liquid foundation with a dewy finish. Dewy foundations can be too much for people with oily skin but work well for people that need more hydration. It makes your complexion look more radiant and moisturized.

Dewy foundations use natural oils and humectants to create a luminous appearance. A humectant is an ingredient commonly found in makeup and skincare that can aid in keeping your skin hydrated.

When you have ingredients in your makeup that provide moisturizing benefits, your skin will reflect the light. This type of finish can make dry skin look supple instead of dull. It can also soften fine lines and wrinkles and make them less noticeable.

Luminous Silk

Another foundation finish that can benefit people with dry skin is luminous silk finishes. It can create the appearance of a smooth texture and is a buildable foundation. They look very natural on the skin but still over coverage and hydration.

Choosing one made with high-quality ingredients will make you look moisturized and not dull. The formulation makes you look glowy without accentuating dry patches. This lightweight foundation makes it easy to blend out. Even inexperienced makeup wearers can achieve a seamless complexion.

People with dry or mature skin often lean towards luminous finishes because of its ability to glide over imperfections.

CC Cream

CC cream is an all-in-one product that offers coverage and other benefits. This color-correcting product contains SPF, moisturizer, and foundation. Most CC creams also have other ingredients that offer calming effects on your skin.

Other CC creams include anti-aging and vitamin C ingredients. The light-deflecting properties in CC creams can work for all skin types. However, they can be especially great for people with dry skin.

You can also achieve pretty good coverage with a CC cream. While it's not exactly the same as a foundation, it can cover blemishes and other imperfections. Although, CC creams sometimes don't come in the same shade range as other products. It is important to find one that matches your shade and skin's undertone.

Soft-Matte Foundation

Super matte foundations are generally not ideal for people struggling with dry skin. However, a soft-matte finish can work well for someone who wants full coverage that will last all day. These foundations work with most skin types, including dry skin.

You can also still create a dewy finish with a soft-matte foundation. You can use an illuminating primer to get a radiant look. You can also mix illuminating drops into the liquid foundation before applying it.

With a soft-matte finish, you can choose what type of skin finish you want each day. If you don't have a lot of dryness during the summer and want a completely matte look, you can use a setting powder or light layer of powder foundation on top to mattify the look.

The versatility of this finish is a big plus. If you're looking for a soft-matte foundation, try HIDE Premium Foundation. It is long-lasting and glides on smoothly, even over drier skin.

Skincare Before Makeup

Skincare is crucial for achieving a smooth, even complexion when you have dry skin. There are certain things you need to do regularly to have healthy, happy skin.

Here are two steps to add to your skincare routine:

Exfoliate: When you have excess dry skin, exfoliating is a must. By removing dry skin, you can avoid flakiness and patchiness. There are different ways you can exfoliate.

You can take a washcloth and a gentle cleanser and rub them over your skin in circular motions. This method works best in the shower or immediately after getting out of the shower when the skin is softer.

There are also chemical exfoliants that can melt away dead skin cells. Choose a resurfacing serum that can exfoliate and hydrate. You don't need to use it every night. Stick to a couple of times a week.

Moisturize: You should be applying a moisturizer morning, evening, and before you apply foundation. It will prep your skin for makeup and prevent your dry skin from absorbing too much product. Moisturizer will also help your foundation glide on smoother.

Applying Foundation to Dry Skin

Once your skin is prepped and ready for makeup, you can apply your foundation of choice. You want to start with thin layers of a buildable product for best results.

Use a foundation brush or a damp makeup sponge to stipple or dab out the product. Try to avoid using a buffing motion since this can cause the texture of your dry skin to stand out. After foundation, use a liquid concealer, like HIDE Premium Concealer, to cover any blemishes or dark circles.

Set your base with a hydrating setting spray. It will add moisture to your skin and keep it in place all day.

The Takeaway

Thanks to hydrating products, living with dry skin doesn't have to be complicated. Many different foundations can work with your skin type. You can use dewy, luminous silk, CC cream, or soft-matte foundation.

With proper skin care, you can achieve healthy, moisturized skin. Your foundation can be another part of keeping your skin hydrated.