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Buying Guides


THE 3 RULES FOR CHOOSING A FOUNDATION WHEN YOU'RE DEALING WITH DRY SKIN



 * 
 * 
 * 
 * 
 * NEWSLETTER

By Sarah Yang
last updated October 08, 2020

When it comes to choosing your makeup, it can be so crucial to opt for products
that work with your specific skin type. I recently learned how helpful it can be
when it comes to application and the finished look. You wouldn't want a
foundation to make your skin appear more oily or for it to irritate your
sensitive skin. Plus, when it's suited for your type, you know it probably won't
make any of your skin problems or concerns worse.



Personally, my skin type is usually combination but veers toward dry in the fall
and winter months. Anyone who deals with dry skin on the regular knows how
annoying it is to put makeup on when the flakes are out of control. And
sometimes, your face could feel so dehydrated it might even feel uncomfortable
or irritating to put any product on. Applying foundation is always tough for me
because it can end up highlighting the flaky skin, and some formulas can dry out
my face even more.



(Image credit: @littleblackboots)

After talking to some dermatologists about this dilemma, I learned that there
are three important rules for choosing a foundation when you have dry skin. One,
you should think about the texture of the formula. Two, look for certain
ingredients that can benefit the skin. And three, you'll need to think about
what you can do to manage the dry skin before application.


FOUNDATION TEXTURE



(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

There are so many different foundation textures and formulas out there. You've
got liquid, powder, stick, and even serum now. "I would recommend liquids,
creams, or stick foundations, depending on what coverage you are looking for in
your foundation," says Robyn Gmyrek, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Park
View Laser Dermatology. "I would not opt for powders, as they will not
moisturize as well and can absorb oils from the skin, especially if they contain
clay or talc, and contribute to further dryness."



Board-certified dermatologist Roberta Del Campo, MD, agrees, adding that it
might help to purchase a foundation with noncomedogenic skin oils that can
hydrate, smooth, and allow for a better base for makeup application.




FOUNDATION INGREDIENTS TO LOOK FOR



(Image credit: @danishrolls)

Today's foundations are packed with some good-for-the-skin ingredients. So this
is the perfect opportunity to use that to your advantage and choose a product
that has something that can nourish your skin as well. Think of it as a
two-for-one. And who doesn't love multitasking products like that?

Take a look at this list of dermatologist-recommended ingredients that can help
your dry skin:

Glycerin: It's a humectant, so it will draw water into the skin, Gmyrek says.

Dimethicone: It's hydrating.

Niacinamide: This ingredient is hydrating, has anti-inflammatory properties, and
helps the skin barrier.

Ceramide: A hydrating ingredient that also repairs the skin barrier.

Hyaluronic Acid: This powerhouse is ultrahydrating.

Oils: Gmyrek says sunflower, argan, coconut, and jojoba oils can help.

Shea Butter: It's an emollient that can soften and smooth.

Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide: Del Campo says these protect against sun damage
and are hypoallergenic.

Vitamin E: This antioxidant can soothe skin and has anti-aging benefits, Del
Campo adds.


FOUNDATION INGREDIENTS TO AVOID



(Image credit: @eggcanvas)

There are also some foundation ingredients that won't do your dry skin any
favors. Here's what to avoid:

Alcohol: This is a surefire ingredient that will dry out your skin.

Vitamin A: Board-certified dermatologist Brooke Jackson, MD, says you should be
careful with vitamin A (or retinol) because it can be drying.

Bismuth Oxychloride: Del Campo says this ingredient can be irritating.

Clay or Talc: Gmyrek adds that some matte-finish foundations will have clay or
talc, which can soak up the skin's natural oils.


HOW TO PREP AND APPLY FOUNDATION FOR DRY SKIN



(Image credit: @emmahoareau)

Get your skin in check before applying product. "Foundation will sit better on
smooth, hydrated skin, so start by addressing the dry skin," Jackson explains.
Some of this involves making some changes to your lifestyle or daily habits
based on the season. Jackson advises people to stay well hydrated, especially in
the winter months. She also recommends investing in a humidifier if you're
dealing with a dry environment.

"Review all of your products and make seasonal changes. Often, the products we
use in the summer may be too drying for the winter months," Jackson explains.
"This may also mean talking to your dermatologist about any topicals that you
are using, which come in different formulations. You may need to change to a
more moisturizing formulation in the winter months."

E.L.F
Hydrating Face Primer
$6
SHOP NOW



When it comes to application, prep the skin with a moisturizer and hydrating
primer to smooth and prevent the foundation from settling in the dry cracks of
the skin. When choosing a primer, you can use the above list of ingredients,
too. "Remember, the higher up on the ingredient list something is, the more the
product contains," Gmyrek says.

Del Campo recommends using a slightly damp sponge applicator to ensure that the
formula is applied uniformly.

Neutrogena
Hydro Boost Glow Booster Primer & Serum
$15
SHOP NOW



BeautyBlender
Pro
$20
SHOP NOW




MAKEUP REMOVAL TIPS THAT WON'T DRY OUT THE SKIN

Dove
Beauty Bar
$4
SHOP NOW



I find that when I'm battling dry skin, the act of removing my makeup can worsen
the problem and sometimes make my skin so irritated and sensitive. To help that
problem, the dermatologists suggest cream-based cleansers since they don't dry
the skin. "I recommend creamy or oil-based cleansers," Gmyrek says. "The oils
dissolve makeup and pull dirt from the skin and pores without stripping skin of
natural oils like soap-based cleansers do. These work really well, even on
waterproof or thicker, high-coverage foundations." Dove's Beauty Bar ($4) is a
recommendation from Jackson, who says it's a moisturizing cream that's gentle
enough for daily use and nondrying.

And if you want to add another product to remove makeup, Del Campo advises
against toners, which can strip the skin. Instead, reach for micellar water.

Bioderma
Sensibio H2O Soothing Micellar Cleansing Water
$15
SHOP NOW




BEST DRUGSTORE FOUNDATIONS FOR DRY SKIN

If you're on a budget or just don't want to splurge on a foundation for your dry
skin, there are plenty of drugstore and affordable options for you. This can be
clutch if you only deal with dry skin a couple of months out of the year (like
myself) and don't want to empty your wallet for two expensive foundations. Below
are some picks recommended by dermatologists and editors.


NEUTROGENA HYDRO BOOST HYDRATING TINT

Neutrogena
Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint
$5
SHOP NOW

Jackson recommends Neutrogena's liquid foundation, which contains hyaluronic
acid. The formula is lightweight and has a water-gel consistency, so it doesn't
feel too heavy.


PHYSICIANS FORMULA ORGANIC WEAR SILK FOUNDATION ELIXIR

Physicians Formula
Organic Wear Silk Foundation Elixir
$11
SHOP NOW

Formulated with jojoba oil, aloe vera, coconut oil, and botanical cactus flower,
this weightless foundation is a recommendation from Del Campo. The coverage can
range from sheer to buildable, and it leaves you with a dewy finish.


MAYBELLINE FIT ME DEWY + SMOOTH FOUNDATION

Maybelline
Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation
$4
SHOP NOW

Gmyrek says the price of this foundation can't be beaten, and it's got a
selection of 24 shades. The formula contains beneficial ingredients like water,
glycerin, and dimethicone.

Nyx Professional Makeup
Can't Stop Won't Stop Foundation Brush
$15
SHOP NOW




COVERGIRL + OLAY SIMPLY AGELESS 3-IN-1 LIQUID FOUNDATION

Covergirl and Olay
Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation
$13
SHOP NOW

Another pick from Jackson, this foundation contains hydrating ingredients like
hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. The product also helps in the anti-aging
department, working to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and
improving skin tone and texture.


MAYBELLINE DREAM RADIANT LIQUID FOUNDATION

Maybelline
Dream Radiant Liquid Foundation
$11
SHOP NOW

This liquid foundation from Maybelline provides up to 12 hours of hydration,
thanks to hyaluronic acid and collagen. The medium-coverage product is another
recommendation from Gymrek because it contains dimethicone, glycerin, and shea
butter.


L'ORÉAL AGE PERFECT RADIANT SERUM FOUNDATION WITH SPF 50

L'Oréal
Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation With SPF 50
$12
SHOP NOW

There's a hydrating serum and vitamin B3 in this foundation that's especially
designed for mature skin. It also has SPF 50 protection and comes in 30
different shades.

Fenty Beauty
Full-Bodied Foundation Brush 110
$34
SHOP NOW




BURT'S BEES GOODNESS GLOWS LIQUID MAKEUP

Burt's Bees
Goodness Glows Liquid Makeup
$17
SHOP NOW

This foundation contains meadowfoam seed oil, a moisturizing and nourishing
ingredient. The medium- to full-coverage foundation comes in 18 shades and is
free of parabens, phthalates, SLS, petrolatum, talc, synthetic fragrances, and
silicones.


COVERGIRL CG SMOOTHERS HYDRATING MAKEUP

Covergirl
CG Smoothers Hydrating Makeup
$7
SHOP NOW

Ultramoisturizing and lightweight, this foundation from Covergirl does a good
job of minimizing blemishes and redness. And it leaves a natural finish.


REVLON COLORSTAY MAKEUP FOR NORMAL/DRY SKIN SPF 20

Revlon
ColorStay Makeup for Normal/Dry Skin SPF 20
$10
SHOP NOW

Revlon's ColorStay foundation has a whopping 24 hours of staying power. The
oil-free formula contains hyaluronic acid and SPF 20 protection, too.

Sephora Collection
Pro Foundation Brush #47
$47
SHOP NOW




NO7 LIFT & LUMINATE TRIPLE ACTION SERUM FOUNDATION

No7
Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum Foundation
$17
SHOP NOW

Not only will No7's serum foundation blur blemishes and other imperfections, but
it will also work to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by
reflecting light away. The hydrating product will leave your skin glowy and
plump looking.


ALMAY BEST BLEND FOREVER FOUNDATION

Almay
Best Blend Forever Foundation
$6
SHOP NOW

Described as both a foundation and a moisturizer, this product doesn't
disappoint. The lightweight formula provides buildable coverage, SPF protection,
and eight hours of hydration.


NEUTROGENA HYDRO BOOST HYDRATING FOUNDATION STICK

Neutrogena
Hydro Boost Hydrating Foundation Stick
$9
SHOP NOW

If you prefer a stick foundation, this pick from Neutrogena might be your best
bet. It blends easily, doesn't leave a cakey finish, and won't clog pores. Plus,
it's formulated with moisturizing hyaluronic acid.
Next up, I'm Pretty Cheap When It Comes to Eye Shadows—These Drugstore Picks Are
Divine



Sarah Yang
Social Links Navigation
Managing Editor

Hi, everyone. I’m Sarah! I was born and raised in Los Angeles, spent 12 years
going to school and working in New York City (got my BA in journalism from NYU),
and made the move back to L.A. to work at THE/THIRTY. I’ve had 10 years of
experience covering lifestyle and wellness, with editor roles at Apartment
Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, Veranda, and The Bump (sister
site of The Knot). Most of my days are spent writing and editing stories about
eating healthy, the latest wellness and self-care trends, the newest (and
coolest) workouts, and the best fitness gear that will actually make you want to
exercise. I love all the topics we cover at THE/THIRTY, but I especially love
writing about mental health—I think that’s one of the most important topics
right now and something I am passionate about (and also continuously working on
myself!). As for self-care, I stick to these five things: a good workout, “me”
time on the regular, a good book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day,
naps, and decorating my apartment. When I’m not working, I love trying new
restaurants with friends, listening to history and true crime podcasts, and
enjoying an occasional Netflix binge.


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