Make-Up Tips for Dry Skin

Have you tried to apply make-up to dry skin, and were less than satisfied with the results? It can be very frustrating to get a smooth look when your skin is dry. Here are some make-up tips for dry skin that may help.

1. Prepare Your Skin

First of all, get your dry skin ready for make-up. This involves several steps.

* Wash your face with a moisturizing cleanser. Soap and other cleansers can increase dryness, so use a moisture-rich cleanser.

* Periodically, you'll want to exfoliate your skin. Dry skin can cause flaking and scaling. Exfoliation helps remove these dead cells. You can use whatever exfoliant works for you, whether store-bought or homemade. Beauty experts caution against exfoliating every day, though - a couple of times a week may be plenty.

* Layers are key. After you have washed and exfoliated, apply a moisturizer before applying your foundation. Make sure it's absorbed thoroughly into your skin, as lotion or moisturizer left on the skin can create a mottled, uneven look to your make-up. To make sure it's absorbed, work on something else - like your hair, maybe - for about 5 minutes to allow it to soak in.

In lieu of a moisturizer, you can apply a primer to your face after washing. Primers moisturize and also create a smooth base for your foundation.

Finally, use a facial formula for your moisturizer - don't use body lotion. Body lotions don't necessarily have face-friendly ingredients.

2. What Kind of Foundation

Apply a liquid foundation, not a powder one, say experts. Powder has a drying effect, and it can accentuate lines and wrinkles (typical symptoms of dry skin). Creams can also cling heavily to dry skin. Look for moisturizing foundation made specifically for dry skin. If you like, blend foundation with a make-up sponge.

Consider using a foundation that includes a sunscreen. Sun exposure can definitely dry out skin even more, and shielding your skin from its dehydrating effects is a good step toward reversing the dry skin trend.

3. Eye Make-Up

Dry skin around the eyes can "pop out" when the wrong kind of make-up highlights fine lines. Powder-based eye make-up can exacerbate this. So cream-based eye shadows may be a better choice for those with dry skin. Apply gently, avoiding irritation, and remove eye make-up with a moisturizing remover.

4. Blush

Another time when cream works is for the blush of your cheeks. Unlike powder blushes, cream blushes add a healthy sheen and glow that could be dulled by powder.

By Beauty Tips