What You Should Look for In A Foundation If You Have Dry Skin

A good foundation melts into your skin to smooth over acne scarring, hyper pigmentation, redness, and uneven texture. But if you're suffering from dry, flaky skin, it can be tough to find a foundation that does any of the above. The key: A hydrating foundation "Often times a fluid or creamy foundation will be accompanied by words like 'dewy,' 'luminous,' 'radiant.' Those are optimal for managing dry textures," celebrity makeup artist Allan Aponte says.

On the flip side, the things you should avoid in a foundation if you have dry skin are anything matte or oil-controlling, as well as powder formulas. "These will emphasize the dry texture on your skin," Aponte explains. As for specific ingredients to avoid, drying isopropyl alcohol is one to watch out for. Though, not all alcohols are bad. "Cetearyl, stearyl, cetyl, and behenyl alcohol are fatty alcohols, which are good for nourishing the skin," he says.

Another important key to mastering foundation on dry skin is in the prep. "Use a moisturizer that not only hydrates but helps re-texturize your skin immediately, and work it until it completely sinks in," Aponte advises. His personal go-to is the cult-favorite Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentrate, because it is not only hydrating, but also "helps any foundation glide and have a beautiful, hydrated fresh look."

Another key tip is to use a damp makeup sponge and stipple foundation to get your desired coverage. "Always keep in mind to start with a light layer to even out the complexion and only use more product on areas of hyper pigmentation concern instead of using a lot of foundation all over," Aponte adds. "That could lead to emphasizing dry areas." Now that you've got all the basics down, shop the most hydrating foundation for dry skin ahead.