How to choose foundation for dry skin

If you’ve got flaky skin, here are a few things you might need to know about a flawless cover. 

Good foundation is supposed to make you look as though you are not wearing any. A perfect finish and glowing, dewy or velvet skin is many a woman’s dream. If you have dry skin, you know the challenges – flakiness, ashiness, fine lines and whiteheads around the nose and chin. With these issues, you need foundation that does not make you look overly matt, and one that will not settle into your fine lines. 

Dry, clear skin: If you do not have much to hide but simply wish to achieve more evenness and glow, you may not need a full coverage foundation. Try using CC cream tinted moisturiser. It will give you light coverage with the advantage of therapy. CC creams contain anti-ageing ingredients and cell plumping peptides. Being a moisturiser, it will not settle into fine lines. 

Dry, blemished skin: If you have dry skin with imperfections such as discoloration, spots and under eye circles, you will need a full coverage foundation. Look for a moisturising formula with silicone. This is a key ingredient to help the product spread well without caking. You may try cream foundation only on the areas that need coverage, while leaving out the other parts for a more natural appearance. 

Dry, mature skin: Select liquid moisturising foundation offering medium coverage. Steer clear from stick foundations or cream to powder formulas as these will settle into lines. Look out for formulas with key words such as ‘age-defying’, ‘plumping’ ‘ceramides’. These are descriptions of the capability of the foundation to slide over the lined areas of skin.

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ASK IRENE:

Is it necessary to use powder over foundation if my skin is dry?

– Agnes, Nairobi.

Use powder sparingly; select loose powder for a light, textured finish. Avoid compact type as it tends to sit heavily on foundation.

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QUICK FIXES

Easy ways to achieve the best skin finish:

Tools: brush, sponge or fingers.

Prep: for dry skin, moisturiser is a must. Apply on damp skin and follow with primer.

Make sure you have good lighting. Natural lighting is best. If possible do it outdoors or near a window.

Blend, blend, and blend.

PRODUCT REVIEWS:

M.A.C Studio face and body foundation *****

Gives a second skin look and is ideal for dry skin with few or no blemishes. 

Black Opal crème to powder foundation****

Good coverage for dry skin with blemishes. A light application is best to avoid cakiness.

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ASK IRENE

Is it necessary to use powder over foundation if my skin is dry? – Agnes, Nairobi.

Use powder sparingly; select loose powder for a light, textured finish. Avoid compact type as it tends to sit heavily on foundation.