Banish Your Dry Skin Issues This Winter
Winter is upon us, and with it comes cold weather and dry air. For most of us, this also means we have to face dry skin. For makeup users everywhere, this can put a dent in your beauty routine. You may be tempted to pile on makeup to cover up dry, red, flaky skin. However, this can actually contribute to the problem.
Many makeup products, like foundations, concealers and bronzers, can dry out and irritate your already dehydrated skin. Foundation is the base of your makeup, so it is important to find a foundation that will work with your skin, not against it, in the dry winter months.
Before we talk foundation, it is essential to take care of your skin when you’re not wearing makeup. Exfoliating face washes can help get rid of dry, flaky skin and should be used regularly in the winter. At night, and in the morning before applying makeup, apply a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. Primer is a great way to start off with a clean, moisturized face before putting on makeup. Many primers have features that even out skin tone and prevent dryness. This keeps your foundation from potentially irritating your skin.
When looking for a foundation, you should first consider how much coverage you actually need. If your skin is usually fairly clear, you can probably just use a tinted moisturizer. Tinted moisturizer gives you just a hint of color for some light coverage and leaves your skin hydrated and luminous. This helps you avoid the cakey look that other kinds of foundations can sometimes give your skin in the dry weather.
Try the Josie Moran Argan Tinted Moisturizer. This product is lightweight and comes in six shades. It contains argan oil that makes skin look dewy and refreshed.
For the rest of us that may need more coverage than a moisturizer can give you, heavier coverage foundations are still an option. One rule to follow when picking your foundation is to avoid powder. Overall, powder doesn’t do you many favors. If your skin is already dry, powders only intensify the problem. Powder foundation can also makes your skin look dull and give you that caked on look that you want to avoid. Go for liquid or creme foundations, and specifically look for foundations with labels that include words like “hydrating.” This will give those with particularly dry skin some extra moisture.
The Body Shop Moisture Foundation is great for light to medium coverage and comes in seven shades. The formula includes vitamin E, organic beeswax and other materials that moisturize the skin.
Revlon Colorstay Whipped Foundation gives your skin a flawless look, and the mousse-like texture keeps it from drying out your skin. It comes in 12 different shades, so you can find the perfect match for your skin tone.
Just making a few changes in your routine and products can drastically change your complexion. Dry winter air can be frustrating, but it doesn’t need to stop you from looking and feeling your best. All it takes is the right foundation and a little maintenance to keep your skin looking fresh and radiant this winter.
Allison Lundy is a recent college grad, writer, area professional and lover of all things beauty. Raised in southern Virginia, Allison moved to the DMV to pursue her aspirations of a career in politics. She attended George Mason, where she discovered her love of writing at the student newspaper. During the day, Allison works in government affairs for a small trade association in northern Virginia. When she isn’t busy working and/or being a political junkie, Allison focuses on her other passions – beauty and fashion. She is always looking for the newest trends and trying out new products.