Dry skin + Foundation = DISASTER - HELP!

Hi all,

This is my second time posting here, and I'm so thankful that a forum like this exists.

Ok, so I used to have oily skin, but now, since using a retinoin for a couple years now, for hormonal/cystic acne along chin/jaw area, my skin is dry.  So much more now that it's getting cooler, and there's less humidity in the air (I'm in SoCal).

So my usual makeup routine isn't working, and makes my face look horrible.  I use a pump and half of Covergirl 3-in1 foundation mixed with a pump of MAC Pro Long Wear concealer, on top of moisturized skin (i've used a water based as well as an oil based moisturizer with the same exact results that you see in the pics).  I apply the foundation/concealer mixture with a damp beauty blender.  I can't use a primer for some reason.  I have tried several different kids, types, brands, and they all do something REALLY weird on skin, they make my makeup all patchy and blotchy.  And since there supposedly a primer in the foundation I use, I said screw it.

So in the pic you can see these cracks in my makeup after about 30 seconds of applying it.  And that's just with one layer of foundation/concealer, and a setting spray.  that's it.  i don't know what the HECK i'm doing wrong, but it's very discouraging.  After about 20 mins it cracks along my smile lines.  I have a lot of large pores, uneven skin, acne scarring, and blotchy coloring, so going out without makeup is not possible for me.  Not going to happen.

Has anyone else gone through this?  Any advice or suggestions?

Thanks.

I don't know if this will help you. But, I also have dry skin and I used to use Mac's StudioFix Fluid and it was just too heavy and made my skin look awful while also highlighting any dry patches on my face, which is not a good look! My advise it to try Makeup Forever foundation's. I absolutely adore it. It isn't heavy at all, but is highly buildable, if needed. I know you said that you can't use primer, but Dior makes an amazing primer, you can't see it, but it really does assist your make-up in going on smooth and flawless and has awesome lasting power. I don't know if this would help you, but it worked for me. I wish you the best of luck though, I know how frustrating skin issues can be! /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

I have super dry skin and eczema/rosacea on my face. If I don't wear really thick lotion on my face before I put makeup on it looks like I have scales. It's gross, it really looks flakey.

Anyway..

What cleanser are you using?

- I would suggest something super gentle. Cetaphil, Purpose, Lancome Milk Cleanser

Do you use a toner? If so what kind? Is it alcohol free?

- Again something super gentle, perhaps skip this step even. If you'd like to use something you could try GM Collins - sensiderm cleansing mist, or even the urban decay B vitamin spray. They talk about using it for over or before your makeup but I sometimes use it before my moisturizer and it's great.

You say that you've used both an oil based moisturizer and a water based.. but are you using something that is thick enough and really moisturizing and settling into your skin?

Try Cetaphil cream the one in the tub not in a bottle. As far as not wearing primer if you are experiencing issues with pores I would look for a primer that is good for reducing pore size. I know there are a lot of silicone based primers out there that will "fill" in the pores on your face. Benefit has one and so does Too Faced and NYX (Pore Filler), Tarte, and Becca also have one.

I've used covergirl 3 in 1 foundation and I don't think it's the greatest for my skin. I like that it comes in a pump form but the truth is that is just doesn't cover enough. If you can find the covergirl + olay simply ageless foundation I would give that a try. Buff it in using a big soft kubuki brush. This one has extra moisturizer in it and it doesn't settle in fine lines.

A couple tips, lots of thin layers, allow one product to dry before adding another, really really blend well and buff the makeup into your skin. Don't try to cover old acne scars or acne with concealer mixed into your foundation.. go back after you put on your foundation with concealer and touch up any extra areas. Cover girl + olay simply ageless comes in a concealer as well.

The other thing is.. don't mix concealer WITH your foundation and try to put it on as one product all over your face. If you don't feel that your foundation is heavy enough coverage then get a foundation with more coverage. After you put your foundation on as a layer all over your face go back and touch up with concealer. I think a big issue with your routine is that your mixing a heavy concealer and putting it all over your face. MAC's Pro - concealer is not meant to be put all over the face like a foundation.

okay. first. be sure you are moisturizing your skin at bedtime. and if you really need it, in the morning as well. before you put foundation on use a primer. there are so many good primers out there, and if you are concerned about large pores, find a primer that can conceal your pores. 

there is actually a new serum that just came out by Vichy that you can buy at any Target or Walgreens store now. i went to a presentation on it and was given a bottle. its called "idelia". its in a pink bottle. 

it helps reduce pores, and if you have any stress on you're skin it will clear it right up. i use it in the day time before i put on my foundation & it works amazing. no tired, harsh line or icky looking skin! give that a try. 

also, be sure you're not caking your foundation on. that will cause it to crease. and a loose or compact powder on top helps set your foundation to not settle into your fine lines!

hope this was a help to you!

I have combo skin, with a very oily tzone and then dry patches from using retinoids and other exfoliants. The one thing that has worked wonders in evening out my makeup, other then using gentler cleansers and easing up on the chemical exfoliation and retinoids, has been applying nivea's soft creme before doing my makeup. It takes care of the flaky areas and my makeup applies beautifully.

I have dry skin and I use Rimmel London's Match Perfection and Wake ME Up foundations normally. I find that they do the best at not showing my dry patches. I use the sigma flat top kabuki, the slanted one. I sometimes use a real techniques sponge to put them on which is very similar to the beauty blender but it has a tendency to show the dry spots. I would also say that using the concealer in your foundation might also be part of the problem. I find it best to just go back over places that need more coverage with concealer separately after foundation has been put on. Also at night start using an oil in dry areas and use a light exfoliant everyday. Good Luck!

After gone through the replies I found everyone is talking about the issues of dry skin but sometimes oily skins became more sensitive after using any cosmetics like mine. I used various cosmetics to my skin from different brands but nothing suits to my skin. After this I found Yofi Cosmetics somewhere in the web and started using their products. I found unbelievable result after my one month of using the cosmetics.

My face can do the same thing and in the same exact area as yours.   Its dry.   Moisturize, Moisturize and when you think you have enough on, put on some more.  /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />  Some Moisturizers are better than others and some foundations will not accentuate as much as others.  Its finding the right stuff.

I make sure my face is dewy with moisturizer before I apply a light foundation and build as needed.  I don't use primer in these areas.

Having dry skin was unfamiliar to me as I had acne prone skin for the longest time.  So, the whole concept of globbing on creams still blows me away.   I would try one thing at a time before doing an overhaul of your routine.  Its the only way I have found what is helping or what is causing me problems.

I have this problem too right now. Nothing I do seems to look ok and it's so annoying.

I have tried to use different moisturizers and also different primers but I am like you, not many primers work for me. My normal foundation just looks like a mess and I hate it. I have also tried to use moisture masks several times all night long but my skin is still flakey and dry. Anything I put on my skin just glides off.

But my only recommendation for you is to use a lot of moisturizer so that your skin is not so dry. Then use a foundation for dry skin, that is dewy finish. Do not use powder but some setting spray if needed. I also need a lot of coverage so I use Joe Blasco foundation. I apply with damp beauty blender and pat it on. But it looks like a mess anyway after a while. Hopefully this is temporary for me so that things will get back to normal. I hope you find skincare products and foundation that suits your skintype as well. Everyone is different so I guess you have to try for yourself what you like and not.