L'HEIR

Wearing full-coverage foundation on dry skin can feel like a losing battle. Cracking, flaking, or patchiness often steals the spotlight, no matter how carefully you apply your base. But here’s the good news: your skincare routine can make all the difference.

This routine is designed specifically for dry skin to ensure your makeup goes on smoothly, stays hydrated all day, and stays put without flaking or peeling. Follow these skincare steps, and your foundation will look just as flawless at night as it did in the morning.

Morning Skincare Routine for Flawless Makeup

Step 1: Gentle, Hydrating Cleanser

Start your day fresh without stripping natural oils. Choose creamy or gel cleansers that nourish dry skin.
Recommended:

• La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
• CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Step 2: Hydrating Toner or Essence

Lock in moisture right after cleansing to plump and prep the skin.
Recommended:

• Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer
• COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

Step 3: Dewy Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

A hydrating serum under your moisturizer helps retain moisture all day, keeping your skin supple under makeup.
Recommended:

• The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
• Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum

Step 4: Deeply Hydrating Moisturizer

Moisturizer is key to preventing dryness-induced flaking. Choose something rich and barrier-building.
Recommended:

• Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
• Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream

Step 5: SPF That Layers Well

SPF is non-negotiable, even under foundation. Opt for sunscreens that hydrate without causing pilling or patchiness.
Recommended:

• Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
• EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen SPF 46

Evening Skincare Routine for Makeup-Ready Skin

Nighttime is all about repairing the skin barrier and replenishing moisture lost throughout the day.

Step 1: Double Cleanse

Remove makeup with an oil-based cleanser, then follow with your gentle cleanser.
Recommended:

• DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
• Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser

Step 2: Hydrating Toner or Essence (Again!)

Rebalance and hydrate skin post-cleanse. Use the same morning toner or essence.

Step 3: Barrier Repair Serum

Strengthen and soothe your skin’s moisture barrier overnight.
Recommended:

• Krave Beauty Great Barrier Relief
• Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Serum

Step 4: Night Cream or Overnight Mask

Seal everything in with a heavy-duty moisturizer or overnight mask to wake up to hydrated skin.
Recommended:

• Laneige Water Sleeping Mask
• Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask

Weekly Skincare Boosters

Gentle Exfoliation (1–2x per week)

Keep skin smooth and prepped for makeup application.
Recommended:

• Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
• Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

Hydrating Sheet Masks

Boost hydration before special occasions or when skin feels extra dry.
Recommended:

• Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Facial Barrier Mask
• Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mask

Mistakes to Avoid for Flake-Free Foundation

• Skipping moisturizer: Always moisturize, even if you feel slightly oily.
• Using oil-control products: These are typically too drying for dry skin.
• Overpowdering: Only powder oily zones if absolutely necessary.

Your Foundation’s New Best Friend

Ready to pair your new skincare routine with the perfect foundation? Check out our roundup of the 20 Best Full Coverage Foundations for Dry Skin and give your flawless look the ultimate boost.