Why does my makeup look dry and cracked? You’ll learn 5 top reasons why you could be facing this issue and solutions for smooth, radiant skin.
Everyone’s woman who uses makeup has been there at one point; you apply your makeup, only to have it look dry and cracked by the end of the day.
But why does that happen? And more importantly, how can you fix it?
In this post, you’ll learn 5 common why your makeup looks dry, cracked or flaky, after a few hours.
Why Does My Makeup Look Dry And Cracked?
You Don’t Moisturize Enough
When your skin doesn’t have enough moisture, it feels dry and tight. Take for example, a dry sponge that can’t soak up water, it’s the same way your skin struggles to absorb makeup.
This happens when your skin isn’t hydrated enough, it could be because you’re not drinking enough water or because you’re not using a moisturizer.
To fix this, drink more water, and use a good moisturizer. For instance, if you use a hydrating serum like Tree Of Life, which has hyaluronic acid, it brings great moisture to your skin, making it plump and ready for makeup.
Keeping your skin hydrated is like giving it a drink of water before putting on makeup; it helps everything go on smoother and looks better!
Wrong Skincare Products
Choosing the right skincare products is like finding the perfect outfit for your skin to make you look elegant.
Sometimes, using the wrong products can make your skin unhappy and it ends up affecting how your makeup looks.
For instance, if you have oily skin and use heavy, creamy moisturizers, it could make your makeup slide off.
To find a solution to this, you need to figure out your skin type ( oily, dry, or combination) and pick products that are good for it.
For example, if you have oily skin, try a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer.
You can use this product by Cetaphil, specifically made for oily and sensitive skin. This product doesn’t make your skin feel heavy and you can use it in warmer weather too.
If you have dry skin, using products that strip away the moisture can make your skin feel even drier.
So, look out for gentle, hydrating cleansers and rich moisturizers.
For example, Neutrogena Hydro Boost it’s a great product for dry skin, and keeps it supple and ready for makeup.
For combination skin (which can be oily in some areas and dry in others), you need to strike a balance. So, looking for products that have combination skin labelled on it, is very important.
For example, a good choice is Paula’s Choice Toner. This toner helps you regulate the oiliness without drying out the drier parts of your face.
Weather Conditions
The weather can change how your skin feels and it can also change how makeup looks on your face.
In cold, dry weather, your skin might get dry and rough, making your makeup look uneven. While in hot and humid weather, your makeup could feel oily or start melting.
To help regulate your face in cold weather, use a thick moisturizer, to stop your skin from getting dry. This will help your makeup go on smoothly, refer to suggestions above.
For hotter weather, try using oil control moisturizers to keep your skin less oily and your makeup from sliding off.
Makeup Application Technique
How you apply your makeup matters too! If you put too much or use the wrong tools, it can make your makeup look dry and not look good.
For instance, using a lot of foundation, can make your face look cakey.
Try using a small amount instead and blend it consistently with a makeup sponge, like Beakey makeup sponges, or with quality foundation brushes for a smoother look, like DUcare.
Cleaning your brushes is also a factor of flaky, dry makeup, and using old and dirty brushes can mess up your entire makeup routine.
So, try a good brush cleaner mat to keep your brushes clean or a makeup brush machine that cleans your brushes to keep them hygienic and fresh.
Quality of Makeup Products
The quality of makeup you use makes a big difference in how it looks on your face and whether it will look dry, flaky or cracked.
For example, bad quality makeup might not stay on as long or could irritate your skin.
Imagine buying a cheap quality dress that hasn’t been stitched well and it tears the first day you wear it, compared to a good quality one that has been stitched well, and you’ve had it for a while. It’s a bit like that with good and bad quality makeup.
Investing in good quality makeup, like L’Oréal Paris True Match which you can find in most drugstores. It makes your makeup look better and stays on longer without causing irritation.
Good quality makeup doesn’t always mean expensive. It means finding a product that works well for you and your skin.
Look for things like the ingredients they use, it needs to work well with your skin type.
For instance, if you have sensitive skin, search for makeup labeled hypoallergenic.
Quality makeup also stays on longer without feeling heavy, so look for products that say long-lasting or lightweight on the label.
Why does My Face Look Dry and Flaky Video
In this video, you’ll get a dermatologists view on why you have dry flaky skin on your face.
Watch This Useful Video
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fix dry makeup with water?
No, adding water to dry makeup can change the texture.
The best fix is to try using a hydrating mist or a setting spray that helps in refreshing dry makeup without changing the formula.
Does expired makeup cause dryness?
Yes, expired makeup can irritate your skin and cause dryness. You should always check the expiry dates on all makeup products.
Different products have various dates you need to consider to avoid a negative affect when wearing your makeup.
Will using plenty moisturizer help dry makeup?
Not necessarily; using plenty of moisturizer under makeup could make it slide off and give you the opposite result.
Instead, use a good quality primer moisturizer for a r that will keep your skin hydrated and allows your makeup to stay in place.
Does the order of makeup application affect dryness?
Yes, a good rule of thumb for applying makeup to avoid it looking dry and cakey short term and long term, is a good face cleanser, hydrating toner, serum, and quality foundation (dependant on skin type).
Further Reading and Sources
Realsimple: Complete Guide to Makeup Expiration Dates
Mayoclinic: Guide on Dry skin
LorealParisUsa: 10 Tips for Applying Makeup When You Have Dry Skin
Newyork Presbyterian: 10 tips for protecting your skin in the cold weather
Verywellmind: Causes of Dry, Itchy, and Flaky Skin
Why Does My Makeup Look Dry And Cracked
I know how frustrating it can be to put on makeup and have your face feel dry or maybe even look cracked. It’s like you’re doing all the work for nothing!
Remember, the 5 key points above, lack of moisture, weather conditions, wrong skincare products, makeup technique and quality products, they are amongst the top reasons why your makeup is looking flaky and dry.
Making these simple changes and it will make a huge difference with your makeup journey and a step away from the flawless and radiant skin you want.
