serum for dry skin

[nattt12]

hey so I'm 18 and my skin is dry, I use moisturizers and primers but I still get a cake finish instead of the natural dewy finish I want, and serums u guys recommend 

[AzaleeG]

If you're experiencing cakiness don't discount the importance of a hydrating toner. If you don't use a hydrating toner, no matter how much serum, cream or oil you put on your skin it won't penetrate and work to its full potency. If you flake and cake it's most likely your skin is dehydrated. think of it like a fruit, if the juice inside had dried out, no matter how much wrapping you put around it, it will still be dried out. 

Highly recommend you look into Pyunkang Yul toner essence, Amorepacific Vintage Essence and Fresh Black Tea essence. Also, drink plenty of water, you will see such a difference in your skin and lips! At 18 you really shouldn't need much to boost your skin so less is always more!

[xShawnax]

Maracuja oil by Tarte is my holy grail. Mix 2-3 drops with a water based moisturizer and apply before bed every night 💕

[BriRachelle]

I had the same problem too. It all starts with skin care. Avoid toners with high concentrations of alcohol. Use an oil cleanser/face wash, hydrating serum, a good moisturizers. Kiehls makes a great intensive moisturizer. Also try gently exfoliating, be sure to avoid harsh exfoliants. I use the Tatcha rice enzyme powder for dry skin. It works amazingly and is so gentle. It leaves the skin super soft and smooth! As for makeup, start with a hydrating primer and get a few samples of different luminous/ hydrating foundation. For light coverage days I use the Josie Maran argan foundation and for more full coverage days I like the Hourglass stick foundation. The urban decay chill makeup setting spray is great and the Pixie dewy spray is also amazing. Good luck!

[kikyochan]

Since you are 18, your skin is probably in good shape, maybe its the foundation that's the problem. Try foundations with more satin or luminous finish, don't go for foundations that are really matte, they can look Cakey/ powdery easily. For serum recommendations, try drunk elephant B hydra intensive hydration gel

[crystalcake]

Tacking skincare first with a serum is a good idea, but it also depends on what foundation and how you're applying too. Like my skin is normal to dry most days, and there are some foundations that look dewy even on my driest days, and there are some that look cakey literally no matter what I do. If you give us some more information about your makeup routine we may be able to offer more advice 🙂

For me personally, I use First Aid Beauty's hydrating serum every night, and since it has hyaluronic acid I always sandwich it between two layers of facial spray mist. So I do a mist, serum, mist. Hyaluronic acid (and any serum with it) will work better if it has moisture to draw from. It'll draw the water from your spray into your skin, rather than drawing from the atmosphere. 

In the morning I do Clinique Turnaround lotion (it's really a watery essence) since it's faster drying, and then I add my moisturizer after that dries.

[Anonymous]

Hi @nattt12,

Do you exfoliate regularly (i.e., 2-3x per week)? Just wondering if the cakey finish you are experiencing with your makeup might be resolved with a good exfoliating product. There are several chemical and physical exfoliators out there, depending on which type your skin prefers. Exfoliating will also help to slough off the dry, flaky skin that may be causing the cakey finish you have been experiencing and it will help your existing products to adhere better and apply more smoothly.

If you’re using an exfoliating product weekly, and continue to find your makeup looking cakey instead of dewy, you might look into Glossier Super Glow Serum to help with brightening and smoothing your complexion. Alternatively, especially with winter right around the corner, instead of a serum for brightening, you might want to consider mixing an oil into your moisturizer. One worth looking into is the Sonia Kashuk Radiant Boost Restorative Facial Oil – just add a drop in with your moisturizer to help boost hydration while giving your skin a subtle, natural glow.