Frequently Asked Questions
How do you apply concealer on dry skin?
Start with well-moisturized skin, giving your moisturizer or eye cream a few minutes to absorb so the concealer has a smooth—not slippery—surface to grip. Apply foundation first, then use concealer only where you still need coverage; fewer layers mean less product available to cling to dry patches or settle into fine lines.
Shade selection also matters. “Concealers are not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing,” says Leticia Meyers, a makeup artist based in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. “When it comes to choosing the right shade for your skin tone, knowing your undertones makes it a lot easier.” Choose an exact skin-tone match for blemishes and discoloration, or go one to two shades lighter than your foundation to brighten beneath the eyes.
As far as technique, pressing is gentler on dry skin than rubbing or dragging. Erika La’Pearl, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles, recommends bouncing a damp sponge over the product, while Meyers uses her ring finger to gently tap it into place for a softer finish. Either method helps melt concealer into the skin without disturbing your base or lifting flaky patches. If you need powder, use the smallest amount possible and limit it to areas prone to creasing.
Can people with dry skin wear full-coverage concealer?
Absolutely. “High coverage isn’t the problem—it’s how much you use and the texture of the formula,” says Loiz. She recommends applying a tiny amount of a creamy, flexible full-coverage concealer exactly where you need it. In fact, that can look more natural on dry skin than repeatedly layering a sheerer formula: “You’re building on too much product, which will look cakey and heavy.”
How should you prep dry skin before applying concealer?
Start with moisturizer, paying extra attention to the delicate undereye area. “Let skin care absorb before applying concealer,” says Loiz. “You want the skin hydrated and plump, but not so slippery that the concealer can’t grip.” Give your products a few minutes to sink in, then gently press away any excess before applying a thin layer of concealer.
Meet the experts
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best concealers for dry skin, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Now, watch Love Island USA star Melanie Moreno pull together her look in under 10 minutes:
