There are some rules of thumb which you should follow regarding your skincare routine. Some of these rules are related to matching your skin type with the cosmetics you use.

Others are connected to following an optimal order of applying skin care products. For example, you should apply moisturizer before makeup. But if it is vice versa?

Let’s go into detail.

Your skin type matters

Do you have dry, normal, oily or combination skin? 

Sebum production plays a vital role in skin hydration through glycerol, which is necessary for an overall skin barrier. 

In addition, sebum delivers lipids to the skin’s surface (epidermis) that can help prevent transepidermal water loss.

But excess sebum production leads to oily skin. The opposite process leads to dry skin. 

Why is this important? Because you should find your skin type and use the proper moisturizer and the right makeup for your skin.

Which moisturizer suits your skin?

Water-based moisturizers will not contain oil or silicones at the top of their ingredient lists. They are more appropriate for people with oily skin.

Oil-based moisturizers will contain oils at the top of the formula. They are suitable for dry skin types.

Silicone-based moisturizers are appropriate for all skin types. They create a barrier on the skin that prevents transepidermal water loss

You can find silicone on the label as methicone, phenyl trimethicone, dimethicone, dimethiconol, cyclomethicone.

Which makeup suits your skin?

Here we can follow the same logic. Some types of makeup are more appropriate for dry skin, while others fit better the oily skin.

You will choose the product’s texture, whether your skin is dry or oily. 

Ideal for dry skin is hydrating makeup that won’t make your face flake. 

They contain moisturizers in their formula, such as hyaluronic acid and other beneficial skin care substances primarily. 

If you have oily skin, opt for an oil-free, long-lasting formula that won’t leave you looking shiny during the day. 

Some affordable alternatives to foundations are the very popular BB and CC creams. 

BB cream is a lighter version of liquid powder with added nutrients for the face. 

CC is a color-correcting cream used to even out the complexion of facial skin with redness or fine spots. 

These creams can be an excellent substitute for a foundation in a daytime look or for young skin that doesn’t need coverage.

Here are a couple of tips when you apply makeup on dry skin

• Always put moisturizer under foundation an hour before you apply makeup;
• Exfoliate your skin regularly to get rid of the dry and flaky surface;
• Choose a foundation specifically designed for dry skin because it has more moisturizer in it;
• Avoid makeup with a mattifying effect because it means the product is dry and is used on oilier skin to dim the shine;
• Avoid heavy makeup and lots of layers on your skin.

Here are a couple of tips when you apply makeup on oily skin

• Hydrate. Exfoliating can make the skin dry out, which will try to counteract by producing more oil. Control this by keeping the skin hydrated;
• Use foundation. If you have oily skin, this helps the makeup stay in place with the right consistency;
• Cover areas more prone to oiliness (forehead, nose and chin) with a light, opaque foundation that does not contain oils. Powder foundations are the best option; 
• Make sure your face is clean and dry before applying makeup; 
• Choose makeup with a glossy or matte finish; 
• To apply foundation, use a brush or pencil. This will help avoid blocking pores and absorbing excess oils from the skin without encouraging more production; 
• Please don’t use too much powder, as it might coat the pores and increases the risk of infection or acne;
• Clean your makeup at the end of the day. Leaving makeup on overnight will clog pores and cause imperfections. 

How is makeup related to moisturizer?

We can see the logic. The moisturizer should be applied before your foundation, powder, blush, etc. This is how you will be on the safe side.

Imagine the opposite. You have applied your setting powder with mica, silica or magnesium. Then you put a blush with minerals and silicones in the formula. 

Then you dilute it with moisturizer – I believe you don’t want to see the result.

Still, there might be a good interaction between moisturizer and foundation if they are with a similar structure – both water-based or oil-based.

If this is the case, you can even mix them before applying.

The bottom line

If you want to change your skincare routine, applying moisturizer over your makeup shouldn’t be one of these changes.

While you could experiment with blending some similar stuff, in most cases, you will not want to put moisturizer over your makeup, as it will ruin both products, make you look bad or clog your pores. 

Thank you for reading!

Valeria