Beauty Skin-Care Tips

A Facialist Shares the Most Genius Hack for Keeping Skin Hydrated When You’re Wearing Makeup

Zoe Weiner

December 24, 2019

Thumbnail for A facialist shares the most genius hack for keeping skin hydrated when you’re wearing makeup

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Photo: Getty Images/ Simona Pilolla / EyeEm

By the time the clock strikes noon during the winter months, it can feel like every ounce of moisture has been sucked straight out of your face. Thanks to the combination of cold air outside and the blasting heat in your car/house/office, parched skin is pretty much a given. While most skin pros will tell you that the easiest fix for this sitch is simply to slather on some moisturizer or oil as soon as that dryness sets in, that isn't exactly the most helpful advice when you've got a full face of makeup on that you don't want to risk ruining. But, says celebrity facialist Angela Caglia, there's an easy solution on how to hydrate skin with makeup on: the pat-pat method.

According to her, it's A-okay to put moisturizer on over your foundation—as long as you're doing it the right way. "Pat an oil based moisturizer on top, which will protect your skin," she says, noting that the same goes for an oil. "It doesn't effect makeup—it will just make it softer and make lines less pronounced." She suggests keeping the products in your purse and using them for a quick hydrating touchup for when your skin is begging for a bit more moisture.

If you're worried about this reverse layering clogging your pores (and causing breakouts), Caglia says it shouldn't be a problem. "If you're wearing clean makeup that won't clog your pores [on its own], putting a moisturizer on top shouldn't clog pores since you're going to be out in the elements and inside in the heat," she says. One caveat? "Do a deep cleanse in the evening to take everything off." Shop our favorite oil-free moisturizers and winter-friendly facial oils below, and get ready to layer your moisturizer and foundation the same way you layer your sweaters this season.

Angela Caglia Soufflé Moisturizer, $70

This light-as-a-cloud moisturizer "soufflé" won't feel greasy or goopy when you put it on, but will seal in moisture thanks to ingredients like meadowfoam seed oil and goat's milk.

SkinFix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream, $50

In addition to being oil-based, this cream is packed with lipids and peptides to help restore the skin barrier—which can become compromised by the environment this time of year.

Odièle Beauty Rose Sérum, $125

The perfect product for keeping in your purse at all times, this serum layers beautifully both under and over makeup. Plus, its subtle floral scent makes it feel like a true luxury to apply, no matter where it winds up in your routine.

Glossier Priming Moisturizer Rich, $35

Dermatologists love this creamy moisturizer thanks to its fatty-acids and cermide-rich formula, which aids in barrier repair and hydration—and its buttery texture.

e.l.f. Nourishing Facial Oil, $10

For an effective facial oil that won't wipe out your bank account, this drugstore option is a great choice. It's got rose, avocado, and grape seed oils, aka a triple threat for nourishing hydration.

For the ultimate in post-makeup moisture, start with one of these hydrating foundations, and be sure to look for one of these three derm-approved ingredients on your moisturizer label to help banish dry skin.

Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.