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Base makeup routine for dry, acne-prone skin

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I know how hard it is to build a base makeup routine when you have dry, textured, and/or acne-prone skin. After over 5 years of Sephora samples, flaky foundation, and moisturizers that don't actually hydrate, I've found my holy grail products. This i...
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Exfoliator

I've found that *LIGHTLY* exfoliating once per week helps smooth out my skin and reduce texture. 

 
Emma Ikeda profile picture
My dermatologist has recommended Cetaphil for years! This is a drugstore staple.
Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser | Cetaphil
 
Emma Ikeda profile picture
These are literally miracle wipes that improve texture while reducing signs of aging.
Daily Cleansing Pads | ROC
 
Emma Ikeda profile picture
This stuff is super gentle and unclogs pores like no other.
2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant | Paula's Choice

Moisturizer

Moisturizer is the single most important step of my base routine. Without a solid moisturizer, my foundation becomes cakey and literally flakes off my face.

 
Emma Ikeda profile picture
This is what I use at night, to prep my skin for the morning.
Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer | La Roche Posay
 
Emma Ikeda profile picture
I use this every morning - it's a moisturizer, sunscreen, and primer all in one.
Invisible Hydrating Serum Sunscreen | Hello Sunshine
 
Emma Ikeda profile picture
This is definitely a SPLURGE, but was rated “Best Overall” moisturizer for dry skin by Allure.
Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 Moisturizer Cream | SkinCeuticals

Primer

I used to think primer was overrated, until I tried these products! Having a barrier between your skin and your foundation makes your appearance 5x smoother.

 
Emma Ikeda profile picture
This is the first primer I ever tried - it's sticky (in a good way), non-irritating, and hydrating.
Hydro Grip Hydrating Face Primer | Milk
 
Emma Ikeda profile picture
This is a dupe of the Milk product and works very similarly if you're on a budget.
Power Grip Primer | e.l.f.
 
Emma Ikeda profile picture
I love a primer with SPF in it, and this one is super lightweight if you don't like a sticky texture.
Smoothing Primer Serum SPF 30 | Paula's Choice

Skin Tint / BB Cream

I prefer skin tints for day-to-day makeup looks. I like just enough coverage to conceal my redness, but lightweight enough to make my skin looks like glass!

 
Emma Ikeda profile picture
This is the best BB cream in the market. If it's not available on MISSHA's site, you can get it on Amazon.
M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 PA+++ | MISSHA
 
Emma Ikeda profile picture
This is a great starter BB cream. It's more of a tinted sunscreen than a makeup product, which is what I like about it!
Premium BB Tinted Moisturizer With Niacinamide And SPF 40 | Dr. Jart
 
Emma Ikeda profile picture
Great shade range. It's lightweight, hydrating, and has buildable coverage.
Skin Idôle 3 Serum Supertint Luminous Skin Tint | Lancôme

Foundation

When I'm feeling fancy, I reach for these foundations.

 
Emma Ikeda profile picture
My favorite foundation. Applies super smooth and has just the right amount of coverage.
Triclone Skin Tech Foundation | Haus Labs
 
Emma Ikeda profile picture
This is a slightly cheaper alternative to the Haus Labs foundation that works just as well!
Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation SPF 25 | Kosas
 
Emma Ikeda profile picture
This is a more luxurious option with intense hydration and medium-full coverage.
Dior Forever Skin Glow: Hydrating Face Foundation | Dior