How to Wear Makeup if You Have Textured Skin

Building a good skin-care routine comes down to understanding your skin type. You wouldn’t use a rich cream if you have oily skin, or a strong toner if you’re prone to dryness, right? The same kind of care should go into your makeup routine. It’s easy to get swept up in the latest makeup trend, from satin to matte cloud skin. However, tailoring your makeup routine to your skin type is the best way to create a flawless face. “Makeup can behave differently over textured skin,” says celebrity makeup artist Tayaba Jafri. Whether you have small patches of texture or larger areas of unevenness, customizing your routine with an arsenal of products specialized for your skin type has its benefits. Ahead, three celebrity makeup artists share their tips for blurring texture and creating a smooth base.

Featured experts

• Tayaba Jafri is a celebrity makeup artist and global beauty director for Laura Mercier
• David Birdwell is a celebrity makeup artist and executive director of global education and artistry at bareMinerals
• Emily Gray is a celebrity makeup artist

Common issues with textured skin

Each skin type has its own set of challenges. Skin that’s too oily can create shine, while dry skin can make products appear patchy. For textured skin, the issues are often similar to those associated with mature skin. “Settling into uneven areas, foundation catching on dry patches, or powders exaggerating the texture, are some of the most common concerns,” says Jafri. Celebrity makeup artist David Birdwell adds that exacerbating fine lines and enlarged pores can also be an issue with makeup on textured skin. However, all skin is uniquely beautiful, and as the pros note, the main issue is not the skin but the products used. “The most common mistake I see is with the makeup selection. Most people aren’t using the right products for textured skin,” says celebrity makeup artist Emily Gray.

Types of products that work for textured skin

While glowy looks may be popular, they’re not ideal for textured skin. “The goal is to create a smooth, hydrated base which will help create a skin-like finish with your makeup. From there, your makeup coverage will depend on your needs,” says Jafri. Tinted moisturizers are perfect for providing sheer coverage and delivering a hydrated look. Powder formulas can be just as beneficial, especially for heavily textured areas. “Dewy or sparkly finishes, for example, tend to catch the light and draw attention to unevenness and unintentionally highlight texture rather than soften it,” says Birdwell. Powder makeup products are often associated with a matte finish, but that doesn’t mean your look has to be completely matte. Natural and glowy is still attainable, however, as Gray explains, using matte products on the textured areas while leaving the rest natural and glowy will keep them from standing out. 

Products to try with textured skin

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This lightweight foundation is a refreshing approach to matte formulas, largely due to its skin-care-infused formula and dropper applicator. They allow you to customize your coverage, making it easy to build up from sheer to medium layers.

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“Powders tend to give a more blurred, lightweight finish without settling into texture,” says Birdwell. This formula is designed to help balance oil and blur imperfections, leaving you with a natural skin-like finish. Plus, it’s breathable and won’t settle into dry patches or fine lines.

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No matter what your routine, a loose setting powder will help blur textured areas. This version of Laura Mercier’s original formula softens the look of pores without flattening the skin’s natural dimension.

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If you prefer a pressed powder, Ogee’s formula is a good option. It blurs imperfections, controls oil and combats shine with a light touch. The result is smooth skin with a natural glow and makeup that stays intact for hours. Plus, it comes in seven complexion shades in case translucent isn’t your thing.