Finding the correct foundation is tricky, and can be even trickier for people with dry skin. But through our trial and error, we discovered the best foundations for dry skin to make your life a tad bit easy. Dry skin is a common yet uncomfortable skin condition caused by rapid water loss in the skin, which may be due to age, hormones, weather, or lifestyle habits (1). 

Characterized by a flaky and rough texture, it can turn makeup application into a nightmare if you are not careful when choosing makeup for dry skin. You can end up highlighting the drier-than-Sahara-desert skin texture instead of covering it. Therefore, you need a hydrating foundation that prevents moisture loss, gives a radiant and dewy finish, has a lightweight texture, and possibly lasts all day.

Speaking about the ingredients of a foundation for dry skin, our contributor Dr. Anna Chacon, Dermatologist - MyPsoriasisTeam, says, “A foundation for dry skin should include ingredients that hydrate and nourish the skin. Look for foundations that contain hyaluronic acid, which is known for its intense hydration properties. Glycerin is another beneficial ingredient as it helps draw moisture into the skin. Foundations with natural oils like jojoba or argan oil can also be beneficial for dry skin as they help to nourish and moisturize. Additionally, try to avoid foundations with alcohol or fragrances, as they can be drying and irritating to the skin.”

Sounds impossible, right! Trust our team of experts when we say it is not. Because after putting several products to the test, we found foundations for dry skin that will give you a dewy and luminous glow. So, let’s get glowing!

• 1
  Most Affordable

  Maybelline New York Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation

  Buy on Amazon

There is a reason the Maybelline New York Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation is a cult favorite. True to its claims, this foundation for dry skin has a finish that stands toe-to-toe with its expensive counterparts. It is known for its smooth and luminous finish that gives you a natural-looking, dewy complexion. Formulated with glycerin and vitamin E, this foundation moisturizes the skin and keeps the patchiness at bay (2), (3). It has SPF 18 and is available in twenty-four shades to fit different skin tones.

2

Best anti-ageing foundation

COVERGIRL & Olay Simply Ageless Instant Wrinkle-Defying Foundation

Buy on Amazon

Drawing from our experience, COVERGIRL does not play when it comes to their foundations. This  Instant Wrinkle-Defying Foundation brings together the best of skincare and makeup. It is a dewy foundation for dry skin with a soft, creamy formula that feels rich and nourishing, just like a moisturizer. Formulated with hyaluronic complex, it provides an instant youthful glow and minimizes the appearance of fine lines (4). It also has some other antioxidants, including vitamin C, niacinamide, and vitamin E.

3

Best drugstore foundation

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow FoundationFrankie Rose Cosmetics Matte Perfection Foundation

Buy on Amazon

A holy grail for many, the L'Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation is a lightweight, creamy, glowy foundation that will last you the whole day. Loved by makeup enthusiasts and professionals alike, this foundation is sheer enough to give you that natural look and buildable to medium coverage to conceal redness, uneven skin tone, and marks. After trying out this product, we can say it is one of the best drugstore foundations for dry skin. 

4

Best sheer finish

COVERGIRL Clean Fresh Skin Milk Foundation

Buy on Amazon

If you are in the market for a super light yet nourishing foundation for dry skin, COVERGIRL might have something for you. Their Clean Fresh Skin Milk Foundation is as lightweight as a foundation can be. As the name suggests, this foundation has a milky texture that blends well and gives a natural healthy glow to the skin. Formulated with coconut milk and aloe vera extracts, the Clean Fresh Skin Milk Foundation is vegan and may even be called the best foundation for sensitive skin.  

5

Best for full coverage

wet n wild Photo Focus Foundation

Buy on Amazon

The wet n wild Photo Focus Foundation is a full-coverage foundation for dry skin that is super affordable and offers high performance comparable to expensive formulations. With its creamy texture and silky smooth finish, it works well at minimizing the appearance of pores. There is a reason this foundation is Tik Tok famous, and after putting it to the test, we couldn't help but feel amazed at its performance.

6

Best lightweight formulation

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup

Buy on Amazon

For Those who do not like the typical heavy feeling that comes with makeup for dry skin, this is perfect for you. This foundation offers a light and airy feel like no other foundation. It is makeup that does not look like makeup. This Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup is rich in antioxidants-rich formula works to give you healthy and hydrated skin (5). Our team discovered through using this product that it can give tough competition to its high-end counterparts.

7

Best overall

Maybelline New York Dream Radiant Liquid Hydrating Foundation

Buy on Amazon

A foundation that feels nothing like makeup but looks like your skin — that's the beauty of the Maybelline New York Dream Radiant Liquid Hydrating Foundation. It only works like makeup but feels like a serum. Its lightweight and hydrating formula gives a beautiful dewy finish while taking care of your skin with its hyaluronic acid and collagen-infused formula.

8

Best dewy foundation

L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect 4-in-1 Tinted Balm

Buy on Amazon

This L'Oreal tinted Balm is another addition to the category of makeup for dry skin that works like skincare. It glides on the skin smoothly like butter and melts seamlessly into the skin. Based on our firsthand experience, its lightweight yet nourishing formula minimizes the appearance of fine lines and makes skin look smoother.

9

Best shade range

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation + Skincare

Buy on Amazon

Your search for the best dewy foundation may end with IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation + Skincare. True to its name, this cult-favorite foundation gives medium coverage with a naturally radiant finish while also providing ample nourishment to the skin with its skin-loving ingredients such as aloe vera, panthenol, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid. After trying out this product, we found that it did improve skin texture and tone to some extent.

10

Best foundation on a budget

FV SK-Forever Nourishes Skin Concealer Liquid Foundation

Buy on Amazon

A brilliant Amazon find, the FV SK-Forever Nourishes Skin Concealer Liquid Foundation, could be your foundation soulmate. It comes with a set of instructions for application and promises to get the job done, which based on our observations, it does! If you are looking for the best foundation for dry skin on a budget, with a light to medium coverage and skin-like finish, this one from FV could be a good option.

11

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

Buy on Amazon

When it comes to luxury purchases for a foundation for dry skin, nothing beats the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. Available in forty shades, this foundation is known for its silky smooth finish that gives a lasting soft luminous glow. No wonder it is a favorite amongst makeup artists. 

12

RMS Beauty “Un” Cover-Up Cream Foundation

Buy on Amazon

Following in the footsteps of the iconic RMS Un Cover-Up Concealer, now we have the Beauty “Un” Cover-Up Cream Foundation. It is the best at what it does. Its rich and creamy formula, with ingredients such as jojoba seed oil, castor oil, coconut oil, and beeswax, has occlusive properties that would keep your skin hydrated throughout the day by preventing water loss (6). This foundation offers light to full buildable coverage while still feeling lightweight.

Even though we have given you the list of the best foundations for dry skin, you must keep a few important things in mind before making a purchase.

Skincare comes first

The secret behind a flawless and long-lasting makeup look is a good and hydrating skincare routine. Cleanse your face and apply a hydrating serum followed by a hydrating moisturizer. Don't forget to add a layer of sunscreen. Even though most foundations contain SPF, they don't provide enough protection.

Ingredients

Check out the label of the foundation for hydrating and moisturizing ingredients. Look for humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid which will draw moisture from your environment to your skin to keep it hydrated. Ceramides will ensure that your skin looks healthy and plump. Shea butter and oils such as jojoba, argan, and marula oil have occlusive properties and prevent water loss.

Texture/Formula

For dry skin, liquid and lightweight cream formulations work best. Such formulas can keep the dryness in check.

Coverage

The best foundations for dry skin are the ones that provide sheer to medium coverage. 

Finish

Since dry skin is more prone to looking dull, opt for foundations that give a dewy finish. Look for words such as radiant, glowy, or luminous. Stay away from matte foundations since they can make dry and patchy skin worse.

Customer Reviews/Feedback

Don't just believe what the brands say. Read an adequate number of customer reviews to gain proper, real-life, and authentic insights into the foundation's performance. 

Using foundation for dry skin should be a piece of cake but not look cakey. Layer your lightweight liquid or creamy foundation with a good moisturizer. Set the base with a moisturizing primer to ensure a smooth application. There is not much difference in the actual application of the foundation. You may use a brush, a damp sponge, or even your fingers. Just remember, that for dry skin, less is more.

Our contributor, Dr. Anna Chacon shares a few tips to make the foundation last longer on dry skin, saying, “For dry skin, the key is all about preparation and choosing the right products. Start with a gentle exfoliation to remove dry, flaky skin. Follow this with a hydrating moisturizer and a good quality primer to create a smooth canvas. When choosing a foundation, opt for a hydrating formula or those specifically designed for dry skin. Avoid matte or powder-based foundations as they can make dry skin look flakier. Finally, set your foundation with a hydrating setting spray instead of a powder to help it last longer without drying out your skin.”

Conclusion

Finding the best foundation for dry skin can be a difficult task. It is true, especially when the market is flooded with countless options that might or might not worsen the dryness. But, don't worry. With our selection of tried and tested foundations for dry skin, we have attempted to reduce at least some of your makeup woes. Foundation no longer has to be your foe. From serum-like finishes to creamy balms, we bring to you a diverse range of foundations. Choose any of the lightweight hydrating formulas we have hand-picked for you as per your liking, and thank us later.

Contributor: Dr. Anna Chacon, Dermatologist - MyPsoriasisTeam