14 Best Full Coverage Foundations for Dry Skin And Dewy Finish

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Oct 17, 2023
Best Full Coverage Foundations for Dry Skin And Dewy Finish
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While most people invest in skincare products for their skin type, many don’t consider looking for the same specific properties in their makeup products too. Hence, people with dry skin often don’t realize why their foundation is highlighting their peach fuzz, and dry patches, while also leaving a white cast.  If you face similar trouble with your existing foundation, then you have come to the right place, as we have curated a list of the best full-coverage foundation for dry skin.

To avoid highlighting the imperfections on dry skin, you not only need to use the right product but also need to ensure that you are applying it properly to cover imperfections. Sharing her thoughts on foundations for dry skin, Celebrity Makeup Expert Lisa Eldrige says “apply a small amount, really blend that in, and then you can add more. It is much better to do that than to add a lot in the beginning because then it can start to look like a mask.”

To suit your skin type, your foundation needs to have a dense, moisturizing consistency and should give a dewy finish. So without further ado, let’s dive into our product recommendations to suit your needs.

14 Best Full Coverage Foundations for Dry Skin

For those who are tired of getting foundation accumulated in the creases of your wrinkles, this anti-aging foundation by COVERGIRL+OLAY is an incredible product choice. The 3-in-1 product has a luxurious, emollient formulation with hyaluronic complex and vitamin C that helps reverse signs of aging while nourishing dry skin. It has the properties of a toner that helps smooth out imperfections and reduce the appearance of dark circles. Lastly, the product provides full coverage and works as an excellent makeup base, which makes it one of the best full-coverage foundations for dry skin. A pro-tip to make the best of this product is to choose a shade darker than your skin tone.

Pros
  • Cruelty-free
  • Deeply hydrating
  • Reduces wrinkles
  • Doesn’t highlight pores
  • Leaping bunny certified
  • Available in many shades
Cons
  • Bit oily
  • Best Non-comedogenic Formula

    MAYBELLINE NEW YORK FIT me Dewy + Smooth Foundation

    MAYBELLINE NEW YORK FIT me Dewy + Smooth Foundation
  • People with dry skin often wish for a dewy, smooth finish, and this advanced foundation by Maybelline New York provides precisely that. The liquid foundation has a plush consistency and is fortified with vitamin E and SPF 18, which deeply nourish and protect your skin. The formulation gets absorbed well, sits comfortably, and feels like a second skin. Unlike foundations with dryer consistencies, this product does not highlight patches, peach fuzz, or imperfections, which makes it one of the best drugstore full-coverage foundations for dry skin.

    Pros
    • Blends nicely
    • Hydrating formula
    • Doesn’t get cakey
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Prevents sun damage
    • Not tested on animals
    Cons
    • Inefficient container
    • Slightly oily consistency
  • BEST HIGH-END PRODUCT

    Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation

    Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation
  • You can skip wearing any nourishing creams or serums under this skincare-cum-foundation by Charlotte Tilbury as it provides all the nourishment that your skin could ask for. This luxury foundation will make your skin look and feel fantastic as it adds a tint of liveliness to pale-looking skin while eliminating the feeling of dryness and tightness in it. The product boasts three advanced technologies that set it apart from drugstore ones — REPLEXIUM® to blur the appearance of fine lines, MossCellTec™ to boost hydration, and AirCool™ to leave your skin feeling fresh. And our personal experience with this product has left us drooling over it!

    Pros
    • Easy to blend
    • Humidity-proof
    • Water-proof
    • Vegan and cruelty-free
    • Boosts hydration
    • Highly buildable
    • Easy to blend
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Thick and heavy
  • BEST CLEAN FORMULA

    LAWLESS Conseal The Deal Full-coverage Foundation

    LAWLESS Conseal The Deal Full-coverage Foundation
  • Lawless can make your skin look flawless — as this product proves that every time you apply it! The product took us by surprise when we found out that its richly-pigmented coverage and picture-perfect finish are enabled by clean and natural ingredients such as ginger root, goji berry, and nasturtium. This also means the product tantalizes your senses while sprucing your facial aesthetic. Plus, the texture is creamy and buildable like you’d expect from any full-coverage foundation — which is why we highly recommend it!

    Pros
    • Available in many shades
    • Highly blendable
    • Very hydrating
    • Rejuvenates your skin
    • Conceals dark circles
    • Gives a natural finish
    Cons
    • A bit watered down
  • BEST CHOICE FOR OILY SKIN

    tarte Mini Amazonian Clay 16-Hour Full-coverage Foundation

    tarte Mini Amazonian Clay 16-Hour Full-coverage Foundation
  • Those who dread getting an oily sheen on their face need not worry, as this full-coverage foundation by Tarte is here to gently soak it all up! Formulated with skin-friendly Amazonian clay, this product is a treat for oily skin beauties as it gives their skin a gorgeous matte finish. Most consumers of this product agree that it blurs out imperfections such as dark spots and eye bags, so you can easily skip that concealer on days when you’re running late. And, the product is devoid of nasties such as mineral oil and phthalates.

    Pros
    • Vegan and cruelty-free
    • Lasts almost all-day
    • Lightweight and whipped
    • Delectable consistency
    • Doesn’t feel cakey
    • Rich in vitamin E
    Cons
    • May settle into fine lines
  • Best Cruelty-free Formula

    PHOERA Soft Matte Long Wear Liquid Foundation

    PHOERA Soft Matte Long Wear Liquid Foundation
  • While dry skin calls for a moisturizing foundation, most people look for a foundation that has a clean, matte finish. And this incredible foundation by PHOERA does the same, without making the skin too dry. It has a plush, hydrating consistency that provides full coverage. Its oil-control formula prevents and treats breakouts. Unlike many liquid foundations, the product is lightweight and sits comfortably on the skin. The product gives a gorgeous velvety-smooth finish and lasts all day.

    Pros
    • Waterproof
    • Sweatproof
    • Cruelty-free
    • Transfer-resistant
    • Suits all skin types
    • Available in many shades
    Cons
    • Small quantity
    • Little tough to blend
  • CATRICE COSMETICS HD LIQUID COVERAGE FOUNDATION

    CATRICE COSMETICS HD LIQUID COVERAGE FOUNDATION
  • This liquid foundation by CATRICE COSMETICS comes with a hygienic dropper and is easy to apply. It has a non-toxic formulation with high-quality ingredients that nourish the skin. Its niacinamide content locks skin’s natural moisture. The product is lightweight, plush, and mildly scented, for a delightful makeup experience. What gives the product an edge over other foundations is that it does not require a setting powder and provides a long-lasting matte finish. It is transfer-proof, waterproof, sweat-proof, and one of the best full-coverage foundations for dry skin.

    Pros
    • Gluten-free
    • Cruelty-free
    • Alcohol-free
    • Paraben-free
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Available in many shades
    • Sustainably sourced palm oil
    • Runny consistency
    Cons
    • Sheer coverage
  • Most Hydrating

    LANCÔME RENERGIE LIFT MAKEUP

    LANCÔME RENERGIE LIFT MAKEUP
  • Give your complexion a flawless and radiant glow with LANCÔME's Rénergie Lift Makeup! This opulent cream-based foundation will keep your skin hydrated for up to 12 hours, offering a full coverage and a luminous finish. Additionally, it's enriched with caffeine and vitamin E to blur imperfections and dark spots. You can apply it with both your fingertips or a makeup brush, and you’ll be ready to take on the day with a renewed radiance. Plus, it's also paraben-free and packs SPF 27 for extra sun protection.

    Pros
    • Minimizes imperfections
    • Offers sun protection
    • Conceals dark spots
    • Suitable for all skin types
    • Easy to apply
    • Non-greasy
    • Lightweight
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • REVLON COLORSTAY FULL COVER MAKEUP FOUNDATION

    REVLON COLORSTAY FULL COVER MAKEUP FOUNDATION
  • This liquid foundation by REVLON provides a mousse-like coverage and is easy to blend. The product glides evenly and comfortably on the skin, never gets cakey, and gives a seamless look. The liquid foundation has a lightweight, nourishing formulation with hyaluronic acid and other skin-caring ingredients. It also contains SPF 20, which protects from UVB damage. The product boosts skin’s natural moisture for a dewy look, which makes it one of the best full-coverage foundations for dry skin.

    Pros
    • Waterproof
    • Fragrance-free
    • Transfer-resistant
    • A little goes a long way
    • Resists heat and humidity
    • Available in many shades
    Cons
    • Runny consistency
    • Shades might be lighter
  • L'Oréal Paris true match nude HYALURONIC TINTED SERUM

    L'Oréal Paris true match nude HYALURONIC TINTED SERUM
  • For a no-makeup makeup look, this tinted serum by L'Oréa Paris works as the perfect makeup base. It is infused with hyaluronic acid that boosts hydration, seals-in skin’s natural moisture, and gives a plump, youthful appearance. Its luminous pigments give a dewy coverage and a radiant finish, perfect for a fresh and natural look. It provides buildable coverage, so you can layer up to cover imperfections. Its lightweight formula and high-quality ingredients make it suitable for sensitive skin.

    Pros
    • Feels comfortable
    • Suits all skin types
    • Pleasant aloe scent
    • Gives a healthy glow
    • Available in many shades
    Cons
    • Sheer coverage
    • Doesn’t cover dark spots/wrinkles
  • Best for Coverage

    DERMABLEND PROFESSIONAL COVER CREME

    DERMABLEND PROFESSIONAL COVER CREME
  • DERMABLEND PROFESSIONAL COVER CREME is an excellent foundation to cover dry patches, dark spots, and signs of aging. The advanced foundation gives concealer-like results in covering vitiligo, birthmarks, scars, and bruises too, which makes it one of the best full-coverage foundations for dry skin. It has a luxurious, creamy texture and high-quality ingredients that boost hydration and give a youthful look, which makes the product ideal for mature skin. What makes it better is that it contains SPF 30 and protects against UVA and UVB rays.

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Fragrance-free
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Suits sensitive skin
    • Minimal ingredients
    • A little goes a long way
    • Available in many shades
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Tough to blend
    • Contains mineral oil
  • Most Nourishing Formulation

    PUR 4-in-1 Love Your Selfie Longwear Foundation & Concealer

    PUR 4-in-1 Love Your Selfie Longwear Foundation & Concealer
  • This liquid foundation by PUR provides four benefits in one formulation. It works as a makeshift concealer to cover dark spots and imperfections. It is an incredible makeup base that sits comfortably on your skin and lasts for a long time. The product is infused with ingredients such as lingonberry extract, green tea, ginseng, retinol, shea butter, etc. that deeply hydrate the skin, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, protect from damage, and boost complexion. This is a makeup base with excellent skin care benefits and can also be used as a foundation.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Aesthetic bottle
    • Excellent coverage
    • Nourishing formulation
    • Easy doe-foot applicator
    • Available in 100 shades
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • HIDE INVISIBLE OIL-FREE MEDIUM FULL-COVERAGE FOUNDATION

    HIDE INVISIBLE OIL-FREE MEDIUM FULL-COVERAGE FOUNDATION
  • This product by HIDE is one of the best full-coverage foundations for dry skin with an oily T-zone. Its formula is hydrating yet oil-free, which makes it suitable for all skin types. When applied to the skin, the foundation looks undetectable and sits comfortably all day by holding up against environmental factors that make other foundations thaw. The product also doubles up as a concealer and brilliantly covers acne scars, discoloration, dark circles, dry patches, wrinkles, tattoos, and rosacea. To top it off, the matte foundation is shine-proof and gives a flawless finish.

    Pros
    • Breathable
    • Lightweight
    • Sweat-resistant
    • Buildable coverage
    • Available in many shades
    Cons
    • Bit tough to blend
  • Best for Sun Protection

    TOUCH IN SOL Advanced Real Moisture Liquid Foundation

    TOUCH IN SOL Advanced Real Moisture Liquid Foundation
  • This advanced foundation by TOUCH IN SOL offers cutting-edge skincare solutions in a foundation that is perfect for dehydrated skin. It contains soluble collagen, birch tree sap, and glycerin that improves skin elasticity, soothes inflammation, and refreshes the skin’s surface. The foundation also works as a color corrector to neutralize redness, brown spots, and rosacea. It sits on the skin like a thin screen and gives a flawlessly natural look, without leaving a white cast. The product is free from parabens, mineral oil, and acrylamide.

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Contains SPF 30
    • Ultra-smooth finish
    • Minimizes wrinkles
    • Anti-aging benefits
    • Moisture-rich formula
    Cons
    • Inefficient packaging

    Most drugstore foundations don’t have special properties to suit specific skin types, which causes problems in the finished makeup look. Hence, when you shop for the best full-coverage foundations for dry skin, you prevent getting a white cast, highlighted peach fuzz, or an uneven look. And our above-mentioned products are highly recommended for such skin problems. Before making a purchase, ensure you go through the ingredients, allergen information, application method, etc. so you are satisfied with the product. Happy shopping!

    FAQ's

    Which foundation is the best for providing full coverage to dry skin?
    PUR 4-in-1 Love Your Selfie Foundation, DERMABLEND PROFESSIONAL COVER CREME, and TOUCH IN-SOL Advanced Real Moisture Liquid Foundation are some of the best full-coverage foundations for dry skin.
    How to Apply a Full-coverage foundation on Dry Skin?
    To prevent highlighting dry skin imperfections, start by applying moisturizer and primer on your face. Then, blend a very small amount of foundation with a damp sponge. Full-coverage foundations are often buildable. Hence, once the product settles on your skin, repeat the same process and layer up.
    How long should a good full-coverage foundation last on dry skin?
    A full-coverage foundation that lasts for a minimum of 12 hours on your skin is a good choice.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Full coverage foundations for dry skin can be a bit tricky as they tend to get cakier than the products with sheer coverage. As someone who has oily skin, our in-house beauty expert, Sayantani, has asked one of our team members to try out a few full coverage foundations and share her experience regarding them. Later, Sayantani has come up with the best products that she thought can be an answer that tick marks all parameters — top-notch formula, skin-friendly ingredients, superb texture, and a great finish.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More