20 Best Foundation for Dry Skin -2023
What is the best foundation for dry skin? Finding a good foundation for dry skin can be tough. They can be stifling and dangerous to the best. best foundations for dry the skin. it. only foundation for dry the skin. Instead of smoothing out cracked surfaces, clogging pores, clinging to their corners, settling on irritated skin, or pilling the skin, apply foundation. Always apply primer before foundation. For the best primers for combination skin and setting sprays read these articles.Â
Best foundation for dry skin; From medium coverage, to light coverage and more
How to choose the right foundation for dry skin?
Choosing the wrong foundation for dry skin can leave it looking cakey and patchy. Which is why it’s so important to find a foundation that gives you flawless coverage but also keeps your dry skin healthy and your skin hydrated too.
Look for liquid foundations with nourishing oils like macadamia or even jojoba oil, as these will help your dry skin retain moisture from morning to night.
Additionally, opt for foundations that contain SPF to protect your dry skin from harmful UV rays. With the right product in hand, you can enjoy beautiful coverage and a natural youthful glow without sacrificing hydration or leaving dry patches behind.
Aside from the key ingredients in choosing the correct foundation for your dry skin, you can also see the ingredient list on the packaging. For people that have a dry skin complexion, there may be a few key ingredients in foundation products that you can avoid.
Avoid products that may cause dryness, irritation, or damage to irritated skin, such as clay or salicylic acids. Use lotions and avoid mattifying formulations, which are usually dewier and moisturizing than creams.
Which is the best foundation for Dry Skin?
1. Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40| Cruelty-Free, Vegan, Clean Beauty
We all know the importance of a facial SPF in order to protect sensitive skin too from the damage of UV rays, and luckily this makeup-skincare hybrid has it all. Not only does true skin serum foundation offer sheer coverage to balance and complement your skin tone, but it simultaneously shields the most sensitive skin too from sun damage.
The serum foundation contains a combination of niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and squalane to plump, and hydrate skin, and moisturizes dry skin. Its dewy finish makes this product the perfect option for the current ‘clean’ and dewy beauty trends, too.
2. Make Up For Ever HD Skin Undetectable Longwear Foundation
Makeup forever is a legacy brand in the beauty industry, and they never fail to deliver hard-working formulas that offer great coverage and the perfect finish every time. When it comes to this foundation, you won’t be disappointed.
The liquid foundation is waterproof, which is a huge win to start off with, and has medium coverage, offering a natural finish whilst still blending seamlessly into the skin.
Not to mention, you don’t need to worry about patchiness or the product clinging to certain areas of the face, as the clinical results have shown that 94% of people agreed that this wasn’t the case.
3. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector
For anyone who prefers light coverage moisturizer and skin feeling hydrated, a tinted moisturizer may be the choice for you right foundation on, especially if you suffer from dry skin. One of the best things about this product from Laura Mercier is that it contains a combination of natural oils derived from various nuts to offer 24 hours of hydration in your skin.
Plus, it’s worth noting that the product also contains SPF 30, so you can be sure that your skin is protected from sun damage as well as pollution, as it contains powerful vitamin C and vitamin E antioxidants.
4. Pat Mcgrath Labs Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation
Enhance your skin’s luminosity with naturally radiant foundation using the innovative Diamond Core Powder technology. This hydrating vegan foundation for dry skin is a one-stop shop that ticks all your makeup needs. It is one of the best foundations for dry skin.
One of the most prominent things you may notice is the inclusive shade range which means you can find the perfect shade for you, no matter what your skin tone is.
The product has a buildable coverage which allows you to get buildable coverage which foundation from a sheer to medium coverage depending on your application method.
However, no matter how much product you use, and how much coverage you want, you can be sure that the hydrating, tinted face oil will keep your skin hydrated all day long.
5. Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Perfector 4-in-1 Glow Foundation
This foundation for dry skin has a dewy coverage that claims to leave you with glowing skin without stripping your skin’s hydration. It’s a great option for mature skin types, too, as it smooths out the skin’s complexion to erase wrinkles and fine lines.
However, one issue we have with this product is the limited shade range, as there are just eight shades available, which isn’t enough to cover the diverse range of skin tones out there. While the product itself is one of the best foundations for dry skin, its limited shade range is definitely its biggest downfall.
6. It Cosmetics CC+ Cream SPF 50+
The It Cosmetics CC+ Cream has been a cult classic in the beauty industry for years, and it’s one of the best foundations out there. Ever since it was released, this full-coverage foundation has been applauded for its powerful color-correcting abilities and its creamy texture which sits comfortably on the skin.
The product also contains a broad-spectrum SPF 50 to protect the most sensitive skin further from damage, and the darker shades in the range are even formulated with a clear SPF to ensure no white cast is left on the skin.
Another one of the key ingredients is hyaluronic acid, which has powerful moisturizing properties, and its ability to conceal hyperpigmentation makes it great for mature skin, too.
7. Huda Beauty Glowish Skin Tint Foundation Vegan
This liquid formula contains some of the most effective key ingredients in order to hydrate skin, including Damascus rose oil and plant-derived squalane, all packed into a clean, vegan formula that leaves you with a natural-looking finish, enhancing your skin’s natural radiance.
During the clinical trials of this lightweight foundation, 100% of participants agreed that their skin felt more hydrated, and moisturized, had a dewier finish and their skin tone appeared more even. Just take their word for it!
8. Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation
If you’ve been in the beauty industry for a while, you’ve probably come across Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk Foundation a few times before. It’s been used by celebrity makeup artists for years and commended on its impressive outcomes.
The naturally radiant foundation has medium coverage, and it’s great for dry skin, as well as a combination skin type, as it’s an oil-free formula that won’t clog your pores.
The foundation uses clever technology to ensure the product blends into any texture seamlessly, blending out the complexion and leaving your skin smoother than ever.
9. 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Full Coverage Water Foundation
If you like to support small businesses when it comes to your makeup routine, this may be the only foundation and the best foundation for dry skin that suits you.
Some of the key ingredients within this foundation include super fruits, bursting with antioxidants that can help to both protect skin and even repair the skin’s damage.
Not to mention, these fruits are multi-tasking, as they also help to provide the pigment for the product.
We love to see clean beauty brands produce hard-working formulas like this one, being plant-derived and safe for the skin, as well as suitable for many sensitive skin types.
However, our only criticism would be that we’d love to see more shades in the collection, particularly when it comes to darker skin tones.
10. La Mer The Soft Fluid Long Wear Foundation SPF 20
La Mer is arguably one of the most luxurious brands on the market, and this foundation for dry skin is a great choice if you want to level up your beauty routine. This liquid formula has medium coverage and a natural finish so you don’t even look like you’re wearing makeup.
Although the brand doesn’t skimp on luxury, this foundation is definitely skimping on shades, offering only a limited shade range when it comes to those with darker skin tones.
11. Image Skincare I Conceal Flawless Foundation SPF 30
One of our favorite things about this foundation is its broad-spectrum SPF 30 UV protection, which is the perfect level of protection for the skin during times of lower UV levels (such as the winter).
However, we would recommend pairing this with an additional sunscreen of a higher SPF rating during the summer months, when the Sun is more intense.
As well as its Sun protection, this medium coverage foundation for dry skin doesn’t settle into cracks or cake on the skin, which is great news. However, we would like to see lots more shades than are currently offered.
12. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint
Neutrogena is a skin care name known for its affordable skincare ranges which prove effective in tackling a variety of serious skin care concerns, such as dryness and acne-prone skin. Their Hydro Boost Skin Tint is enriched with hyaluronic acid, and complements the other dehydrated skin and other skin care, products from their Hydro Boost collection, working together as a skin care system to replenish dehydrated skin.
This very light, full coverage, foundation product aims to enhance your natural beauty and leaves you with glorious skin, rather than a heavy full coverage foundation. That makes this lightweight light, full coverage foundation, the perfect addition to your daily makeup routine now.
13. Bare minerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid SPF 30
Once again, we see one of the key ingredients in this tinted moisturizer is hyaluronic acid, as it comes with so many skincare benefits for dry skin. This sheer, light coverage moisturizer is another hybrid between skincare and makeup, as it has hyaluronic acid that nourishes dry skin whilst also offering light coverage to help even out your complexion.
The tinted moisturizer also contains SPF 30 protection for your skin. It would be nice, however, to see a broader shade range from this moisturizing formula, especially when it comes to darker skin tones.
14. Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Soft Radiance Foundation
When it comes to dry skin, people tend to avoid a full or sheer coverage or to medium to full or sheer coverage formulator fearing it’ll end up in dry patches around the entire face. However, this medium to full or sheer to medium coverage full coverage top formula from Tom Ford is infused with skincare ingredients to nourish dry skin whilst having powerful concealing powers.
As well as hyaluronic acid, some of the product’s key ingredients are açai and nourishing noni fruit extract to replenish skin. The product’s light-reflecting technology also gives the foundation great coverage as well as a dewy finish.
15. Make Up For Ever Reboot Active Care Revitalizing Foundation
Another foundation for dry skin from Makeup Forever, this product offers a lighter coverage than the Makeup Forever HD Skin Undetectable Longer Foundation we talked about earlier, so it’s a great alternative if you want something a little less heavy on your face.
For daily wear, this is a perfect choice, as it contains key ingredients such natural oils such as ginseng and mondo grass to support the moisture barrier and leave the whole skin feeling hydrated. Not to mention, this foundation is one of the best foundations for mature skin types without caking on the face.
The product has been shown to increase hydration for up to 24 hours after application and help to smooth wrinkles and fine lines. What more could we need?
16. Lancôme Skin Feels Good Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 
Lancome has been a go-to name for years in the beauty industry, loved by customers as well as always featured in the kit of a celebrity makeup artist. When it comes to this tinted moisturizer, the product is a little different from Lancome’s traditional foundations.
Instead of focusing on the flawless, high-glam look glowy skin that the brand has previously revolved around, this skin tint introduces customers to a more natural finish of glowing skin.
Whilst the product does contain SPF 23, it’s worth noting that this isn’t the highest level of protection out there, and it may not always be sufficient to protect skin everywhere.
During the winter, when UV levels are lower, an SPF 23 may be plenty to wear without additional sunscreen. However, during the summer, we’d recommend that you remember to wear an SPF 50, too, in order to fully protect your skin.
17. Estée Lauder Futurist Hydra Rescue Moisturizing Makeup SPF 45
Any celebrity makeup artist, or any makeup artist or enthusiast alike has probably either tried or heard the rave reviews about Estee Lauder’s best-selling foundation. The Double Wear foundation has been a staple product in beauty routines for years.
However, if you have dry skin, you may want to put your Double Wear foundation aside for the new kid on the block. This medium-coverage foundation can be built up to offer heavier coverage in certain areas of the face, without drying skin.
At the same time as keeping your base flawless, the SPF 45, along with other hard-working ingredients, protects your skin from the sun, pollution, and other irritants which can cause issues for your face.
18. Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint
Summer Fridays have made a big name for itself within the beauty industry, thanks to its incredible skincare products and carefully-curated formulas.
When it comes to this sheer light coverage foundation, there’s no way you can go wrong. While the shade range may not look too extensive, this skin tint doesn’t require a perfect shade match, as it this lightweight foundation only offers a very sheer light coverage foundation tint.
If you’re looking for a hydrating, nourishing foundation that feels more like skincare than makeup this is the perfect one for you.
19. Bobbi Brown Intensive Serum Foundation SPF 40
Containing over 25 skincare ingredients, this serum foundation for dry skin packs some seriously boast worthy features.
This serum foundation contains both hyaluronic acids as well as vitamin C, helping to plump and hydrate the skin
20. DIOR Backstage Face and Body Foundation
Some may tell you this foundation from Dior is arguably the best foundation for dry skin, as it offers flawless coverage, whilst blending into the skin beautifully, so you can’t even tell where the makeup begins.
This medium-coverage foundation offers an airbrushed finish that looks so natural on the skin that you can’t even tell that you’re wearing makeup. However, at the same time, it still conceals and camouflages pigmentation and blemishes to reveal a flawless complexion.
Plus, it gets better as this foundation is waterproof, so you can rely on it to withstand sweaty gym sessions and your sweltering summer holiday. It is one of my favorite foundation for dry skin.
Conclusion
We have looked at how combination and oily skin often makes selecting a foundation difficult, as sufferers of the skin type may need to account for a mixture of oily skin and dry areas. Finding the very best foundations for dry skin, sensitive skin types and combination skins may mean testing out some trial formulas. Don’t let that process scare you off – these great products can help balance your skin tone and provide coverage without drying patches or clogging pores.
Generally speaking, it’s important to choose a lightweight foundation with breathable, full coverage formula and avoid heavy formulas and certain chemical ingredients like Emollients.
Don’t forget makeup basics such as primers and fixing sprays, which can also help with longevity throughout the day while keeping your complexion looking flawless.
That rounds off our look at the best foundations for combination skin – if you liked what you saw, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more helpful tips!
FAQ
Which type of foundation is best for dry skin?
When looking for a good foundation for dry skin, be sure to look for key ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, jojoba oil, vitamin e, and ceramides. These moisturizing ingredients help to draw in moisture and lock it in the skin, making it more supple and radiant. In addition, try to avoid products with drying alcohols or harsh chemicals that can strip away essential oils from your face. Finally foundations for dry skin, opt for foundations with a dewy finish so they won’t sit atop your skin like a mask.
How do you apply foundation on dry skin?
Apply foundation on dry skin is all about preparation. Start by cleansing your face thoroughly and then apply a moisturizer that is specifically designed for your skin type. Allow the moisturizer to set for at least five minutes, then use a makeup primer to lock in moisture and create a smooth canvas for the foundation. Finally, use a brush or sponge to apply your foundation in thin layers, starting from the center of your face and blending outwards.
Is liquid foundation better for dry skin?
Liquid foundations are a great choice for those with dry skin since it offers more hydration than powder foundation. It also has the ability to blend and move with the skin, giving it a natural look and feel, as well as a dewy finish.
it should also be applied sparingly so that the complexion doesn’t look cakey or overdone. Additionally, using a moisturizing primer before applying liquid foundation can keep your dry skin hydrated and looking its best!