Having a dry skin can be really difficult, especially, when it comes to makeup and skincare. We all want that healthy and glowy looking skin, but when you are dealing with skin dryness, glowy skin can be hard to achieve. Only a minority of people have a naturally even and good looking skin, this is why a lot of people can not imagine their makeup routine without applying foundation and concealer.
If your goal is to achieve that glowing and shining skin look, it is important not only to prepare and hydrate your skin but also, to choose a proper hydrating foundation that suits your dry skin type and helps to achieve your desired makeup look.
If you are looking for a dry skin foundation, carefully read it’s ingredients. Foundation for dry skin needs to have some hydrating agents in it. The most popular hydrating agents are hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
Also, avoid foundations that say „mattifying” or „matt finish”, because usually, these products absorb skin oils, which is absolutely unnecessary if you are an owner of dry skin. Instead, look for keywords such as glowy, radiant, or illuminating.
Related: Best Illuminating Primers
It is important to mention that even if you have dry skin, you can still find a full coverage foundation that is designed especially for dry skin and won‘t overdry your skin, so don’t worry, the makeup industry has a solution for every skin type.
If you are still struggling to find a foundation for dry skin, that will give you your dream makeup look, we made a list of 15 best foundations for dry skin. We hope that after reading it, you will find your perfect product!
15 Best Foundations for Dry Skin
1. Estée Lauder ‘Double Wear’ Stay-in-Place Liquid Makeup
If makeup is your hobby you probably already know this brand and its wonders. A lot of makeup professionals use this foundation and it gives really great results! One of the best things about this brand is that it offers plenty of shades for warm, neutral, and cool undertones, this means that everyone will find their match.
This foundation is a 24-hour wear, so there is no need to worry about your makeup turning bad after a day. Also, this product gives you a matte finish without drying your skin, so it will be a perfect product for those who want a matte and full-coverage look. If you are still afraid of your skin getting too dry, apply moisturizer for dry skin before using this product. This foundation is lightweight and gives you a buildable medium to full coverage. It is important to mention that it is a waterproof and oil control product, so it is a great choice for an event look when you want that perfect skin look that stays in place the whole time.
Nevertheless, this product does not crease or change its color. This foundation is dermatologically tested, fragrance-free, and does not clog your pores, so do not worry about breaking out after using it!
2. Your Skin But Better CC Cream with SPF 50+
It Cosmetics is a well known UK brand, that became popular in the United States as well. When it comes to CC creams, we usually think that it will only give a sheer or medium coverage, but this It Cosmetics cc cream is a full-coverage foundation, that moisturizes your skin and gives a glowy, perfect skin look.
We all know that sunlight isn’t a friend of our skin. Dry skin is usually a lot more sensitive to sunlight, but don’t worry, this foundation has SPF 50+ in it, so there is no need to apply sunscreen before applying this product. Another good thing about this product is that it is a perfect option for mature skin since it is an anti-aging foundation. This product is CC cream, it means that it is a color-correcting cream, so if you have redness or dark spots, don’t worry It Cosmetics has your back.
Related: Best Concealer for Mature Skin
When it comes to ingredients this foundation contains collagen, an essential protein for our skin that increases skin elasticity and gives a smooth and youthful appearance. Another ingredient are peptides that smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Also, this product contains niacin, that combats hyperpigmentation and improves skin barrier and elasticity. Last, but not least ingredient is antioxidants that reduce damage to the skin and prevents skin aging.
3. Double Duty Beauty Shape Tape Hydrating Foundation
Tarte is a famous brand all around the world. Tarte offers a lot of hypoallergic, cruelty-free products, that are perfect for sensitive and dry skin. This hydrating Tarte foundation for dry skin is hypoallergic, buildable coverage, and gives you a luminous and silky finish look. Even if this product gives you a glowy look it won’t crease, cake or fade during the day.
When it comes to ingredients this foundation contains hyaluronic acid that is the most popular hydrating agent which delivers moisture, luminosity, and firmness to your skin. Collagen, which is the second key ingredient of this foundation plumps skin and smooths fine lines and wrinkles. Another key ingredient is vitamin C which prevents aging, brightens skin, and fights hyperpigmentation. Also, this product is dermatologically tested and is 12-hour long wear.
Nevertheless, this Tarte foundation for dry skin is formulated without parabens, mineral oils, phthalates, triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate, and gluten, because we all know that these ingredients can be really harmful to our delicate facial skin.
4. Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Water Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15
Another Tarte brand foundation that speaks for itself. This dry skin foundation is hypoallergic, so it can be used for sensitive skin also. The formula of this foundation is vegan and formulated without parabens, mineral oils, phthalates, triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate, and gluten, so don’t worry about damaging your skin with dangerous ingredients. Also, there is no chemical sunscreen in the ingredients!
This product gives your skin a hydrating, medium coverage with a natural and weightless radiant finish. Since this foundation is buildable, you get to choose what kind of coverage you prefer! Also, this foundation will look perfect on your skin for 12-hour.
Speaking about ingredients, the main ingredients of this foundation is water, which is a natural moisturizing agent that will retain the natural moisture of your skin. The second key ingredient is marine plant extracts that smooth fines lines and wrinkles and also softens your skin. This foundation for dry skin has vitamin E that is a natural emollient and antioxidant. The water bases formula of this foundation will give your skin a moisturizing effect and cover all of the imperfections.
5. Bella Terra BB Cream Tinted Moisturizer, Mineral Foundation
This product is a mineral foundation, BB cream, which is a 3-1 product that acts like concealer, moisturizer, and anti-aging cream. This foundation gives you a buildable sheer to medium coverage. Since it is a BB cream, it will even the tone of your skin and erase blemishes, dark circles, acne scars, and fines lines. This foundation is perfect for dry and sensitive skin, also, is not tested on animals! This product glides like a moisturizer, but when it dries it gives a dewy, hydrated, and natural finish for your skin, so don’t worry about oily or cakey looking finish.
Related: Best Dewy Foundations
The key ingredients of this foundation are pure mineral agents such as mica, zinc, hydroxatone, and magnesium. The ingredients work as a natural UVB and UVA sun protection and also, prevent aging. The formula of this foundation has no preservatives, parabens, sulfates, alcohol, additives, or synthetic dyes. Also, this foundation is hypoallergic, anti-inflammatory with anti-oxidant properties, fragrance-free, and last all day long! The only disadvantage of this foundation is that there are only six shades available.
6. Glo Skin Beauty Luminous Liquid Foundation SPF 18
Glo Skin Beauty brand is a pretty famous brand among makeup professionals, this Luminous Liquid Foundation SPF 18 even won 2019 DAYSPA professional choice award. This luminous foundation revitalizes your skin and leaves a smooth, soft finish and comes in 10 shades. Liquid mineral formula provides great buildable sheer to medium coverage with a radiant, glowy finish look. Also, this Luminous Liquid Foundation has a broad spectrum of UV and specialized moisturizing factors that give your skin a flawless and youthful look. This foundation is not hypoallergic, so it might be not the best option for those, who have sensitive skin.
Have a sensitive skin? Check our article about best foundations for sensitive skin!
Also, it is worth mentioning that this liquid foundation for dry skin is formulated with light-diffusing Diamond powder, which creates a luminous, Hollywood skin effect. The formula is enriched with an antioxidant blend of Vitamins A, C, E, and Green Tea Extract, these key ingredients nourish your skin and keep it healthy and good looking even after removing all the makeup off. The good news is that this foundation contains no talc and parabens, and also is cruelty-free.
7. Dermablend Smooth Liquid Camo Foundation for Dry Skin with SPF 25
Dermablend is well known as a number one dermatologist recommend coverage brand. The formula of this Smooth Liquid Camo Foundation is designed especially for dry skin and sensitive skin. Also, this product is dermatologist and allergy tested and non-comedogenic. It moisturizes dehydrated skin, covers all the redness, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and uneven skin tones, and gives a smoothing, dewy appearance of the skin.
Also, this liquid foundation for dry skin has a broad-spectrum SPF 25 skin protection, which is created by adding Titanium Dioxide which is a sensitive, redness-prone skin-friendly, natural mineral agent. Because of the high-performance pigments of this foundation, the coverage of this product is a buildable medium to full. Also, this smoothing foundation does not create a cakey or mask effect on your skin and lasts for 16 hours.
Nevertheless, this product offers you 24-hour long skin hydration, so don’t worry about your skin moisture when you use this foundation. It is worth mentioning that this product is cruelty-free and formulated without parabens, phthalates, triclosan, sulfates and is vegan-friendly. And the good news is, that this foundation has plenty of shades available!
Interested in cruelty-free products? Check our article about best cruelty-free foundations!
8. 100% PURE Water Foundation
100% Pure brand is known for its good quality and natural ingredients formulas. This foundation isn’t an exception. 100% PURE Water Foundation is powered with natural fruit pigments for apricots and peaches that give your skin the desired tone without harming it with synthetic pigments, that can cause various allergies. This foundation is specially designed for dry and sensitive skin.
This Water Foundation is a full coverage foundation that gives your skin a dewy, glowing finish, no mask effect! Also, this foundation is easy to apply, you can use your fingers, a foundation brush, or a damp makeup sponge. 100% PURE Water Foundation comes in 13 shades in warm, neutral, cool, and olive tones. This dry skin foundation contains natural moisturizing factors such as natural superfruit oils and aloe vera which gives plumper, softer and luminous look to your skin. It is worth mentioning that this product is full of natural antioxidants such as red wine resveratrol, alpha-lipoic acid that has an anti-aging effect.
The good news is that this brand is environmentally friendly, vegan, cruelty-free, toxin-free, natural, and gluten-free.
9. NARS Sheer Glow Foundation
NARS is a well-known brand among beauty professionals. One of the greatest things about this brand is that it always offers a lot of shades when it comes to foundation. This Nars Sheer Glow Foundation comes in many shades so everyone is going to find their perfect shade. This foundation is a sheer, buildable product that gives you a natural-looking, glowing finish. The great thing is that this product does not create a mask effect. Even though it is a sheer foundation, it still evens the tone of your skin and hides little imperfections.
This foundation for dry skin contains NARS Complexion Brightening Formula that softens the skin, hydrates, and smooths it. This professional foundation creates an even but still natural-looking and luminous skin look. Also, it is worth mentioning that this product is formulated without parabens, alcohols, and fragrances. NARS Sheer Glow Foundation is a dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested and is a non-comedogenic and oil-free product.
For a seamless and the most natural look, use fingertips when you apply this product.
10. L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup
L’Oreal Paris is a drug store brand that can offer you products that works the same as high-end ones. This True Match foundation is a well known one among other drugstore foundations. This foundation creates a luminous, healthy-looking, and glowing finish to your skin. Nevertheless, this dry skin foundation has SPF 20 protection and active, moisturizing ingredients, also it contains Vitamin C and Vitamin E that are well-known ingredients for improving skin tone and clarity. This L’Oreal Paris foundation contains Liquid Light Technology that creates a glowing skin finish.
This foundation is a perfect option for dry and sensitive skin since it moisturizes the skin and makes it more luminous and healthy-looking. The coverage of this foundation is lightweight and buildable and can last for up to 8 hours. Also, this foundation comes in 15 shades, for warm, cool, and neutral tones.
11. Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Wear Hydrating Foundation
Smashbox is another professional brand that offers plenty of shades for all skin types and shades, this foundation isn’t an exception. This foundation would be a perfect choice for those, who want a hydrating foundation with a natural matte finish.
This foundation for dry skin contains the most popular moisturizing agent – hyaluronic acid that plump, hydrates and softens your skin. Another great thing about this Smashbox foundation is that it is a long-lasting product that won’t settle in your wrinkles or pores. The coverage of this product is a buildable medium to full, but if you want sheer coverage more, just use your fingertips when you apply this dry skin foundation.
Also, it is worth mentioning that this product won’t oxidize or transfer, so don’t worry about your makeup turning bad after a couple of hours. Nevertheless, this Smashbox Studio Skin foundation is oil-free, cruelty-free, and vegan! And the last but not least, this foundation is formulated without parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, phthalates, oils, fragrances, and talc. The application of this product is easy, you can use your fingertips, foundation brush, or damp makeup sponge.
12. Revlon ColorStay Makeup for Normal/Dry Skin SPF 20, Longwear Liquid Foundation
Revlon is a great drugstore brand that offers budget-friendly but yet good quality products that sometimes does wonders. This foundation comes in 24 shades in warm, cool, and neutral tones. Also, this Revlon ColorStay foundation is a long-lasting product that stays in its place for 24 hours. This foundation is suitable for normal and dry skin.
It is worth mentioning that this Revlon foundation is buildable medium to full coverage product, so you get to choose what kind of look you want. We all know how damaging the sun can be when it comes to our skin, but this Revlon ColorStay Foundation has SPF 20 protection, so there is no need to put a sunscreen underneath this foundation. The formula of this dry skin foundation is oil-free and contains the most popular moisturizing agent – hyaluronic acid that keeps skin moisture looked and plump, softens your skin.
The application is up to you, you can use your fingertips, damp makeup sponge, or foundation brush. If one layer of foundation wasn’t enough for you, feel free to put on another one!
13. Maybelline New York Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation
Maybelline New York is a popular drugstore brand all around the world that offers great budget-friendly makeup products. Maybelline Fit Me line became this brand best seller. Why is it so good you will ask? One of the greatest things about this foundation is that it comes plenty of shades, so you have a high chance to find your perfect shade. Also, this foundation has SPF 18 protection, so your skin is going to be safe and protected from the sun damage.
This Fit Me dry skin foundation gives you a naturally luminous, smooth, and dewy finish. It is worth mentioning that the formula of this foundation contains hyaluronic acid that hydrates your skin and keeps a moisture balance in your skin. Also, this foundation is dermatologist and allergy tested, so it can be used on sensitive skin also. Since it is a fragrance-free and non-comedogenic foundation it also won’t clog your pores or cause sensitivity. Also, this foundation is super easy to apply and blend!
Related: Best Foundation for Large Pores
14. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint
Neutrogena is a well-known high-quality drugstore brand that is nominated as #1 dermatologist recommended skincare brand. This Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint Foundation is one of the most popular drugstore dry skin foundations. But what makes it so good you will ask?
First, let’s talk about this Neutrogena foundation formula. The formula of this foundation contains hyaluronic acid that plumps, hydrates, and protects your skin. Special Neutrogena foundation formula ensures that your skin will be hydrated for 24 hours. This gel formula foundation is oil-free and non-comedogenic and is perfect for daily use. Since this product contains various active agents that help for your skin and improves suppleness of the skin over time, you are not going to damage your skin while using it daily.
It is worth mentioning that this product does not crease, look cakey, or settle into fine lines. The only problem with this Neutrogena foundation is that it only comes in 10 shades, so it might be a little difficult to find your perfect match.
15. Laura Mercier Silk Cream Moisturizing Photo Edition Foundation
If you are a makeup addict and watch Youtube’s beauty guru’s videos you probably know Laura Mercier brand and its famous products. This Silk Cream Moisturizing Photo Edition Foundation is another great hit in the Laura Mercier brand. This foundation is perfect for those who have normal or dry skin. The coverage of this product is buildable medium to full.
Also, this foundation gives you a glowing and luminous finish, so do not worry about looking masky or cakey. This high-performance and high-pigment foundation lasts for up to 12-hour. This dry skin foundation smooths skin and evens skin tone while giving you natural-looking skin and comes in warm, cool, and neutral undertones. Also, this formula is non-comedogenic, so don’t worry about breakouts the next day.
Nevertheless, this product is oil-free and dermatologist-tested. When it comes to application, you can use a damp makeup sponge or your fingertips. For the best result, the Laura Mercier brand recommends using its Foundation primer.
Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions
Which type of foundation is best for dry skin?
If you have dry skin, you absolutely should search for a moisturizing and hydrating foundation. Avoid those products that contain oil-absorbing ingredients, because dry skin naturally lacks oils and moisture. Also, you should avoid those products that say “matte”, “mattifying”, “oil control” or “shine control”. It is worth mentioning that dry skin can be more prone to sensitivity so look for products that are dermatologist-recommended or allergy-tested. The formula of dry skin foundation needs to contain moisturizing agents such as hyaluronic acid.
Is liquid foundation better for dry skin?
Yes, it is better to use liquid foundation if you have dry skin. Dry products might not give you a moisturizing finish. Dry skin usually lacks moisture and hydration and by using a liquid foundation that contains moisturizing agents such as water or hyaluronic acid you can lock moisture into your skin and keep it plumpy and glowy.
What is the most moisturizing foundation?
There are a lot of brands on the market that offers great moisturizing foundations. But they all have something in common – a good quality moisturizing agent such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, etc. If the foundation that you have lacks moisture, try to use a serum or moisturizing cream before you apply your foundation. If you want to have that glowing and luminous finishing look, try to spray moisturizing setting spray on top of your foundation.
Conclusion
Putting makeup is a routine for many of us. If we use a lot of makeup on a daily basis, the makeup that we use needs to suit our skin type and be good quality. When it comes to dry skin we can not forget that dry skin type needs a lot of hydration. So don’t forget that the majority of your skincare and makeup products need to have some moisturizing agents. Since foundation usually comes first on your face, it needs to add some moisture in your skin. So next time you will be looking for a foundation for dry skin, look for moisturizing agents in the formula and the description on the bottle should say “luminous finish”, “glowing look” or “hydration”.
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Joan S. Wilson is a lifelong makeup and skincare enthusiast. She used to work as a makeup artist for 5 years. Joan is always curious and wants to learn more when it comes to makeup and skincare. She tries her best to make other people’s skin health better. This is why Joan is so passionate about writing articles on beauty topics. She always looks for products that are high-quality, dermatologist-tested, and does that it says on the label. In every article, she shares her knowledge to make your life healthier and happier!