When you have dry skin, it can be very difficult to pick the right foundation. You want one that will not enhance the dryness of your skin but rather add moisture and look natural when you apply it.

Choosing the right foundation can be difficult as there are so many different types on the market that make it hard to pick the right one.

There are a few key things you want to look for when you are picking the best foundation for dry skin.

What should you consider when picking the best foundation for dry skin?

Since you want to enhance your skin and provide a nice, even look, you want to make sure you are purchasing the right foundation. To achieve the look you desire, consider the following to help you make your choice.

  • Whether or not the foundation contains moisturizers.
  • The finish type and if it enhances dry spots or covers them.
  • If there are any irritants in the foundation formula.
  • If the foundation is made with oil or not.

We have amassed the best foundations for dry skin on the market, which will help you narrow down your search and find a foundation that works best for your skin.

The Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup | 24-Hour Wear, Flawless, Natural, Matte Foundation for All Skin Types is a great high-end foundation for those who want to add moisture to their skin while achieving full coverage. You can build up the coverage to get what you desire unless you want light. You will love that you will be protected against harmful UV rays and water as you wear this foundation.

The matte application gives you an even skin tone that looks natural and feels lightweight. You will sincerely enjoy the fact that you only need a couple of drops to get complete facial coverage. This foundation is both oil-free and controls the oil in your skin, preventing you from having a shiny look.

One of the best things about this foundation is that one application is all you need in 24 hours, as it does not fade, transfer, or wear off. Of the best foundations for dry skin, the Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup | 24-Hour Wear, Flawless, Natural, Matte Foundation for All Skin Types is a great choice. You will love the silky smooth appearance of your face once you blend this foundation into your skin. Evens skin tone, brightens your complexion and hydrates, what more could you ask for?

Key Features
  • This foundation is designed to wear all day without irritating your skin
  • Unifies you skin tone and helps to cover unsightly blemishes and dark spots
  • This is a matte foundation that gives you natural results
  • Adds moisture to skin
Specifications
  • Coverage: Medium to full
  • Formulation: Liquid
  • Consistency: Medium
  • Sun Protection: SPF 10
  • Brand: Estee Lauder
Pros
  • Goes on very smoothly
  • Lasts all day long without the need to reapply
  • Protects against the sun
Cons
  • Can irritate very sensitive skin
  • Does show pores when not blended properly

The Dermablend Flawless Creator Multi-Use Liquid Foundation is a great foundation when you are looking for the right coverage. Since you can customize how much you choose to put on to achieve the desired look, it is the perfect foundation for everyone. You will love how silky smooth your skin will feel with this foundation applied.

The look of fine lines, blemishes, and pores will disappear depending on how much coverage you choose to have. Additionally, dark spots and rings under the eyes are also reduced considerably. The only real drawbacks of this foundation are that it does not offer sun protection and you must reapply it throughout the day.

Overall, the Dermablend Flawless Creator Multi-Use Liquid Foundation is a great foundation when you have both dry and sensitive skin. You will get the moisturizing benefits as well as the hypoallergenic benefits of this foundation when used regularly. Made free of harsh chemicals, you can feel confident that you are putting the right stuff on your skin.

Key Features
  • Provides you a weightless feel that blends perfectly with your natural skin
  • Has been allergy tested to prevent reactions
  • Has a customizable coverage to get the look you desire
Specifications
  • Coverage: Buildable
  • Formulation: Liquid
  • Consistency: Light
  • Sun Protection: None
Pros
  • Feels very light and airy
  • Gives you smooth, hydrated skin
  • Allows you to control the coverage
Cons
  • Does transfer onto clothes
  • Must be reapplied throughout the day
  • Does not offer sun protection

When you are looking for a great foundation for dry skin, the L'Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible Up to 24HR Pro-Glow Foundation is ideal as it provides moisturizing properties as well as sun protection. You will love how easily this foundation slides over your skin without accentuating pores. You can wear this foundation for up to 24 hours without worrying that it will rub off.

The coverage is medium, so if you are hoping to hide all the dark spots and blemishes you won’t get that, but you will get an even skin tone and complexion with this foundation. Best of all, it is very lightweight and won't show off the dryness in your skin.

The L'Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible Up to 24HR Pro-Glow Foundation is one of the best foundations for dry skin because it helps to lock moisture in while keeping the sun out. You will find that the matte finish is ideal for those who don’t want to cake their skin fully. The end result is skin that has a glow to it and coverage that will last all day.

Key Features
  • This foundation is good for up to 24 hours of continous wear
  • Helps provide you with heatlhy and radiant skin
  • Ideal for normal to dry skin
Specifications
  • Coverage: Medium
  • Formulation: Liquid
  • Consistency: Light
  • Sun Protection: SPF 15
Pros
  • Has sunscreen added to it for full protection
  • Goes on smoothly and does not clog pores
  • Feels lightweight
Cons
  • Has a matte finish that some might not like
  • Doesn't completely cover dark spots or blemishes

The COVERGIRL Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation is a great foundation for dry skin as it acts as a moisturizer and foundation in one. Covergirl and Olay have worked together to develop this foundation that helps to reduce wrinkles and even out your skin tone. One of the best benefits is that it provides you with firm hydration that keeps dry skin from getting drier.

You only need one to two pumps of this foundation to cover your entire face. Simply use an application sponge to smooth it out around your face, and you are good to go. You will love the reduced look for age or sun spots from your face.

Overall, the COVERGIRL Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation is one of the best foundations because it is very light and easy to apply. Blending is done effortlessly, especially around the jaw and hairline. You will appreciate the added benefit of hiding fine lines and wrinkles that plague older women. Additionally, you will love the improved tone of your skin once applied. The only downfall is that it is more of a moisturizer than a foundation and that darker spots may still be visible.

Key Features
  • Helps to even the skin tone while adding hydration that is firming
  • Comes in a range of shades from tan to light
  • Has an effective anti-aging property to it to give the appearance of younger skin
Specifications
  • Coverage: Full
  • Formulation: Liquid
  • Consistency: Thin
  • Sun Protection: None
Pros
  • Goes on smoothly
  • Gives you a neutral color
  • Only need a little bit to cover the entire face
Cons
  • Soaks into your skin the way a moisturizer would
  • This foundation is really light and does not cover all the spots you want to cover

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint is the perfect foundation for dry skin. It is designed to provide complete hydration that will plump up your skin and make it look healthy. You will love the fact that this foundation helps to improve the suppleness of your skin as you continue to wear it daily. The tints are ideal for those who don’t want a thick foundation.

You will love that there are ten available shades that allow you to pick the right one for you. This foundation is oil-free. It does not settle into your fine lines but blends smoothly. The hyaluronic acid will help keep your skin moisturized for up to 24 hours.

Overall, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint is one of the best foundations for dry skin because it boosts your hydration while remaining weightless on your skin. You will love that it won’t clog your pores or leave unsightly lines on your face as it evens your complexion. The only thing you might not like about it is that it is transferable, so be careful.

Key Features
  • Helps to plump up your skin and boost hydration
  • Keeps your skin feeling refreshed for up to 24 hours
  • This foundation is designed to hydrate skin as it covers problem areas
Specifications
  • Coverage: Full
  • Formulation: Liquid
  • Consistency: Thin
  • Sun Protection: None
Pros
  • Goes on smoothly
  • Comes with a handy applicator
  • Excellent for sensitive skin
Cons
  • Doesn't cover all blemishes
  • Is transferable if not careful

The Better'n Ur Skin Organic Liquid Foundation is a great foundation when you are seeking an all-natural one. Though it isn’t 100 percent organic, the ingredients are mostly organic and are good for all skin sensitivities. You will love the buildable coverage formula that lets you apply as much or as little as you desire to achieve the right coverage for your personal tastes.

One great thing about this foundation is that it dries to a powder consistency and does not look caked on your skin. The appearance of fine lines, dark spots, and blemishes will diminish with every coat you apply. There is a large range of color shades that suits just about every skin shade.

The Better'n Ur Skin Organic Liquid Foundation is a great foundation when you have dry skin as it contains natural moisturizing capabilities. Additionally, your skin will feel silkier and much lighter to give you the illusion of not wearing any makeup at all. The final dewy appearance helps to reduce lines and deflect UV rays to keep your skin healthy.

Key Features
  • Made with 90 percent organic ingredients
  • Designed to provide buildable coverage
  • Has natural sun protection to keep your skin healthy
Specifications
  • Coverage: Buildable
  • Formulation: Liquid
  • Consistency: Medium
  • Sun Protection: SPF 15
Pros
  • USA made with organic ingredients
  • Does not irritate any skin type
  • Allows you to choose how much coverage you want
Cons
  • Needs to reapplied regularly
  • Does transfer onto clothes

Revlon has come through for those who suffer from dry skin with the Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation For Combination/oily Skin, SPF 15. You will love the way this foundation smooths over your skin. You will be able to hide blemishes, dark spots, and fine lines with ease using this product. You also have the added advantage of being able to build the coverage to achieve your personal preference.

The broad-spectrum SPF 15 is a bonus as it wards off additional UV damage. Furthermore, you will be able to smooth this foundation over your skin using just your fingertips. However, you need to be careful when applying because it does run thin and you can easily waste some.

The full day of moisturizing benefits is a great relief to those who suffer from dry skin and want to achieve a clear complexion with their foundation. The Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation For Combination/Oily Skin, SPF 15 is among the best foundations for dry skin because it provides you exactly what you need without the need to apply multiple layers of foundation that can give undesirable results.

Key Features
  • Designed to give you the coverage you desire
  • Helps to control oil and provide moisture for dryness
  • Resistant to fading with a full 24 hour coverage
Specifications
  • Coverage: Medium to Buildable
  • Formulation: Liquid
  • Consistency: Medium
  • Sun Protection: SPF 15
Pros
  • Goes on smoothly
  • A little goes a long way
  • Wards off UV damage
Cons
  • Is not sweat or water resistant
  • The liquid is thin and you can easily over-apply

The Maybelline New York Dream Satin Liquid Foundation is the ideal foundation when you have sensitive skin that is also dry. You will love that your skin will benefit from the moisturizing effect all day long. Though you need to reapply it throughout the day, the feel is smooth as though you airbrushed it on your face.

The consistency is lightweight, and it has a breathable formula that allows your skin to have natural tones. You will be able to hide dark spots and blemishes fairly easy with this foundation. It does come in 12 different shades that makes finding the right one for you easy.

Overall, the Maybelline New York Dream Satin Liquid Foundation is the ideal foundation when you have dry skin. You will love how easily this liquid foundation is to apply to your skin and the natural results that it provides. You can blend it with a brush and even your fingertips as it smooths out perfectly. You will love the even look that this foundation gives you.

Key Features
  • Designed with a lightweight formula that is breathable
  • Provides coverage that will moisturize your skin all day long
  • You will get poreless skin that looks smooth
Specifications
  • Coverage: Medium
  • Formulation: Liquid
  • Consistency: Light
  • Sun Protection: None
Pros
  • Very easy to apply
  • Does not show pores or lines
  • Covers smoothly with an airbrush look
Cons
  • Is not wear-resistant as it will fade throughout the day
  • Does not protect against sun damage

The WUNDER2 LAST & FOUNDATION 24+ Hour Flawless Full Coverage Liquid Foundation Makeup is an excellent foundation for helping to add hydration to your skin. If you are a busy person and don’t have time to reapply, this foundation would be for you because it lasts all day. One great thing about this foundation is that it doesn’t transfer onto your clothes, pillows, or hands throughout the day. You will love that it is also waterproof should you get caught in the rain.

This foundation is said to be lightweight, but it can feel heavy at times, especially if you have to reapply or hide blemishes and dark spots. However, the breathable film that it provides keeps your skin from drying out more and gives you comfort. Additionally, you only need to put it on once throughout the day as well as your other makeup as it will grip your other makeup to give it longer-lasting power too.

The WUNDER2 LAST & FOUNDATION 24+ Hour Flawless Full Coverage Liquid Foundation Makeup is a fantastic foundation when you only have time to apply once. You will not feel as though your skin is drying out more as it will give you the breathability and moisturizing effect you need to keep your skin looking healthy.

Key Features
  • This foundation is high coverage and provides a breathable film that makes it transfer- and smudge-proof
  • Comes in seven different shades to suit any skin color
  • Helps to give your skin a natural glow using Polyglow technology
Specifications
  • Coverage: Full
  • Formulation: Liquid
  • Consistency: Thick
  • Sun Protection: None
Pros
  • Covers fully without looking heavy
  • Hides blemishes and spots really good
  • You only need a couple drops to cover your whole face
Cons
  • Feels heavy on the skin
  • For a long-lasting foundation it does wear off faster than you would expect

The BB Cream Matte finish 3-in-1 Mineral Makeup Foundation - Tinted Moisturizer - Concealer by Bella Terra is a great foundation when you want to blend away blemishes and dark spots as well as hydrate your skin. The BB cream helps to add moisture to your skin but covers enough to even out your skin tone. You will love that this foundation does not cake on, nor does it require a lot to get full coverage.

This foundation is designed to last all day, but it does transfer and rub off easily, so re-application may be necessary throughout the day. However, it does blend nicely, giving you a refreshed look that does not show that you are wearing foundation.

Another great thing about the BB Cream Matte finish 3-in-1 Mineral Makeup Foundation - Tinted Moisturizer - Concealer by Bella Terra is that it is not full of additives, does not contain alcohol, and is hypoallergenic. There is a natural SPF that is added to it and active anti-aging control. Your skin will tone nicely and appear refreshed with this foundation that provides you a nice satin finish to give you that perfect complexion.

Key Features
  • This foundation helps to build tone and blends perfectly
  • Reduce the appearance of blemishes, dark spots, pores and fine lines
  • The BB cream is formulated with moisturizing properties to help hydrate your skin
Specifications
  • Coverage: Medium
  • Formulation: Liquid
  • Consistency: Medium
  • Sun Protection: SPF 15
Pros
  • Glides on smoothly
  • Restores your complexion nicely
  • Does reduce the appearance of fine line and blemishes
Cons
  • Does transfer easily
  • Wears off faster than you would want

You know what you are trying to achieve when looking for a foundation, but how do you know it is the right one for your skin?

There are a few key things you are going to want to consider before making a final choice. Have a look.

What are some tips for choosing the right foundation for your dry skin?

Hydration: You want to find a liquid or powder foundation that has hydrating properties. Ideally, you want to find a foundation that comes with a built-in moisturizer or one that makes use of your skins natural oils.

Coverage: When you have dry skin, a full coverage foundation might not be the best choice for you. Therefore, you want to look for a light, medium, or buildable coverage type that can help you achieve the desired look without looking cheap or caked on.

Application: You want to choose a foundation type that does not require harsh blending to give you the desired results. A foundation that can be easily applied with your fingers or smoothed out with a soft sponge is ideal. When you have to scrub your foundation into your skin, you can irritate the dry spots and make them more identifiable rather than hide them.

UV Protection: Though you don’t absolutely need UV protection, when you have dry skin, it is good to have. The sun can make dry skin look worse if not covered properly. Though you can get a great foundation for dry skin that doesn’t have SPF, you might want to consider one that does have that added UV protection.

Best Foundation For Dry Skin

Since there are so many different types of foundations on the market, narrowing down your choices can be tough. Especially when you are prone to dry skin, you may have a harder time finding the right foundation to give you the coverage and smooth finish you are looking for.

Don’t be overwhelmed by the numerous options on the market. Have a look at the list of the best foundations for dry skin that we have compiled for you. Surely, you will find the right foundation for you.

Resources — Makeup, StyleCraze, Byrdie

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