Let's face it. Not everyone has the budget to buy high-end designer makeup. And sure, while some of those brands are worth the extra cost, there's a great chance you'll be able to find a product that's just as good — if not better — at your local pharmacy or grocery store or online mass retailer, for a fraction of the price. These, as you know, are called drugstore brands.

Related: The 10 Best Face Moisturizers for Dry Skin, Ranked

But can a drugstore brand give you specifically what your skin needs? Say, a foundation made for dry skin? The answer is a resounding yes! And we have the proof below — our list for the Best Drugstore Foundation for Dry Skin. You'll recognize the brands, as they're some of the most popular in the world: Maybelline New York, COVERGIRL, Revlon, and L'Oreal Paris, to name a few. There's a reason these brands are so well-known and still successful after decades in the beauty biz — they make great products. They just so happen to be more widely available than brands with fancy names attached to them. And that's certainly not a bad thing.

Check out our list to find the Best Drugstore Foundation for Dry Skin below!

When you hear the words "whipped creme," what comes to mind? If you said "ice cream sundae" — congratulations, you just read MY mind. I (and most people) never would've said "Revlon ColorStay Whipped Crème Makeup," but after seeing what this foundation can do for dry skin, maybe I (and you) will from now on.

There's plenty of reason to talk about Revlon ColorStay Whipped Crème Makeup. For one, as its name illustrates, it provides color that...all together now... stays! And it really does stay; it withstands heat and humidity for full-day, 24-hour wear. One less thing to worry about? Sweet.

All-day wear is huge, but how does it feel? Well, Revlon has put together a bouncy, whipped cream (or creme) in the form of a mousse that goes on smooth and silky and feels lightweight so you don't even know you're wearing it. That's a pretty amazing combination!

Revlon ColorStay Whipped Crème Makeup feels silky, looks flawless, and balances your skin thanks to its time-release formula. And it's moisturizing, which will keep your dry skin nourished and healthy.

At the end of the day, you want a foundation that looks fabulous, feels nonexistent on your face, and didn't require a single touch-up from the time you put it on in the morning until the time you remove it before bed (literally, the end of the day) — that's exactly what you get from Revlon ColorStay Whipped Crème Makeup foundation.

Key Features
  • Whipped formula
  • Lightweight feel
  • Available in 12 shades
  • Time-release technology for up to 24-hour wear
Specifications
  • Coverage: Full
  • Formulation: Time-release, lightweight
  • Consistency: Whipped creme
  • Sun Protection: No
  • Brand: Revlon
Pros
  • Lightweight, mousse-like feel
  • Wears for up to 24 hours with time-release technology
  • Withstands heat and humidity, won't rub off
  • Silky-smooth and comfortable wear
Cons
  • No sun protection

What's one of the biggest challenges when shopping for foundation? If you answered something along the lines of "I can't find the right shade to match my skin tone," maybe you haven't tried the L'Oreal Paris Makeup True Match Super-Blendable Liquid Foundation.

Available in 33 shades, L'Oreal Paris has made it so much easier to match your skin with one of their foundations thanks to Precise Match Technology, which helps you find the perfect match to your skin's undertone. Plus, this formula is so blendable, you might have a hard time knowing where the foundation ends and your skin begins (at least that's what L'Oreal Paris says!).

Odds are, you're reading this list because you have dry skin. And because this list is all about the best drugstore foundation for dry skin, I'll let you know that L'Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation infuses its formula with vitamins A and C, wheat germ, and grapefruit extract to nourish and protect your skin. Speaking of protection, this foundation offers SPF defense against the sun, which is always comforting.

L'Oreal Paris has been creating much-loved beauty products for years, so you know you can trust their expertise. And they certainly nailed it with their True Match Super-Blendable Liquid Foundation, designed to nourish, blend seamlessly, and match your skin perfectly.

Key Features
  • Precise Match Technology
  • SPF sun protection
  • Oil-free
  • Nourishes skin
Specifications
  • Coverage: Light to Medium
  • Formulation: Oil-free
  • Consistency: Liquid
  • Sun Protection: SPF 17 or 19 (depending on shade)
Pros
  • Natural, blendable finish
  • Precise Match Technology Precise Match Technology matches skin undertone
  • SPF sun protection
  • Available in 33 shades
  • Contains no oils, fragrances, or pore-clogging fillers
Cons
  • Will require a few layers for fuller coverage

When you have dry skin, the last thing you need is a foundation that is going to make things drier. But that's why you're here, right? To find the best drugstore foundations for dry skin. Fortunately, we found COVERGIRL's CG Smoothers Hydrating Makeup Foundation, a beauty kit must-have for anyone with dry skin.

As its name implies (or actually says), this foundation uses a hydrating formula to help quench and moisturize your dry skin. Plus, it's oil-free so it won't clog your pores. This foundation goes on smooth and feels lightweight, so you can apply it and forget it — in fact, it actually hydrates your skin for up to 11 hours, plenty to carry you through the workday. Hear that? That's the sound of your skin saying "yes, please!" And you should really listen to your skin.

While COVERGIRL's CG Smoothers Hydrating Makeup Foundation won't provide full coverage, it's great for light to medium coverage. Besides, it starts hydrating your skin immediately, and that's what you really want from this — or any — foundation.

COVERGIRL has been a trusted name in beauty for years, and one of the reasons is because they continue to create quality products like CG Smoothers Hydrating Makeup Foundation, a top choice if you have dry skin.

Key Features
  • Hydrates skin for up to 11 hours
  • Oil-free
  • Cruelty-free
Specifications
  • Coverage: Light to Medium
  • Formulation: Oil-free, hydrating
  • Consistency: Liquid
  • Sun Protection: No
Pros
  • Hydrating formula benefits dry skin
  • Oil-free formulation won't clog pores
  • Smooth, lightweight finish
  • Cruelty-free product
Cons
  • Coverage is on the light side

If you could name all the features that you want in a foundation made for dry skin, odds are you would choose the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation. This foundation is the complete package.

Looking for an all-day glow? L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation is formulated for 24-hour, all-day wear. And it doesn't just stay on throughout the day...it also gives off a radiant glow that doesn't fade until you remove it. Call it a go-go glow.

This creamy foundation offers medium coverage to cover up imperfections and present a clear complexion, but it's so light you won't even remember you're wearing it. Just think...going through each day without giving your makeup a second thought. Pretty cool, right?

Now, about that dry skin. L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation is created as a hydrating formula to help nourish normal to dry skin while giving off that gorgeous glow. Add in SPF 15 sun protection, and, yeah, this foundation has it all!

For a drugstore foundation (or any foundation, for that matter), L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation packs everything your skin needs into an all-around amazing formula that you can apply and forget — and look incredible while doing so all day long.

Key Features
  • Wears for up to 24 hours
  • Provides radiant finish
  • Medium coverage
  • Hydrating formula
  • SPF sun protection
Specifications
  • Coverage: Medium
  • Formulation: Hydrating, Octinoxate 3.01 percent
  • Consistency: Liquid
  • Sun Protection: SPF 15
Pros
  • Radiant finish
  • Up to 24-hour wear
  • Available in 12 shades
  • SPF 15 sun protection
  • Lightweight and creamy
Cons
  • Oxidation makes picking a shade tricky

When you're longing for luminous skin — and wouldn't mind a more youthful appearance — it's time to turn your attention to Almay Age Essentials Multi-Benefit Anti-Aging Makeup. This foundation combines so many beneficial features into one affordable formula, which is why it’s earned a spot on our list of best drugstore foundations for dry skin.

It offers medium coverage to help even out your skin tone, yet it feels so light on your face. And this foundation is infused with moisturizing ingredients to keep your dry skin hydrated and looking healthy.

While no makeup can fully guarantee it’ll shave years off your appearance, Almay Age Essentials Multi-Benefit Anti-Aging Makeup does give you a more youthful-looking appearance thanks to anti-aging properties that target signs of aging. And who wouldn't want a little help in that department?

Also assisting in keeping your skin looking and feeling healthy is SPF 15 sun protection, which helps shield you from harmful rays. And the healthier your skin looks, the more luminous you look!

Almay has been an innovator in the beauty field since 1931, and decades later they're still producing amazing products like Age Essentials Multi-Benefit Anti-Aging Makeup, which offers everything you'd want in a foundation.

Key Features
  • Targets signs of aging
  • Moisturizing ingredients
  • Medium coverage
  • Lightweight feel
  • SPF 15 sun protection
Specifications
  • Coverage: Medium
  • Formulation: Moisturizing, anti-aging
  • Consistency: Liquid
  • Sun Protection: SPF 15
Pros
  • Medium coverage helps even skin tone
  • Lightweight feel on skin
  • Anti-aging properties target signs of aging for more youthful appearance
Cons
  • Shades don't always match skin tone

Yes, it's true. We do, in fact, have another Revlon ColorStay foundation on our list of best drugstore foundations for dry skin. But... that was whipped creme, this is liquid. Besides, we just think that highly of Revlon's foundations! And there's good reason for that; Revlon has been around since 1932, creating some of the world's most popular and best-selling beauty products. It's a name you can trust, and the make the products to back up that name.

Now, back to the foundation. Revlon ColorStay Makeup For Normal/Dry Skin is created specifically for those with normal to dry skin — who knew? This foundation is formulated with hydrating hyaluronic acid to nourish dry skin, which is exactly what your dry skin needs.

The oil-free foundation offers medium to buildable coverage and a stunning natural finish that lasts all day. Yep, 24 hours! That's an entire day of not having to worry about touch-ups. Score!

Available in a variety of shades, Revlon ColorStay Makeup For Normal/Dry Skin foundation contains SPF 20 sun protection so you can enjoy the outdoors without a care and know you're still protected.

It's hard to beat the value that Revlon's ColorStay Makeup For Normal/Dry Skin delivers. It's not the perfect foundation, but it's a quality product that's readily available and affordable.

Key Features
  • Designed for normal to dry skin
  • 24-hour all-day wear
  • Contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate
  • Oil-free
  • SPF 20 sun protection
Specifications
  • Coverage: Medium to Buildable
  • Formulation: Oil-free, with hyaluronic acid
  • Consistency: Liquid
  • Sun Protection: SPF 20
Pros
  • Natural finish lasts up to 24 hours
  • Hyaluronic acid hydrates dry skin
  • Available in 13 shades
  • SPF 20 sun protection
Cons
  • Generally requires moisturizer before applying

Welcome to Hydration Station! Neutrogena, one of the biggest names in skin care and skin therapy, brings you their Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint foundation. And as you can probably figure out from its name, this makeup is all about hydrating dry skin.

For starters, it's formulated with hyaluronic acid to provide instant hydration to thirsty skin. And because this foundation is designed to treat dry skin, it keeps your skin hydrated for 24 hours after application. In other words, your skin will thank you.

Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint generally offers light coverage, so you may need to apply more than once if you're looking for something fuller, but it feels so lightweight on your skin, you'll forget you're even wearing it. And it's oil-free, so it won't clog your pores. No, you just get the hydration your skin needs.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint's skin-nourishing and hydrating properties are what give it a spot on our list of best drugstore foundations for dry skin. It has its share of other redeeming qualities as well, but if you have dry skin (and you probably wouldn't be reading this otherwise), and you want a foundation made to hydrate, this is the one for you.

Key Features
  • Hyaluronic acid instantly hydrates skin
  • Up to 24-hour wear
  • Oil-free, non-comedogenic
Specifications
  • Coverage: Light to buildable
  • Formulation: Oil-free, hydrating, with hyaluronic acid
  • Consistency: Liquid
  • Sun Protection: No
Pros
  • Provides hyaluronic acid hydration for dry skin
  • Designed for all-day wear
  • Lightweight on skin
  • Oil-free, non-comedogenic formula won't clog pores
Cons
  • No SPF sun protection
  • Light coverage — may require multiple applications for desired coverage

Maybelline New York has done it again! Yes, one of the world's leading beauty brands has earned a SECOND spot on our list of best drugstore foundations for dry skin, this time with their immensely popular Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation.

Made specifically for normal to dry skin, Maybelline New York's Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation is a moisturizing formula that quenches and nourishes dry skin for a healthier look and feel. The non-comedogenic formula won't clog your pores, and the foundation leaves behind only a smooth and dewy (but not oily) finish.

Maybelline New York’s Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation provides a light to medium coverage, so you may need multiple applications for fuller coverage. With the added benefit of SPF 18 sun protection for peace of mind, you can enjoy a luminous glow without worry. And this foundation is available in a wide array of shades, so there's definitely a color to match your skin tone.

You're not going to find many better values when it comes to drugstore foundations for dry skin. Maybelline New York's Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation is an impressive product at an even more impressive price, especially if your dry skin needs a hydrating boost.

Key Features
  • SPF 18 sun protection
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Luminous, dewy finish
  • Helps even skin tone
Specifications
  • Coverage: Light to Medium
  • Formulation: Hydrating, fragrance-free
  • Consistency: Liquid
  • Sun Protection: SPF 18
Pros
  • SPF 18 sun protection
  • Smooth, dewy finish
  • Moisturizing formula designed for normal to dry skin
  • Non-comedogenic formula won't clog pores
  • Plenty of shades to choose from

Wait... a matte-finish foundation on a list of best drugstore foundations for dry skin? Must be a mistake, right? Isn't a matte finish better for oily skin? Well, yes, that's true. But...

The Maybelline New York Dream Matte Mousse Foundation isn't just any matte-finish foundation. Why? Read on.

For starters, Maybelline New York's Dream Matte Mousse Foundation is a light, silky-smooth mousse and blends seamlessly into your skin for a flawless, velvety matte finish. Plus, this foundation doesn't cake, so you don't have to worry about it settling into dry patches or lines. It won't appear flat or chalky, and it glides like a dream onto your skin.

Perhaps best of all, you won't even notice this creamy mousse foundation on your skin. And considering it stays on for up to 16 hours, that's no small feat. You'll get medium to full coverage from Maybelline New York Dream Matte Mousse Foundation, and because it's smooth and matte, and it won't clog your pores, there won't be any unwanted greasy shine.

So, yes, a matte-finish foundation CAN make a list of best foundations for dry skin — if it's Maybelline New York Dream Matte Mousse Foundation, that is.

Key Features
  • Velvet matte finish
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Ultra-mattifying powders and oxygen whipped into mousse foundation
Specifications
  • Coverage: Medium to Full
  • Formulation: Contains mattifying powders
  • Consistency: Mousse
  • Sun Protection: No
Pros
  • Ultra-lightweight feel on skin
  • Flawless velvet matte finish
  • Glides evenly onto skin
  • Blends seamlessly and won't look flat or chalky
Cons
  • No sun protection

When a 24-hour foundation just isn't enough — that's where Rimmel London Lasting Finish 25 Hour Liquid Foundation comes in...because you never know when you'll need that extra hour of of coverage.

The big selling point here is obviously its long-lasting coverage. And last long it certainly does — 25 hours as advertised. But it doesn't just stay on; it's strong enough to fend off heat, humidity, and perspiration, all of which you're going to deal with, especially during the summer months. So the fact that Rimmel London's Lasting Finish 25 Hour Liquid Foundation endures all of that is a big deal.

Now, about your dry skin. This liquid foundation naturally moisturizes to help revitalize dry skin. So this foundation already has two big positives going for it. Why not throw another one in there then? The formula contains SPF 20 sun protection, and between that and the fact that this foundation isn't bothered by sweat, heat, or humidity, you're completely covered during hot, sunny weather!

While Rimmel London isn't one of the better-known drugstore brands in America, it's been one of Britain's leading cosmetics brands since 1834. They must be doing something right — and their Lasting Finish 25 Hour Liquid Foundation is no exception.

Key Features
  • Lasts up to 25 hours
  • Resistant to sweat, humidity, and heat; also won't transfer
  • Formulated with revitalizing mineral complex and moisturizing aqua primer
  • Dewy finish
Specifications
  • Coverage: Medium
  • Formulation: Mineral, with hydrating primer
  • Consistency: Liquid
  • Sun Protection: SPF 20
Pros
  • Super-long-lasting 25-hour wear
  • Strong enough to resist sweat, heat, and humidity
  • SPF 20 sun protection
  • Formula moisturizes and helps revitalize dry skin
Cons
  • Applicator takes some getting used to
  • Occasionally oxidizes

You've been in the pharmacies, supermarkets, department stores — the beauty aisles are absolutely packed with products from a huge variety of famous brands. Same with the big retail websites. But do these big-name brands have the products to fit your specific needs? Odds are, they do. In this case, we're talking about foundations for dry skin. You'd be surprised by how many options are readily available at a much lower price than high-end designer brands. So, what exactly should you look for in a good foundation made for dry skin?

First, and possibly most importantly, are hydrating and/or moisturizing ingredients. The last thing you need is something that will dry out your skin even more, cause flaking, red spots, etc. A foundation with a moisturizer like shea butter or hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and vitamins C, D, and E, are your best bets. Avoid foundations with ingredients like salicylic acid, alcohol, and sulfates as they will further dry out your skin.

Related: The 10 Best Moisturizers For Dry Skin of 2019

Next, you'll probably want a foundation that's long-lasting. That goes for any skin type, not just dry; the last things you feel like doing are a) worrying about your makeup and b) retouching your makeup throughout the day. Look for something that wears for at least 12 hours, as that should take you through the busiest part of your day. Fortunately, there are plenty of items on this list that last anywhere from 12 to 24 (and even 25!) hours. Along those lines, find a product that withstands everyday battles with heat, humidity, and sweat (especially for the summer... obviously).

Another feature to look for is the type of finish you want. Many with dry skin prefer a more glowy, radiant, dewy finish, whereas those with oily skin tend to use a matte-finish foundation. Why? Because if your skin is usually dry, you want a foundation that'll help make it shine. If your skin is generally oily, you want a foundation that'll tone down the shine. In your case, let it glow and find a foundation that gives you that luminous finish you've always wanted!

A couple of other things to keep in mind. If you're an outdoorsy type, it's a good idea to make sure your foundation contains some type of sun protection. Many of the foundations on our list feature SPF protection — but not all. So be sure to read the labels if that's important to you. This one seems kind of obvious, but... be sure the foundation you choose has the right skin tone. Some are easier to match than others, but the last thing you want to do is have to keep trying and returning until you find the right one. But you probably were already WELL aware of this.

There are lots of options out there if you're searching for a great foundation for dry skin. And many of them are right in front of you whenever and wherever you go shopping — in a store or online.

FAQ

Is liquid foundation better for dry skin?

If you struggle with dry skin, using liquid foundation can help solve a number of frustrating issues. Powder foundation offers a great option for people who struggle with acne or sensitive skin. But it can make dry skin look flakier than usual. However, liquid foundation can give you a dewy or moist look even if you have dry skin. In fact, beauty experts claim that liquid foundation can help reverse dry skin by sealing moisture where it counts. There are several liquid foundation options that also include a skincare serum to help repair your skin while making you look fabulous.

How do you apply foundation if you have dry skin?

If you have dry skin, there are a few things you can do to make your foundation look fabulous despite some mild skin irritation. Before beginning the application of your foundation be sure to exfoliate. A good exfoliating face wash will scrub your skin clean of any loose skin, evening out the texture and ultimately priming your face for makeup application. Next, consider moisturizing your skin so your foundation will lock in the skin-healing properties. And finally, choose a foundation with a dewy finish to conceal your dry skin while giving your body the chance to heal itself. Choosing the right products will help your skin heal without compromising your beauty.

Does matte foundation affect dry skin?

Matte foundations can enhance flaky skin, so it is best to choose a dewy water-based foundation if you’re someone who struggles with dry skin. Luckily, the beauty industry includes products that are compatible with all skin types. By selecting a foundation with a dewy finish, you’ll keep your dry skin from flaking further. Additionally, beauty experts advise against using a brush on flaky skin since it can make your skin even flakier. Instead, consider selecting a beauty blender (an egg-shaped sponge) or a regular sponge to apply foundation. This option will keep your skin from flaking further while allowing you to apply the perfect foundation finish to your skin.

Which foundation is best for dry skin?

Everybody’s skin is a little bit different, so it might take some time to find the perfect foundation. But, generally speaking, the best foundations for dry skin are water-based and contain hydrating properties. If your skin is particularly dry, it is best to select a liquid foundation with a dewy finish. This option will trap moisture against your skin so your body will have the chance to heal itself. But it’ll also give you a nice luscious look in the interim. If you have normal to dry skin, you might be able to opt for a liquid foundation with a satin or satin-matte finish.

Do normal foundations dry your skin?

Some foundations are built to control acne and oily skin, so they are specifically formulated to dry out your skin. But there is a wide variety of foundation that’s available for all skin types. If your skin is more dry than usual or you’re dealing with a rash, it might be good to see a healthcare professional or to give your skin a break from foundation all together. If, however, your skin is mildly dry all the time, just opt for a foundation that has moisturizing properties and a dewy finish. An option like this will prevent your skin from becoming dryer but it will also give you the luscious finish you’re looking to wow the world with.

Can I mix moisturizer with my foundation?

The simple answer is: yes! If your skin is dry or you’re looking for a particularly luscious shine, you can mix one-third moisturizer with two-thirds foundation. Adding a quality moisturizer to your foundation will help you to keep your skin from becoming dry, but it’ll also help you distribute pigment evenly across your skin. However, keep in mind that adding a moisturizer to your foundation will lighten the pigment of your foundation. Adding moisturizer can help you to blend your foundation more easily because it increases the opacity. If you’re worried about the pigment, consider buying a foundation with moisturizing elements or a foundation with slightly darker pigment.

Resources — The Cut, Elle, Redbook

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