Outside of finding a match that complements your skin's tone and undertone, there are a number of factors to consider when it comes to choosing the right face makeup. The best foundations for dry skin, in particular, typically contain a bevy of plumping and moisturizing ingredients like squalane, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides to combat flakiness.
Featured in this article:
Best with Hyaluronic Acid
Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Medium Coverage Liquid Foundation
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"Any foundation that's hydrating and creamy is ideal for people with dry skin," professional makeup artist Beck Wainner tells Bazaar. "These formulas keep it looking extremely supple and radiant—think: fresh and glowy." Artist Hailey Hoff agrees, noting that the incorporation of proper skincare prep—from exfoliation to your choice of face oils and moisturizers—also plays a key role in keeping uneven texture and unwanted dryness at bay. "I personally love using the Chantecaille Rose de Mai Oil to prep clients with dry skin, but really any kind of oil or hydrating face cream can work," she adds.
To make it simple to optimize your makeup staples, we've pulled together a few of the best foundations for dry skin that makeup artists and editors are raving about. From luxe favorites by Giorgio Armani Beauty and Clé de Peau Beauté to clean formulas from Jones Road and Kosas, these essential foundations are worthy of any makeup bag.
Best Overall
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation
Pros
- Makeup artist favorite
Cons
- Over $60
Hoff always keeps this best-selling Armani Beauty foundation in her kit, and it's one of Bazaar editors' top picks for a reason. Aside from providing a dewy–but–not–shiny lit-from-within look, and works well with just about every skin type.
Customer review: "I have been eyeing this particular foundation for a while now. The color, finish, and overall quality of this foundation is awesome. I love how you can wear a light layer or layer more for fuller coverage." —Mommaof4
Pros
- Multitasking formula
- Great for travel
Cons
- May not be ideal for those who prefer a dewy finish
Here's a versatile, long-lasting face stick from the experts at Dior that delivers a natural, yet blurred finish. The twist-up formula features a combination of pigments that work as a buildable foundation or to conceal lingering dark spots or breakouts.
Customer review: "Creamy and blends well. It fits in my purse nicely for a touch up and is very blendable." —Pamela
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Best with Hyaluronic Acid
Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Medium Coverage Liquid Foundation
Pros
- Buildable
- Lasts for up to 16 hours
- Makeup artist-approved
Cons
- May not be ideal for those who prefer lighter-weight formulas
This rose complex- and hyaluronic acid-infused foundation is one of Wainner's go-tos for clients with drier skin. "I love using the Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin foundation on clients looking for a natural finish to their makeup," she says. "It's very hydrating and always leaves skin looking plump and moisturized."
Pros
- Lightweight
- Buildable
Cons
- Over $60
If your makeup routine tends to lean more no makeup-makeup, consider adding this luxe pick from Chanel to your rotation. Its lightweight formula is made of 40 percent water and uses antioxidants to guard skin against pollution, free radicals, and blue light.
Customer review: "Using this makeup for 20 years. Spectacular!!!" —Anonymous
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Best Tint
Make Up Forever Super Boost Lightweight Moisturizing Skin Tint
Pros
- Buildable
- Features a hydrating, plumping blend of hyaluronic and polyglutamic acids
Cons
- May not be ideal for those who prefer more full-coverage foundations
While not technically a foundation, this popular skin tint from Make Up Forever provides sheer to medium coverage for that your-skin-but-better finish. Its non-oily formula leaves even the driest among us with a radiant, effortless glow.
Customer review: "Saved me from cakey makeup! Not too dry or oily in summer, usually foundations are one way or the other on my skin. Really enjoying it in summer so far!" —melodyismaimai
Best for Mature Skin
L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation
Pros
- Under $20
- Contains vitamin B3
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Shade range isn't as extensive as some others
Over 1,700 Ulta customers are giving this budget-friendly serum foundation a five-star rating. Along with featuring a lightweight, SPF 50 formula, the beloved foundation is also ideal for smoothing over fine lines.
Customer review: "Love! If this were $40, I would pay $40 for it! Super lightweight and hydrating, but not greasy. I found the perfect shade for me and I'm on my 3rd bottle!" —Ash
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Pros
- Creates a natural-looking skin glow
- Formula is deeply hydrating and plumping
Cons
- Some reviewers say formula is not as lightweight as they thought
Featuring a blend of ingredients like jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid, and olive-derived squalane, Danessa Myricks Beauty's Yummy Skin foundation is the epitome of hydration. And as an earth-friendly bonus, its bottle also happens to be refillable.
Customer review: "Perfect foundation!!! The coverage is amazing and has a nice radiant finish. A little goes a long way." —Roni101
Pros
- Lightweight
- Contains SPF 45
- Dermatologist- and allergy-tested
Cons
- Formula may be too sheer for those who prefer fuller coverage
Clinique's featherweight Even Better Clinical Vitamin Makeup foundation is ideal for very dry, dry, and dry combination skin types. Its sheer SPF 45 formula is deeply hydrating while still being completely oil-free.
Customer review: "I love this foundation! It blends so well, has SPF, and doesn't feel heavy. Definitely the best one I've tried! Great coverage and absolutely amazing." —Jennifer
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Best for a Natural Finish
Jones Road What the Foundation
Pros
- Buildable
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Formulation be too messy for some
Created by makeup legend Bobbi Brown, this versatile foundation from Jones Road acts more like a moisturizer. Depending on your preference, this essential is easily applied with a brush, sponge, or your fingers.
Customer review: "I have searched all my life for a foundation that was the right color. I have a drawer full of different foundations. I have thrown them away, because What the Foundation is wonderful." —Karen V.
Best Long-Wearing
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Soft'Lit Naturally Luminous Hydrating Longwear Foundation
Pros
- Wide variety of shade options
- Waterproof
- Long-wearing formula
Cons
With 50 different options to choose from, it's easy to find the right shade in this hydrating foundation from Fenty Beauty. It's especially ideal for a medium-to-full-coverage look.
Customer review: "I can’t express how much I love this foundation. It’s so hard to find a good shade match for pale skin that works with my undertones, but this one is perfect. I’ll wear it for 12+ hours and it still looks flawless." —kfought05
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What are some of the best ingredients to look for in top foundations for dry skin?
Along with squalane, key ingredients like ceramides and plant-based oils such as marula, argan, avocado, and others play a major role in keeping your skin moisturized while wearing makeup. Hyaluronic acid is another, mainly used for its plumping qualities, that can lend hydration benefits as well.
How can I ensure a smooth canvas for makeup with dry skin?
According to experts, proper skin care prep before application, like exfoliating dead skin cells and application of facial oils and moisturizers, is essential for a smooth and even makeup finish.
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Can I still use setting powder with dry skin?
Using face powder isn't a deal breaker for those with dry skin. After applying your foundation and concealer, professionals recommend dusting finishing powder in just the T-zone area of the face or where necessary to avoid enhancing fine lines or contributing to dryness.
Looking for more makeup staples?
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- The Best Drugstore Mascaras for Length, Volume, and Curl
- The Best Drugstore Foundations for Mature Skin Under $20
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- Celebrity Makeup Artist Ash K. Holm Told Us All Her Beauty Secrets
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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, hair care, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
