Best Foundation for Dry Skin, According to 6 Experts

When it comes to selecting a foundation that works for dry skin, it’s essential to look for a product that will provide a boost of moisture and decent coverage.

To help you find the best products out there, we’ve rounded up the best foundations for dry skin, as recommended by experts.

The type of foundation those with dry skin need to look for should be a liquid or creamy consistency providing a radiant finish that can wake up even the driest of skin.

In order to make sure you’re giving your skin a fighting chance, follow these tips to not only improve the appearance but will also provide a more flawless makeup application.

• Stay hydrated. Drink at least the recommended 64 oz. and eat water-rich foods daily! Staying hydrated helps your body from the inside out creating a more supple and smooth appearance.
• Exfoliate. Gently exfoliating away all those dead skin cells allows for healthier new ones to regenerate. But don’t scrub as dry skin can easily become irritated.
• Moisturize before drying. Lock in moisture taking warm showers, using gentle products and applying rich oils and thicker creams onto your skin patting dry every time.
• Apply your makeup properly. Apply a moisturizing serum and allow to sink in followed by a rich moisturizer. Once completed applying a moisturizing primer allowing your makeup to stay put all day and easily disguise any rough patches. Stick to cream and liquid types of makeup.
• Don’t use your fingers. Applying the makeup with your bare hands absorbs most of the product whereas applying directly to a blending brush or silicone blender will thoroughly blend the product onto your skin for a more flawless application.

Following those tips, here are some of my favorite foundations that work great for those dealing with flaky, dry skin:

Most importantly schedule an appointment with your local esthetician setting up routine visits and creating a skincare plan to follow that’ll help you fix the route of the problem, not just ‘masking’ the issue.

When the skin is dry, it is very difficult to cover up the area. Putting makeup can draw more attention to flaking skin but there are ways to ensure you get the best full coverage foundation.

You should stay away from foundations that have salicylic acid and fragrances in them. Salicyclic acid is the same ingredient that is used to dry up acne so it will also dry up your skin. Fragrances are typically in an alcohol base and the alcohol will dry your skin as well.

Avoiding “matte” products is also important because these contain oil-absorbing ingredients which are not what you are looking for with dry skin. It is important to look for a foundation that boosts itself for being hydrating such as Neutrogena Hydroboost Hydrating.

In addition to choosing the correct product, it is important to apply the foundation correctly to dry skin.

You should exfoliate dead skin to smooth it out and follow it with an oil-based cleanser to help retain moisturizer. You can also use a hydrating mist and hydrating primer which helps give the skin a glow and prevent your skin from absorbing a newly applied foundation.

Related: Best Primer for Dry Skin

When applying the foundation, using a damp sponge is best but using a makeup brush and applying in a downward motion to build coverage as opposed to going in circular motions is also helpful.

One of the most frustrating issues with dry skin and makeup is that makeup tends to accumulate on the driest area of the skin. This can make it appear ‘caked on’ or take on a different hue.

The first step to finding the right foundation is to make sure there are no buzzwords – age-defying, ageless, acne-prone skin, etc. These will often contain added ingredients such as salicylic acid that can add to your dryness.

One of my favorite foundations for dry skin is Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue. I find that this product combines moisturizer, tint, and sunscreen in one product. It is lightweight making it less likely to feel caked on. It also provides great coverage. My patients find that there are so many hues to choose from it is a great option for most.

Bobbi Brown Nude Finish tinted moisturizer is another favorite of mine. Lightweight, adequate coverage and hydrating as well!

Foundations with a hydrating component are excellent solutions for dry skin. A favorite in my practice is Neutrogena’s Hydroboost hydrating tint. This is a versatile oil-free foundation that is available in 10 shades. This can be paired with a moisturizing SPF sunscreen to provide complete hydration and protection.

Another favorite all-in-one product is Intellishade Original by Revision. This is a tinted moisturizing SPF sunscreen that is often used as a foundation. This product also contains Vitamin C and anti-aging peptides which are helpful for an even skin tone and correcting fine lines and wrinkles.

Silicon, water, or oil-based foundations will be your best bet for foundations for dry skin

Knowing your skin type is critical to a comfortable and lasting makeup application. When shopping for a foundation for dry skin you will want to avoid using anything with the words, “oil-free” or “mattifying” as these foundations are generally formulated for people with oily or combination skin.

If you have dry skin and use the wrong foundation, you’ll know it is not right because dry patches may appear after/during the application or your makeup will appear dull and lack a healthy glow. However, skin prep prior to makeup application is essential you a flawless and comfortable makeup application.

When I’m giving makeup consults, I always tell clients with dry skin to look for a hydrating liquid foundation and or a foundation with a serum consistency. Both options provide hydration without the heaviness.

When comparing the two, hydrating liquid foundations provide a satin to matte coverage and serum foundations provide the coverage dry skin craves along with additional ingredients to improve the look and health of their skin.

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