How To Shop For The Best Foundation For Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, finding the right foundation can be a challenge. Of course, youll want something thatll provide enough coverage to even out your skin tone, but you also dont want to end up with a cakey, flaky mess.
The good news is that nowadays there are plenty of foundation formulas designed specifically for dry skin .
Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a foundation for dry skin:
With so many great foundation options available, theres no need to suffer from dry, flaky skin anymore! By following these simple tips, you can find the perfect foundation for your dry skin type.
Best Budget: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, this pick from Neutrogena features ultra-moisturizing hyaluronic acid, the dry-skin darling of skincare. Lightweight while simultaneously hydrating, this tint offers 24 hours of moisture with its breathable, water-gel formula. It’s oil-free, non-comedogenic, and comes in 10 shades. It’s not hard to see why it has more than 4,500 five-star ratings on Amazon.
A hybrid between skincare and foundation, this pick from Charlotte Tilbury features ingredients to help hydrate, protect, and perfect the look of your skinit’ll leave you with a flake-free, flawless finish throughout the day. This pick is great for those looking for a mattifying full-coverage foundation, and with 44 shades available, it caters to a variety of skin tones.
You can also buy the foundation at , where it’s earned more than 158,000 “loves” from shoppers.
Foundation #3 Ponds Bb+ Cream Instant Spot Coverage
Want to have a moisturiser and a good foundation for dry skin in one bottle? That means, you need BB cream, like Ponds BB+ Cream Instant Spot Coverage for light and glowing makeup. The combination of vitamin enriched cream and light tint makes this product the best foundation for dry sensitive skin.
How to Use
This BB cream is recommended to apply with fingertips. When you slightly warm up the product on your skin, the coverage becomes more elastic and smooth, which is perfect for dry skin. Start with a pea sized-amount of BB cream and dot on your skin, then tap and gently blend with your fingers.
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How To Choose The Best Full
Avoid matte products:These foundations typically contain oil-absorbing ingredients like silicone and talc, which can make dry skin look even drier, worsen dry patches, and feel tight and uncomfortable on your skin, says celebrity makeup artist Michanna Murphy. Youll stand a better chance of your foundation not caking and settling into dry patches by choosing one with a creamier finish.
Steer clear of salicylic acid: This ingredient does acne-prone skin a solid by sopping up excess oil. For those with a case of the flakes, however, it will dry out your skin even more, says Dr. Jaliman. Instead, look for hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, dimethicone, and vitamin E.
Look for hydration-centric lingo: Foundations that have serum, oil, or hydrating in the name are indicate that theyll offer up some added moisture to your skin, says Ashburn. Other keywords to look for include radiant, dewy, illuminating, glow, and water. Because dry, dehydrated skin has a tendency to absorb newly applied foundation and leave your face a patchy mess, says Murphy, an extra dose of hydration from your makeup can help keep flakes at bay for that much longer.
Skip the scents: It can be difficult to find a foundation without fragrance in it, but stick to unscented varieties if you can. Fragrance in your foundation means that it also contains alcohol, which can lead to more dryness, says MDA Brush executive makeup artist Dominique Lerma.
Pat Mcgrath Labs Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation
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Slight creasing
People / Jessica Juliao
If youre looking for a skin-perfecting foundation that feels like youre wearing no makeup at all, then look no further than the Pat McGrath Sublime Perfection Foundation. Luxe in design and formula, this pore-erasing, incredibly lightweight and truly sublime foundation was one of the most natural-looking yet tone-correcting products tested during these trials.
Only one layer was needed to get the desired level of coverage that our tester was going for, but the formula was buildable enough to easily blend another layer on top for an even more perfect look. Our tester attributed this lightness to its water-based formula, which made the product feel like a tinted serum instead of a thick foundation, making it ideal for everyday wear or days that you want a second skin.
After wearing the foundation for a good amount of time, our tester noticed a bit of creasing at their smile lines, but this was to be expected as the foundation hadnt been set with powder a staple in most beauty routines. Our tester still loved how this product both looked and felt on their face, stating that their skin looks truly glorious and was truly worth the investment . Ms. McGrath wasnt kidding when she called her product “sublime”.
Price at time of publish: $68
Size: 1.18 ounces | Shades: 36 | Finish: Natural | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, combination, oily
People / Jessica Juliao
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Essence Pretty Natural Hydrating Foundation
Best for: Medium coverage
If you want a medium-coverage foundation, chances are you dont want it to feel like its medium coverageyou want it to feel weightless. This one does. As one five-star reviewer points out, At 50, Im looking for a foundation that doesnt look heavy but still gives good coverage. It also contains hyaluronic acid extract, an ingredient Figueroa says can lock in moisture and strengthen the skin barrier. Youve probably seen it sold as a face serum, and if you have dry skin, its a good pre-moisturizer step to prep your face for foundation.
Highlights:
How We Picked The Best Foundations For Dry Skin
We spoke with top makeup artists, all of whom have experience working with people who have dry skin, to get their tried-and-true favorites. We also looked over a few hundred options available online and narrowed them down based on five-star ratings and praise-worthy customer reviews. Keep reading to find a curated list of the best foundations for dry skin. Once youve picked a favorite, use it with one of the best concealers to create the flawless face you deserve.
via ulta.com
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Dior Forever Matte Foundation Spf 15
- Why We Love It: One may assume that a matte-finish foundation is out of the question, so as to avoid exaggerating the look of skin texture or fine lines. Baraf, however, recommends Diors foundation as a suitable option.
- More to Know: Powered by mineral pigments and floral extracts of wild pansy, nasturtium, and iris, Diors matte foundation is anything but drying and provides smooth, soft-focus coverage and a nourished complexion.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation
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Slightly drying
Labeled as one of the most seamless foundations of the bunch by our testers, the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation wowed with its little-goes-a-long-way formula and impressive staying power. This liquid foundation was made to be a hybrid between skincare and makeup to craft a complexion that looks as healthy as it feels.
Formulated with ingredient complexes that aim to hydrate the skin and refine wrinkles, this foundation felt nourishing when applied on the testers skin and was able to cover almost all of their imperfections with just two pumps. They appreciated the way this foundation felt locked in on their skin without creating dryness, as there was no color transfer when blotted and the formula stayed put while being blended with a sponge.
While this product is supposed to help moisturization, our tester did feel like the results were slightly drying. However, this didnt become a deterrent in the end, as they shared that they would sacrifice additional moisture for staying power and transfer resistance. Our tester also noted that this would be a great formula for those with naturally oily skin ensuring a matte finish, strong staying power and smoothed texture for any skin type.
Price at time of publish: $46
Size: 30 ml | Shades: 44 | Finish: Matte | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, combination
People / Jessica Juliao
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Best Stick: Mented Cosmetics Skin By Mented
Mented
If you love a stick foundation formulation, look no further than Skin by Mented. This hydrating foundation offers a natural finish, is easily buildable, and contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe leaf extract, and grape seed oil.
“Creamy, hydrating, great coverage, and a wonderful shade range for women of color,” an Ulta reviewer shared. “I feel seen! I love it and my makeup always looks so natural and not cakey or dry.”
Can I Use A Matte Foundation On Dry Skin
If youre on the hunt for a new foundation and have dry skin, you might be wondering if you should stick to a matte foundation or if there are other options. Thankfully, Ive got the answer.
The good news is that there are plenty of foundation formulas that can work well for dry skin. It just might take a little bit of trial and error to find the one thats right for you.
Are you looking for a matte foundation? If so, your best bet is to choose one thats specifically marketed as being suitable for dry skin. Luckily, you have plenty of options to choose from on this list of the best foundations for dry skin. So youre off to a great start!
These specialized formulas usually contain ingredients that help to hydrate and plump up the skin, so that your foundation doesnt end up accentuating any dry patches or flakiness.
And I recommend keeping this advice in mind: its always a good idea to do a patch test before applying any new foundation all over your facejust to make sure that it doesnt end up looking cakey or emphasizing any lines or pores.
There are also plenty of non-matte foundations that can work well for dry skin. For example, if you prefer a dewy finish, look for foundations that contain hyaluronic acid or glycerin. As Ive already mentioned, these ingredients will help to add some extra moisture to your skin.
As with matte foundations, its always a good idea to do a patch test before applying any new foundation all over your face.
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What To Consider When Buying Full
Buying a foundation online can feel like youre taking a shot in the dark. Along with considering your skin tone, one of the best ways to find a good match is to keep your skin type in mind as well. Its also helpful to opt for brands that offer an inclusive shade range to get you that much closer to your exact shade.
Best Drugstore: Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation
Ulta
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Not very long-wearing
Creamy and illuminating, this drugstore gem has a finish that rivals its luxury counterparts. The lightweight fluid is buildable and smoothing, allowing you to customize your base and level of coverage. The formula hydrates dry, tight skin, bonus points for it being fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, too.
Price at time of publish: $9
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E | Size: 1 fluid ounces | Shades: 24 | No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Fenty Beauty Pro Filtr Hydrating Longwear Foundation
Best for: A natural finish
Not too dewy but also not matte, this pick from Rihannas Fenty Beautyhands down one of the best Black makeup brandsleaves skin looking smooth and supple. It has grapeseed oil in it, which is very hydrating, says Espinal. Other benefits of this foundation: It serves up medium coverage while feeling light on the skin. To get maximum wear out of it, Espinal suggests applying a hydrating primer to your skin first. Not only will this add hydration the way a face moisturizer might, but it will also help your foundation last all day.
Highlights:
Nudestix Nudies Tinted Blur Stick
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Need a moisturized base to perform well
PEOPLE / Jessica Juliao
Not all foundations are made the same, and this definitely rings true for the Nudestix Tinted Blur Foundation. Pivoting from liquid products, this stick foundation allows you to work up to the level of coverage that you want thanks to its buildable and easy-to-blend formula.
Our tester especially liked that it was able to easily cover their discoloration with just a few taps of their fingers or brush, two methods that worked to effortlessly blend the foundation onto their skin. Since the product is a stick, its formula is naturally denser than liquid versions, meaning it was able to minimize pores and blur the skin easier than liquid foundations can.
Our tester did feel as if the formula was on the slightly drying side over time , so they suggested the use of a great moisturizer before applying the foundation for the best results. This foundation should be on everyones radar thanks to its versatility, from the light coverage-lover to the full-coverage fan.
Price at time of publish: $32
Size: 0.42 ounces | Shades: 11 | Finish: Semi-matte | Skin Type: All
People / Jessica Juliao
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What Should I Look For In A Foundation For Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, you should look for a foundation that is fragrance-free and moisturizing, Peredo advises. You want to make sure the foundation has anti-inflammatory ingredients in order to reduce inflammation and redness.
Plus, you want to make sure the formula has noncomedogenic ingredients to avoid clogging up pores.
Best Smoothing: Fenty Beauty Pro Filtr Hydrating Longwear Foundation
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Buildable coverage doesnt crease or cake
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Moisturizing formula contains antioxidant blend
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Wide shade range
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Contains fragrance
This hydrating foundation is a more moisturizing version of the brands Pro Filtr Soft Matte, which is ideal for those with mature skin. Its notably lightweight, blendable, and buildable, leaving you with a natural-looking finish and noticeably smoother complexion.
Coverage: Buildable | Shade Range: 50 shades | Finish: Natural | Size: 1.08 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | No
Price at time of publish: $38
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Best Full Coverage Foundations For Dry Skin
For those who are tired of getting foundation accumulated in the creases of your wrinkles, this anti-aging foundation by COVERGIRL+OLAY is an incredible product choice. The 3-in-1 product has a luxurious, emollient formulation with hyaluronic complex and vitamin C that helps reverse signs of aging while nourishing dry skin. It has the properties of a toner that helps smooth out imperfections and reduce the appearance of dark circles. Lastly, the product provides full coverage and works as an excellent makeup base, which makes it one of the best full-coverage foundations for dry skin. A pro-tip to make the best of this product is to choose a shade darker than your skin tone.
How Does The Skins Complexion Change With Age
As you get older, not only does the skin get thinner and more lines and wrinkles appear, but dyspigmentation also occurs, which is a combination of years of sun exposure unevenness,, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in aesthetic dermatology and associate clinical professor at Mount Sinai Hospital told The Post. Brown and red start to form on the skin as well. Uneven pigmentation or dyspigmentation and a combination of brown and red spots make the skin appear older.
Whats more, the skin begins to lose sebum and becomes drier. Complexion tends to get darker and appear more dull-looking as a result, seven-year makeup artist Jasmin Winnie Stephen told the New York Post. Products that can be beneficial to this process are active ingredients like vitamin C to help brighten the complexion.
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Best For Sensitive Skin: Ilia True Skin Serum Foundation
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Formula can feel a bit runny
If you want a glowy base and nourishing skincare benefits, this serum-infused foundation from ILIA is for you. The formula contains marula oil, jojoba oil, aloe vera, and squalane to moisturize and soothe dry and sensitive skin, while the foundation component covers and corrects.
Price at time of publish: $54
Key Ingredients: Aloe, jojoba, marula oil, niacinamide, allantoin | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Shades: 30 | Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
What Is The Best Way To Apply Foundation For Dry Skin
If you have very dry skin, youll be well aware of what a nightmare it can be applying foundation. You want coverage, not cakeyness, and applying a full coverage foundation over parched skin can be a recipe for disaster. Luckily, weve got a foolproof three-step guide for the best way to apply foundation for dry skin.
1.Exfoliate
The key to a smooth, flawless foundation finish ultimately starts with skin prep. Exfoliating away any dry, rough patches can help your foundation apply smoother and last longer.
2.Hydrate
If your skin is thirsty, its important to hydrate it first before applying your foundation. Opt for a nourishing moisturiser or primer, that will give your skin a much-needed drink and provide an even, soft canvas for foundation application.
3.Use tools
To give your foundation a great starting point, buff and blend it in with a fluffy brush or make-up sponge. Brushes and sponges are gentler on the skin, and wont disrupt any dry patches or flakiness like your fingers might.
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