The Best Foundations for Dry Skin

No matter what style of makeup you prefer, there is always one product that matters the most — your foundation. A flawless base is the key to a perfect makeup look. But, if you’re not finding the right formula for your skin type, you may not get the selfie-worthy results you’re hoping for.

This is especially true for dry skin — the wrong formula can cling to dry patches and make your skin look flaky. Luckily, we’ve got a few foundation options that can help prevent that from happening. Keep reading to see six of the best foundations for dry skin.

Best Longwear Foundation For Dry Skin: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation

Matte finishes may be popular right now, but due to their flat finish, matte foundations can accentuate dryness — which is probably the opposite of what you want. For dry skin, opt for a foundation that will help give off a luminous finish instead.

This is one of the best foundations for dry skin, thanks to its hydrating, medium coverage formula. Its texture is creamy, allowing the foundation to glide on smoothly across the skin, and it dries down with a glowing finish that can last for up to 24 hours. It’s also formulated with SPF, which is perfect for keeping your skin protected during the day.

Best Full-Coverage Foundation For Dry Skin: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation, Lightweight

If you prefer a foundation that can be built up to full coverage, we have another option for you. Reach for this formula that has a natural finish that won’t look cakey or feel heavy on the skin. The ultra-thin, lightweight liquid can stay put for up to 24 hours and won’t cling to dry patches, leaving you with a beautiful, healthy-looking complexion. It also includes ingredients that help to resist sweat, water, and transfer.

Best Foundation For Mature, Dry Skin: L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup Radiant Serum Foundation with SPF 50

Dry skin and aging often go hand in hand. When it comes to foundation, stick with one that’s formulated specifically for mature skin types. This must-have offers all-day hydration — which is just what you need. 

Its lightweight formula provides just enough coverage, evening out your skin tone with a natural-looking, glowy finish. It includes vitamin B3, which works to reduce signs of skin aging, and has built-in SPF 50, to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays.

Best Radiant Foundation For Dry Skin: L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Makeup

Dry skin can give off a dull appearance, so it’s best to use products that will keep the skin looking radiant and moisturized. Reach for this foundation with a true-to-skin finish, which is formulated with vitamin E to hydrate while providing a medium, blendable coverage.

Editor’s tip: Need help picking out the right foundation shade? Use our Virtual Try-On Tool. This feature will allow you to try on the shade digitally through your computer’s camera, or you can upload a photo to help you narrow down the best shade for you.

Best Serum Foundation for Dry Skin: L’Oréal Paris True Match Hyaluronic Tinted Serum

If your skin is on the extremely dry side and could use some added hydration after your moisturizer, this foundation is the best pick for you. This tinted serum (which can be worn as foundation) is formulated with hyaluronic acid to give skin a smooth, moisturized look. It uses luminous mineral pigments to brighten the skin, while providing a lightweight, radiant finish.

Best Multipurpose Foundation for Dry Skin: L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect 4-in-1 Tinted Face Balm Foundation

Having consistently dry skin can lead to other skin care concerns, such as fine lines and wrinkles. This four in one balm foundation can tackle those concerns while giving you buildable coverage. Formulated with a firming serum, it has four unique benefits — it firms overtime, smooths lines, conceals imperfections, and evens tone. This foundation’s balm texture melts into the skin upon application, so you can have comfortable coverage throughout the day.

How to Apply Foundation on Dry Skin

Now that you know which foundations are best for your dry skin, it’s time to learn how to best prep your face for the perfect foundation application.

1. Moisturize 

Skin prep is essential for those with dry skin looking to apply foundation. After cleansing your skin, use a moisturizer formulated with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Day Lotion SPF 30.

2. Apply A Primer 

It’s best to apply face primer before using foundation to create a smooth and even base for the foundation to grip onto. Reach for a primer with illuminating qualities like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Lock Makeup Primer. It will help give your skin a radiant and healthy glow that lasts all day.

3. Apply Your Foundation

The next time you pick up your foundation, apply it with a makeup blender — like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender — for an even and smooth application. Lightly spritz the makeup blender with some water and then squeeze a bit of foundation onto its tip and use dabbing and rolling motions to blend it onto your skin.

4. Set Your Look

To ensure that your makeup lasts through the day, you’ll need to set your foundation. Grab the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray and Set Make-Up Oil-Free Setting Spray and spray it on your face from eight to ten inches away. Its formula will help set your makeup so that it can stay flawless all day.

Next: The Best Foundations for Oily Skin

Edited by: Shalwah Evans, Photo Design: Crystal Simone

Best Longwear Foundation For Dry Skin: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation

Matte finishes may be popular right now, but due to their flat finish, matte foundations can accentuate dryness — which is probably the opposite of what you want. For dry skin, opt for a foundation that will help give off a luminous finish instead. 

The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation is one of our best foundations for dry skin, thanks to its hydrating, medium coverage formula. Its texture is creamy, allowing the foundation to glide on smoothly across the skin, and it dries down with a glowing finish that can last for up to 24 hours. It’s also formulated with SPF, which is perfect for keeping your skin protected during the day. 

Best Full-Coverage Foundation For Dry Skin: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation, Lightweight

If you prefer a foundation that can be built up to full coverage, we have another option for you. Reach for the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation, Lightweight, which has a natural finish that won’t look cakey or feel heavy on the skin. 

The ultra-thin, lightweight liquid formula can stay put for up to 24 hours and won’t cling to dry patches, leaving you with a beautiful, healthy-looking complexion. It also includes three oil absorbers which help to resist sweat, water, and transfer. 

Best Foundation For Mature, Dry Skin: L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup Radiant Serum Foundation with SPF 50

Dry skin and aging often go hand in hand. When it comes to foundation, stick with one that’s formulated specifically for mature skin types. The L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup Radiant Serum Foundation with SPF 50 offers all-day hydration — which is just what you need. 

Its lightweight formula provides just enough coverage, evening your skin tone with a natural-looking, glowy finish. It includes vitamin B3, which works to reduce signs of skin aging, and has built-in SPF 50, to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays. 

Best Radiant Foundation For Dry Skin: L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Makeup

Dry skin can give off a dull appearance, so it’s best to use products that will keep the skin looking radiant and moisturized. Reach for the L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Makeup, which is formulated with pro-vitamin B5 and vitamin E to hydrate while providing a medium, blendable coverage.

Editor’s tip: Need help picking out the right foundation shade? Use our Virtual Try-On Feature on the True Match Super-Blendable Makeup product page. This feature will allow you to try the shade on digitally through your computer’s camera, or you can upload a photo to help you narrow down the best shade for you. 

Best Serum Foundation for Dry Skin: L’Oréal Paris True Match Hyaluronic Tinted Serum

If your skin is on the extremely dry side and could use some added hydration after your moisturizer, this foundation is the best pick for you. The L’Oréal Paris True Match Hyaluronic Tinted Serum is a tinted serum (that can be worn as foundation) that is formulated with one percent hyaluronic acid to give skin a smooth, moisturized finish. It uses luminous mineral pigments to brighten the skin, while providing a lightweight, radiant finish.

Best Multipurpose Foundation for Dry Skin: L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect 4-in-1 Tinted Face Balm Foundation

Having consistently dry skin can lead to other skin care concerns, such as fine lines and wrinkles. This four in one balm foundation can tackle those concerns while giving you buildable coverage. 

Formulated with a firming serum, it has four unique benefits — it firms overtime, smooths lines, conceals imperfections, and evens tone. This foundation’s balm texture melts into the skin upon application, so you can have comfortable coverage throughout the day. 

How To Apply Foundation On Dry Skin

Now that you know which foundations are best for your dry skin, it’s time to learn how to best prep your face for the perfect foundation application.

1. Moisturize 

Skin prep is essential for those with dry skin looking to apply foundation. After cleansing your skin, use a moisturizer formulated with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Day Lotion SPF 30.

2. Apply A Primer 

It’s best to apply a primer before using foundation to create a smooth and even base for the foundation to grip onto. Reach for a primer with illuminating qualities like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Lock Makeup Primer. It will help give your skin a radiant and healthy glow that lasts all day.

3. Apply Your Foundation

The next time you pick up your foundation, apply it with a makeup blender — like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender — for an even and smooth application. Lightly spritz the makeup blender with some water and then squeeze a bit of foundation onto its tip and use dabbing and rolling motions to blend it onto your skin.

4. Set Your Look

To ensure that your makeup lasts through the day, you’ll need to set your foundation. Grab the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray and Set Make-Up Oil-Free Setting Spray and spray it on your face from eight to ten inches away. Its formula will help set your makeup so that it can stay flawless all day.

Next: How to Find Your Perfect True Match Foundation Shade

Edited by: Shannon Stubbs, Photo Design: Crystal Simone