Our Best Foundations For Dry Skin

When you have dry skin, you know how hard it can be to make your skin look a little more glowy. Although the goal of face makeup (and foundation in particular) is to help you get a flawless-looking complexion, if you’re not using the best foundation for dry skin, that may feel entirely unattainable. The wrong formula will cling to dry patches and even dry out your skin further—but it doesn’t have to be that way.

We’re here to let you in on a little secret—with the right moisturizing foundation formula and a few application tips, you can create the appearance of luminous, radiant skin. Yes, really. We’re sharing our best drugstore foundations for dry skin, so you can stock your vanity with the perfect hydrating foundation. Plus, check out our step-by-step guide for applying foundation to dry skin below.

OUR BEST RADIANT FOUNDATION FOR DRY SKIN

Matte finishes may be trendy, but they probably won’t do you any favors if you have dry skin. Due to their flat finish, matte foundations can accentuate dryness—which we're betting is the opposite of what you want. If you have dry skin, a hydrating foundation with a luminous finish is often a better bet. When you want a glow, the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation is our best foundation for dry skin, thanks to its radiant finish, medium coverage, and air-light texture.

OUR BEST FULL-COVERAGE FOUNDATION FOR DRY SKIN

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 and provides medium to full, buildable coverage that lasts all day while allowing the skin to breathe. The ultra-thin, lightweight liquid formula won’t cling to your dry skin, leaving you with a beautiful, healthy-looking complexion.

OUR BEST FOUNDATION FOR MATURE, DRY SKIN

Dry skin and aging often go hand in hand. Instead of using any old hydrating 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 is a foundation that offers all-day hydration—just what you need. Its lightweight formula provides just enough coverage, evening your skin tone with a natural-looking, glowy finish. The foundation also won’t settle into lines, which, if you have mature skin, you know is a must. Last but not least, it features SPF 50, so you can fight sun damage while giving your skin a dose of hydration and rocking beautiful makeup.

HOW TO APPLY HYDRATING FOUNDATION TO DRY SKIN

We’ve introduced you to our best foundations to use on dry skin, but in order to put your pick to use, there’s more you need to know. Makeup application can be quite the struggle when you have dry skin, so don’t feel bad if you need a play-by-play on how to apply foundation to dry skin. Here, we’re sharing exactly how to do it; simply follow these steps to prep your face and apply your foundation.

STEP 1: MOISTURIZE

Whatever you can do to combat dryness prior to applying foundation should be done. That means moisturizing is a must! Smooth on a moisturizer formulated with aloe vera water and hyaluronic acid, like the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin or L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Extra Dry Skin. Of course, you shouldn’t just be moisturizing when you wear makeup. Be sure to moisturize twice daily—once when you wake up and again right before bed. Remember: Hydrated skin is beautiful skin.

STEP 2: CONCEAL

Some of us might prefer not to admit it, but everyone has an imperfection or two (or more). That’s where concealer comes into play. Before breaking out your moisturizing foundation, use a coordinating concealer to hide dark circles and any other imperfections you may want to cover. Apply the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Concealer anywhere your complexion is looking less than perfect, then blend out.

STEP 3: APPLY YOUR MOISTURIZING FOUNDATION

We’re as thankful for our hands as the next person—but when it comes to applying foundation to dry skin, fingers just aren’t going to cut it. In fact, it’s best to avoid directly touching your skin as much as possible. The next time you pick up your foundation, apply it with a makeup blender, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender. Simply squeeze a little bit of your hydrating foundation onto its tip and use dabbing and rolling motions to blend it onto your skin.

STEP 4: SET YOUR LOOK

If you want to help ensure your makeup lasts the rest of the day, which we think you do, you’ll need to set your foundation. Typically, face powder is thought of as a major no-no for dry skin, but that doesn’t have to be the case. If you stick with a powder with a luminous finish, you should be safe. Use a fluffy makeup brush to sweep a light layer over your foundation, and you’re all set (literally and figuratively). If you’re still wary about using face powder, set your foundation with a few spritzes of a luminous setting spray, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Shake & Glow Dew Mist.

HOW TO REMOVE FOUNDATION AT THE END OF THE DAY

This step is just as important as picking out the best foundation for your dry skin and applying it properly. In fact, it’s a good rule for anyone to follow, regardless of skin type. Here’s why: When you sleep in your makeup, it can mix with the dirt and oil on your face—and that can lead to clogged pores. When you have dry skin, you won’t want to reach for any old cleanser, since the wrong formula could dry your skin out further. Try using a micellar water, like the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof - All Skin Types, which removes makeup, hydrates, and purifies.

Foundation isn’t the only thing you have to worry about when you have dry skin. Your skin care routine is just as essential. If yours is lacking, check out our 8 Skin Care Hacks For Dry Skin.