What type of foundation is best for dry skin?

Generally, a liquid foundation is considered the better choice for dry skin because it hydrates, whereas a powder foundation can exaggerate dry patches.

How do you apply foundation on dry skin?

When it comes to the physical application of foundation on dry skin, the technical practices are no different than any other skin type. Take your preferred tool, whether it be a beauty sponge or brush, and bounce the foundation onto the skin until evenly applied. That being said, skin prep before foundation impacts how the foundation wears and sits on the face.

How do you prep dry skin for makeup wear?

To prepare your skin for foundation wear , first, start with a clean base. Wash and exfoliate the face (if necessary). Follow with a hydrating moisturizing gel to help smooth skin and allow for an even application. Finally, an SPF to protect your skin. Primer is optional depending on preference, and with that, your skin is ready for makeup application.

The 13 Best Foundations for Dry Skin of 2023

best-foundation-for-dry-skin — Byrdie / Michela Buttignol

Of all the makeup products out there, foundation is definitely the hardest to nail down. The right formula can make or break a beauty look—the pigment, finish, and coverage has to be just right. This is even more complicated when considering a foundation for dry skin types. You want coverage, moisture, radiance, and longevity all in one formula—the equivalent of finding Atlantis.

But the good news is that such a thing exists—in fact, there’s a stack of innovative foundation products that work like a treat on dry skin without sacrificing finish or texture.

To find the best foundations for dry skin, we conducted hours of research—evaluating the top options based on their hydrating ingredients and how they wore on dry skin. We also tapped an expert (celebrity makeup artist Michael Brown) plus tested a few favorites, to bring you an edit of the top options.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

L'Oréal Paris True Match Foundation at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Dull Skin:

Make Up For Ever Revitalizing Foundation at Nordstrom

Jump to Review

Best Drugstore:

Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation

Jump to Review

Best for Sensitive Skin:

ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation at Nordstrom

Jump to Review

Best for Mature Skin:

Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation at Sephora

Jump to Review

Best Full Coverage:

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation

Jump to Review

Best Cream Formula:

rms beauty "Un" Cover-Up Cream Foundation at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Stick:

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick at Sephora

Jump to Review

Best Long-Wear:

Estée Lauder Double Wear Sheer Long-Wear Makeup at Sephora

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What To Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

4.8

Sephora

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

Is Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk Foundation Worth the $65?

What We Like

Buildable coverage
Beautiful natural finish

What We Don't Like

May be too sheer for those who want more coverage

When it comes to foundation, it really doesn’t get more iconic than Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk. The glowy formula seems to nail both medium coverage and a natural finish, blurring the look of pores, lines, and uneven texture. Available in 40 shades and great for balanced to dry skin, it’s definitely our number one luxury buy. Brown also recommends this one, touting its creamy consistency and healthy-looking finish.

Price at time of publish: $69

Key Ingredients: Micro-fil technology | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Shades: 40 | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

armani beauty luminous silk foundation — Byrdie / Ashley Rebecca

What Our Testers Say

"This foundation is nothing short of amazing. As soon as I started blending it in, its smooth texture and luminescent finish made my skin look flawless and airbrushed immediately." — Khera Alexander, Product Tester

4.9

L'OrÃ©al Paris True Match Super-Blendable Liquid Foundation

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Great shade range
Affordable
Buildable coverage

What We Don't Like

Bottle can get messy

This foundation was recently reformulated, which is sometimes very dangerous territory when it comes to iconic products such as True Match. However, we’re pleased to report that the new version contains panthenol, glycerin, and vitamin E to maintain a hydrated complexion. As for the coverage, it’s medium but buildable, with a lovely fresh finish.

Price at time of publish: $16

Key Ingredients: Irish sea moss | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Shades: 37 | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Make Up For Ever Reboot Active Care Revitalizing Foundation

Sephora

View On Nordstrom View On Sephora View On Makeupforever.com

What We Like

Boosts radiance
Plumps skin

What We Don't Like

Very light coverage

We love the fact this foundation provides both coverage and skincare-like benefits, thanks to the inclusion of camellia, mondo grass, and hyaluronic acid. The formula is plumping and hydrating, so works as a treatment for dry or dehydrated skin, while the satin finish banishes dullness and discoloration.

Price at time of publish: $42

Key Ingredients: Ginseng, camellia, mondo grass | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Shades: 24 | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation

Amazon

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Affordable
Buildable coverage

What We Don't Like

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 | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.4

Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom View On Sephora View On Dermstore

What We Like

Contains great skincare ingredients
Lovely texture

What We Don't Like

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 | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.7

Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation

Sephora

View On Sephora View On Bergdorfgoodman.com View On Flannels.com

What We Like

Contains great skincare ingredients
Smooths the skin
Buildable coverage

What We Don't Like

Formula can be a runny

Leave it to legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath to create a formula that smooths and evens out the skin without settling into fine lines and wrinkles. The secret lies in polymers that are used to hug the skin, giving it a soft-focused look. There are also vitamins to nourish and firm as well as ‘diamond core’ powder to increase radiance.

Price at time of publish: $68

Key Ingredients: Amino acids, diamond core powder | Size: 1.18 fluid ounces | Shades: 36 | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.2

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation + Skincare

Sephora

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Sephora

The IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation + Skincare Is Super Lightweight

What We Like

Great shade range
Buildable coverage

What We Don't Like

Can settle into fine lines

This is another one of Brown's favorites for dry skin since it's packed with water-loving hyaluronic acid, as well as aloe vera and vitamin B5 (also known as panthenol), to moisturize and care for the skin. He suggests spot covering areas of concern—as opposed to concealing your entire face—for a natural, radiant finish.

Price at time of publish: $44

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, aloe vera | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Shades: 40 | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

What Our Testers Say

"The best part by far was that it didn’t feel like I had anything on my face at all. It dried quickly and it didn’t feel like I had layers on layers on top of my skin." - Rachel Charlene Lewis, Product Tester

rms beauty "Un" Cover-Up Natural Finish Cream Foundation

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Credo Beauty

What We Like

Contains a trio of natural plant oils
Rich, nourishing formula

What We Don't Like

Formula is a bit thick

Another favorite from Brown, this cream pick from RMS Beauty is a take on the brand’s iconic Un Cover-Up Concealer. Infused with a trifecta of nourishing plant oils (see: coconut, buriti, and jojoba), it’s an excellent pick for extremely dry skin—the occlusive properties will nourish and prevent water loss. The cream itself is quite rich, so try buffing it in with a fluffy brush or spot-applying with a beauty blender.

Price at time of publish: $58

Key Ingredients: Jojoba, buriti, and coconut oils | Size: 1 fluid ounces | Shades: 17 | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.2

Sephora

View On Sephora View On Bobbibrowncosmetics.com View On Saks Fifth Avenue

I Only Wore Liquid Foundations Until Bobbi Brown’s Foundation Stick Won Me Over

What We Like

Buildable coverage
Non-messy formula

What We Don't Like

Harder to apply than liquid formulas

Stick formulas are notoriously thick and heavy, but Brown recommends Bobbi Brown’s iteration for dry skin because it’s creamy and blendable. Try spotting it around your face and working it into the skin with either your fingers (the warmth will help) or a densely-packed brush. Also nice: It can also double as a concealer.

Price at time of publish: $52

Key Ingredients: Olive extract, shea butter | Size: 0.31 ounces | Shades: 30 | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

What Our Testers Say

"This is the type of foundation I love: one that is hassle-free, melts into my skin, has a beautiful finish, and makes my makeup look like I spent a lot of time working on it even when I didn’t. My application looked smooth and the buildable coverage the Skin Foundation Stick provides allowed me to place more product in the areas I needed without my skin looking patchy or thick." - Khera Alexander, Product Tester

EstÃ©e Lauder Double Wear Sheer Long-Wear Makeup SPF 19

Sephora

View On Sephora View On Esteelauder.com View On Macy's

What We Like

Contains SPF
Long-wearing

What We Don't Like

Not ideal for really dry skin

If you love the original Double Wear Foundation but find it settles into fine lines or dries out your skin, this newly-launched sheer version is a great alternative. It still has amazing longevity and a seamless matte finish, but the consistency is thinner and less pigmented, so you get coverage without heaviness. Also nice: The formula contains SPF for added sun protection.

Price at time of publish: $48

Key Ingredients: Octinoxate, titanium dioxide | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Shades: 26 | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Hydrating Longwear Foundation

Sephora

View On Sephora

What We Like

Great shade range
Long-wearing
Humidity-resistant

What We Don't Like

Contains fragrance

With 50 shades in the lineup, you’re sure to find your best match in the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Hydrating Longwear Foundation. Like the rest of the Fenty complexion lineup, it’s got amazing staying power and resistance to humidity, but the smooth, emollient formula is well-suited to dry skin types.

Price at time of publish: $36

Key Ingredients: Grapeseed oil | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Shades: 50 | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.5

Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen Foundation

Sephora

View On Sephora View On Credo Beauty View On Goop.com

What We Like

Vegan formula
Has UVA and UVB protection
Natural finish

What We Don't Like

Could have more shades

If you're looking for a multitasking option, this tinted sunscreen foundation is the perfect choice . Not only does it include zinc oxide to protect against both UVA and UVB rays, but it also contains ingredients that hydrate dry skin—like prickly pear extract, aloe, and centella asiatica extract. It has a light to medium coverage, and it also works great for those with sensitive or irritated skin.

Price at time of publish: $32

Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, prickly pear extract, white sage extract | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Shades: 14 | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.7

Sephora

View On Nordstrom View On Sephora View On Kohls.com

What We Like

Extensive shade range
Buildable
Long-wearing

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note it can have an unpleasant smell

For those with an ultra-dry complexion, you'll need a foundation that has plenty of skin-nourishing ingredients. Enter this pick from Kosas, which has hyaluronic acid, squalane, peptides and niacinamide for plump, hydrated skin. It has a medium, buildable coverage, but it still looks natural on the skin and lasts all day.

Price at time of publish: $42

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, caffeine, hyaluronic acid, peptides | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Shades: 36 | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Found your favorite foundation? Don't forget to prep your skin before applying it.

"Prepping your skin is a very important step," says celebrity makeup artist Latisha Rankin. Use a serum, moisturizer, and primer for the best result. "A serum that's oil-based would work well here," she adds. Once you've prepped your skin, you can apply your foundation with a makeup sponge or with your fingers.

Final Verdict

Both Brown and team Byrdie agree that Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk is hands down one of the best foundations for dry skin available. It’s light but provides amazing coverage and melts seamlessly into the skin. The L’Oreal Paris True Match Foundation also comes highly recommended, thanks to its moisturizing formula, inclusive shade range, and drugstore price point. Finally, we also love the ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation—it’s light, nourishing, and improves the look of skin over time.

Meet the Expert

Michael Brown is a makeup artist and expert based in Australia who has worked on countless photo shoots, campaigns, red carpet looks, and magazine covers throughout his 20-year career.
Latisha Rankin is a makeup artist based in New York City who has worked with celebrities such as Jordin Sparks throughout her 12-year career.

What To Look For in a Foundation for Dry Skin

Hydrating and moisturizing ingredients

When choosing the right foundation for dry skin, look for key ingredients that will keep the skin hydrated and moisturized. Ceramides, aloe vera, and jojoba oil are just a few examples of ingredients that are common in foundations formulated specifically for dry skin. You'll want to choose products with these types of ingredients for longer-lasting and more comfortable wear.

A healthy glow

Look for product descriptions with keywords such as "glow," "radiance," or "luminous" when searching for a dry skin foundation. While those with oily skin have the complete opposite issue, dry skin often looks dull and lacks the natural sheen after makeup application. Rankin recommends products that offer a silky, satin finish and natural glow to combat those issues. As the name suggests, the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is a great pick that gives skin a glowy, natural finish without drying out the skin.

Less Is More

While some would argue that a heavier foundation looks good on a few, most are in agreeance that less is more for those with dry skin. Look for products that are lightweight or opt for a skin tint as an alternative to a full coverage foundation. Often, these products will cover blemishes, tiredness, and uneven skin without revealing that you're actually wearing a full face of makeup. For a great lightweight pick that hydrates and has buildable coverage, we love the ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation.

FAQ

What type of foundation is best for dry skin?

Generally, a liquid foundation is considered the better choice for dry skin because it hydrates, whereas a powder foundation can exaggerate dry patches.
How do you apply foundation on dry skin?

When it comes to the physical application of foundation on dry skin, the technical practices are no different than any other skin type. Take your preferred tool, whether it be a beauty sponge or brush, and bounce the foundation onto the skin until evenly applied. That being said, skin prep before foundation impacts how the foundation wears and sits on the face.
How do you prep dry skin for makeup wear?

To prepare your skin for foundation wear, first, start with a clean base. Wash and exfoliate the face (if necessary). Follow with a hydrating moisturizing gel to help smooth skin and allow for an even application. Finally, an SPF to protect your skin. Primer is optional depending on preference, and with that, your skin is ready for makeup application.

Why Trust Byrdie

To arrive at this roundup, Emily Algar asked a leading makeup artist for his best recommendations, plus scoured internet reviews and tested some best-sellers, so you don’t have to.

The 14 Best Foundation Brushes of 2023

Updated by Shannon Stubbs

Best Overall

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

Best Budget

L'Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Liquid Foundation

Best for Dull Skin

Make Up For Ever Reboot Active Care Revitalizing Foundation

Best Drugstore

Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation

Best for Sensitive Skin

ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation

Best for Mature Skin

Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation

Best Full Coverage

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation + Skincare

Best Cream Formula

rms beauty "Un" Cover-Up Natural Finish Cream Foundation

Best Stick

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick

Best Long-Wear

Estée Lauder Double Wear Sheer Long-Wear Makeup SPF 19

Best Shade Range

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Hydrating Longwear Foundation

Best with SPF

Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen

Best Hydrating

Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation SPF 25

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