Dry Skin? These 12 Foundations Will Leave You Hydrated and Glowing

If you have dry skin then you'll know the challenges that come with choosing a decent foundation. Naturally, it's likely that your skin will already be lacking the hydration levels required for a plump, juicy-looking complexion, but external factors like extreme temperatures, harsh weathers, UV exposure and pollution can further contribute to the way your skin looks and feels. Tightness, irritable patches, and a flaky texture does not make for the ideal canvas for applying makeup in general—and the wrong foundation can often highlight these things.

To help your foundation look its best, Fashion and Celebrity Makeup Artist Gilbert Soliz advises that using the right skincare first can help. "Prep the skin using both moisturiser and an oil," Soliz suggests. "This combination leaves the skin super hydrated and, more importantly, it softens the surface allowing for the foundation to blend seamlessly on the skin."

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(Image credit: @hungvanngo)

There's no denying that skincare is the most important factor in helping dry skin to look and feel more hydrated, radiant and smooth, and to provide the best canvas for your foundation. Applying a rich but nourishing moisturiser after cleansing to seal and protect the skin is vitally important—something like the 111Skin Repair Night Cream is perfect—and seeking out ingredients like hyaluronic acid will ensure that your skin is plump and hydrated before you apply your makeup.

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(Image credit: @ninapark)

We'll be honest though, whether or not your skincare is taken care of, finding the right foundation for dry skin can be a serious game changer—and the formulations ahead tick all of the boxes. Whether you prefer a lightweight tinted moisturiser or a full coverage finish, these foundations will leave skin looking fresh and bright, with no dry patches in sight.

The 12 Best Foundations For Dry Skin:

1. Perricone MD No Makeup Foundation Serum SPF 20 

2. Nars Cosmetics Sheer Glow Foundation

3. MAC Studio Face and Body Radiant Sheer Foundation

4. Dior Forever Skin Glow Foundation

5. Beauty Pie Everyday Great Skin Foundation

6. Laura Mercier Flawless Lumiere Radiance Perfecting Foundation

7. BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturiser

8. IT Cosmetics Your Skin but Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50

9. L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro Glow Liquid Foundation

10. Revlon ColorStay Foundation for Normal/Dry Skin

11. Revolution Conceal & Hydrate Foundation

12. Too Faced Born This Way Foundation

Up Next: The Cult Moisturisers Rosie HW, Victoria Beckham and J.Lo Actually Use.

This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

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Mica Ricketts

Mica Ricketts is a freelance beauty editor, copywriter and regular contributor to Who What Wear UK. She also writes for titles including Marie Claire Refinery 29 and Cosmopolitan, and previously worked at Who What Wear UK as Beauty Editor. With experience in both editorial and content management, she also works with beauty brands and small businesses on brand messaging and content strategy. As a busy mum of two, she is passionate about finding efficacious beauty products that can disguise all signs of tiredness with minimal effort.