My Dry Skin Had a Complicated Relationship With Foundation Until I Switched to *This* Formula

I'm never going back.

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Beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock wearing the best foundation for dry skin

(Image credit: @kaitlyn_mclintock)

Oh, how I hate dry skin. I hate feeling the tightness, itchiness, and irritation that's often associated with it. Most of all, though, I hate how it makes my skin look. I'm talking about redness, dullness, and even flakiness. Add makeup to the mix, and instead of looking smooth and seamless, it looks patchy and textured.

While the right skincare routine is everything (I repeat: everything) when it comes to managing dry skin, it's also a good idea to look at the makeup products you use, and foundation is #1. The wrong ones settle into or sit atop dry skin, highlighting texture and basically screaming, "Hey, look! It's dry skin!" (They're the reason I say I have a "complicated" relationship with foundation.) Hydrating ones, though, make all the difference. They smooth, blur, and revive dry skin for a flawless, almost airbrushed finish.

Since I have a personal stake in finding the best foundations for dry skin. I left no stone unturned in my search. I reached out to two celebrity makeup artists, consulted hundreds of customer reviews, and tested formulas on my own (very dry) skin. At the end of it all, I created a master list, and I'm sharing it with you. Keep scrolling to see the unequivocal best foundations for dry skin.

The Top Picks

The Best Foundations for Dry Skin

The Best Overall: Dior Forever Skin Glow Hydrating Foundation SPF 15

Beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock

Here, I'm wearing Dior's Forever Skin Glow Hydrating Foundation SPF 15 in shade 1CR. I love how natural and glowy it looks on my dry skin.

(Image credit: @kaitlyn_mclintock)

Best Affordable: Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation

Best Full Coverage: Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation

Best Medium Coverage: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation

Barbara Palvin wearing Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation

Henney created this look on her client, Barbara Palvin, using Armani Beauty's Luminous Silk Foundation.

(Image credit: @tobimakeup)

Best Light Coverage: Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Soothing Serum Skin Tint Foundation

Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation With Fermented Arnica

Saie Glowy Super Skin Lightweight Hydrobounce Serum Foundation 

Makeup by Mario SurrealSkin Liquid Foundation

What to Look For In a Foundation for Dry Skin

According to Henney and Guerra, the most important rule of thumb to follow when choosing a foundation for dry skin is to look for formulas that include hydrating ingredients. Think hyaluronic acid or glycerin. Moisturizing ingredients like plant oils are also beneficial. "Many makeup brands offer serum-infused foundations and concealers that incorporate extra skincare into your makeup routine," Guerra says.

Henney also recommends looking for dewy and radiant-finish liquid formulas, as these will usually work the best on dry skin. "Liquid textures are best with light to medium coverage," she says. " So, good guidelines to finding the right dry skin-friendly foundation are as follows: 1) choose a hydrating formula, 2) choose a radiant/dewy finish, and 3) opt for light to medium coverage.

How to Prep Dry Skin for Foundation

1. Cleanse

The importance of proper skin prep can't be overstated. Luckily, Guerra has all the tips and tricks you need to ensure a flawless-looking foundation. He recommends starting with a gentle cleanser. "Opt for a rich, milky texture that effectively removes impurities and excess oils without stripping your skin of its natural moisture," he says.

2. Exfoliate

"Exfoliating is essential to remove dead skin cells from the surface and leave a smoother, refined texture. However, for dry skin, it's crucial to choose a gentle exfoliant that won't cause irritation or make dryness worse." He recommends chemical exfoliants like AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids). They exfoliate without the abrasive texture of physical scrubs. "Incorporate this into your skincare routine one to two times per week to maintain a fresh and smooth complexion without over-exfoliating."

3. Use a Hydrating Toner

Guerra always recommends reaching for a hydrating toner. "Look for toners with hydrating ingredients like rose water, aloe vera, or chamomile, which help soothe and prepare your skin for better product absorption," he says. "Gently pat the toner onto your skin using your hands or a soft cotton pad. Hydrated, prepped skin will better receive skincare products."

4. Moisturize

Guerra recommends choosing a serum and moisturizer specifically formulated for dry skin and applying it generously to your face, neck, and even your ears. "Look for products containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or natural oils like argan oil or jojoba oil."

5. Apply Sunscreen

"Don't forget to protect your skin from harmful UV rays even if it's not a sunny day," Guerra says. "Choose a lightweight, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Sunscreen not only shields your skin from UV damage but can also act as an additional layer of moisture."

6. Prime

Last but not least, Guerra recommends using a hydrating primer. He says doing so will create a smooth base, seal in moisture, and improve the longevity of your foundation. "Look for primers that contain moisturizing ingredients like glycerin," he says. "Dimethicone helps to lock in moisture and create a barrier between your skin and makeup. Apply a small amount of primer all over your face, focusing on areas prone to dryness or patchiness, such as the cheeks and forehead."

How We Chose

As with all of our buying guides atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , we compile our curated lists based on original testing and expert recommendations. To find the best foundations for dry skin, we consulted Tobi Henney and J. Guerra, professional makeup artists. We also leaned heavily on original testing and our knowledge as beauty experts. Lastly, we considered several important factors, such as formula, finish, and wear. We're aware of how important these factors are for a wide range of needs and preferences, so we made sure to call out all the helpful details. Of course, customer reviews were also kept in mind when creating this list.

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Kaitlyn McLintock
Kaitlyn McLintock
Beauty Editor

Kaitlyn McLintock is a Beauty Editor atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing . She has 10 years of experience in the editorial industry, having previously written for other industry-leading publications, like Byrdie, InStyle, The Zoe Report, Bustle, and others. She covers all things beauty and wellness-related, but she has a special passion for creating skincare content (whether that's writing about an innovative in-office treatment, researching the benefits of a certain ingredient, or testing Wholesale Replica Bag and greatest at-home skin device). Having lived in Los Angeles, California, and Austin, Texas, she has since relocated back to her home state, Michigan. When she's not writing, researching, or testing beauty products, she's working through an ever-growing book collection or swimming in the Great Lakes.

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