The 12 Most Hydrating and Coverage-Proficient Foundations for Dry Skin
Finding a foundation that blends in without drawing attention to dry patches is no picnic, as anyone whose skin is prone to dryness can attest. Famous makeup artist Maria Vargas says to look for a product that locks in moisture with moisturizing elements and a radiant finish. Dr. Marisa Garshick (FAAD) agrees. A liquid or cream-based foundation that helps to hydrate the skin and won’t leave it looking or feeling dry or irritated is what those with dry skin should seek out, according to Dr. Garshick. “For people with dry skin, cream and liquid formulations can be helpful because they hydrate the skin more and make it look dewier.”
For hydration and additional advantages like coverage, durability, and a skin-like appearance, which ones are worth considering? We consulted editor picks and expert recommendations in addition to testing roughly a hundred different foundations to get the answer. What follows is a rundown of the products that stood out to us for dry skin after we examined their formulas, ingredients, coverage, finishes, wear, and shade range.
Our Top Picks:
BEST OVERALL: Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation
BEST DRUGSTORE: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Foundation at Amazon
BEST LONG-WEARING: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow Foundation
BEST LUMINOUS FINISH: Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation
BEST NATURAL FINISH: Nars Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation
BEST STICK FOUNDATION: Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick
BEST HYDRATION: Clarins Skin Illusion Natural Hydrating Foundation SPF 15
BEST MEDIUM COVERAGE: Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Liquid Foundation
BEST WITH SPF: It Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow Foundation
BEST FOR MATURE SKIN: MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Invisible Cover Stick Foundation
BEST OVERALL: Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation
What We Like
- A bright, natural-looking sheen
- Medium coverage that can be built
- Easy to carry around
- It works great all day
What We Don’t Like
- Irritate skin that is prone to acne
Coverage: Medium | Finish: Natural/radiant | Shades: 40 | Cruelty-Free: No
It may come as a surprise, but this foundation is not only the best we’ve tested out of around a hundred, but it also works wonderfully with dry skin. It spreads evenly across the skin and gives the impression of a flawless complexion thanks to its lightweight texture and medium, buildable coverage. We love that it blends so well with other cosmetics and that it covers redness and black spots well without appearing mask-like.
However, the finish is what truly sets it apart; it is dazzling without being artificial. It gives the impression that you’ve gotten a good night’s rest, are maintaining a regular water intake, and are meticulous with your skincare regimen. This product is perfect for all skin types, particularly dry or combination skin, because it doesn’t make the skin look oily or dry. The wide spectrum of shades is just one more perk. It stays put all day long, too.
BEST DRUGSTORE: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Foundation at Amazon
What We Like
- Constructible, long-lasting shielding
- Pick from forty different colors
- Authentic sheen
- Makes use of SPF
What We Don’t Like
- It has an almost floral aroma to it
Coverage: Medium to full | Finish: Natural | Shades: 40 | Cruelty-Free: No
This affordable option is fantastic for any skin type, but its natural finish makes it stand out for dry skin. It’s perfect for people who like a less dramatic look than the typical dewy or radiant solutions designed for dry skin. We enjoy how the liquid product glides into the skin and how, with just one application, we can achieve medium coverage. And if we want full coverage, we can always add another layer or two. If you exfoliate and hydrate your skin beforehand, it conceals nearly all imperfections without looking heavy or cakey.
It glides on smoothly, sets to a velvety finish that mimics skin, and remains flawless all day and night long. Not to mention that it won’t get wet, transfer, or perspire. It has SPF 25, which is great, and it comes in 40 hues, which is a lot for a drugstore selection.
Best Long-Wearing: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow Foundation
What We Like
- A flawless, glowing appearance
- Remains wrinkle- and fade-free all day
- It offers sun protection, moisturizing ingredients
What We Don’t Like
- Strong perfume smell
Coverage: Medium | Finish: Natural/radiant | Shades: 30 | Cruelty-Free: No
This is the best foundation out there if you want your makeup to last all day. It has wonderful coverage, a velvety texture, and long wear time, plus it contains skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and mandelic acid, which hydrate the skin and gently exfoliate. We really like that the coverage can be built up, and the creamy texture makes it easy to mix. A single layer provides medium coverage, and an extra layer provides coverage that is in the middle of the spectrum between full and medium.
It imparts a gentle glow to dry skin without leaving an oily residue thanks to its natural finish and modest brilliance. The combination of its long-lasting formula and buildability makes it an excellent choice for both everyday makeup and full-glam looks.
Best Luminous Finish: Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation
What We Like
- Luminous, new-looking coating
- Mixes effortlessly
- Lightweight texture
- Works great all day
What We Don’t Like
- Needs to be a little easier to construct
Coverage: Light/medium | Finish: Luminous | Shades: 35 | Cruelty-Free: No
For a radiant, dewy look that won’t leave your skin feeling greasy, try this high-end Chanel foundation, ideal for dry skin. It has a lightweight consistency that gives a natural-looking glow when blended with a moist sponge or foundation brush.
Although it’s not a very buildable makeup, the light to medium coverage does a great job of balancing out the complexion while still allowing a hint of your natural skin to show through. A lot of dewy-faced foundations don’t hold up all day, but this one does, and it’s great for dry-skinned folks who probably don’t get their T-zones oily. We strongly suggest this foundation if you’re seeking a sheer formula that leaves your skin appearing dewy and revitalized.
Best Natural Finish: Nars Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation
What We Like
- Healthy, glowing skin
- Constructible insurance
- Airy feel
- Wide color spectrum
What We Don’t Like
- Can get a bit shiny in the T-zone
Coverage: Medium | Finish: Natural/radiant | Shades: 36 | Cruelty-Free: No
This choice from Nars is ideal for those seeking a foundation that gives the impression of flawless, natural skin. It has a subtle sheen and a natural finish that complements any skin tone, although we recommend it to people with dry or balanced skin because, after a few hours, it can get a little oily in the T-zone.
One thin layer offers medium coverage with a velvety smooth texture and a somewhat moisturizing effect on the skin. We love that adding more doesn’t make it seem cakey or heavy, but it does make the recipe slightly buildable, so you can get more coverage where you need it. This one has our seal of approval for “woke up like this” looks thanks to its extensive shade range, lightweight and pleasant formula, and gorgeous, natural finish on the skin.
Best Stick Foundation: Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick
What We Like
- Fluidity and ease of application
- Buildable medium coverage
- Comfortable, airy texture
What We Don’t Like
- Nothing
Coverage: Medium | Finish: Natural | Shades: 16 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Because there is a wide range of undertones, those with deep and rich skin tones may have a harder time finding a foundation that is a genuine shade match. Ami Colé was created with dark-skinned people in mind, so you can discover the shade that best suits you. Stick foundations are often panned because of their dry, difficult-to-blend texture; however, this formulation is far from that. Applying it with a brush or fingertips is a breeze thanks to its velvety smooth texture; it blends in effortlessly as well. Even though it has medium coverage, the somewhat blurring finish makes your skin look airbrushed without being cakey.
Shea butter and baobab seed oil are two of the components that give it its velvety texture and help hydrate dry skin types. We discovered that it did not draw attention to dry areas of skin or stick to dry patches of skin when used. Although it provides hydration, it did not grow in shine as the day progressed. The fact that it blends in so seamlessly with our skin is another one of our favorite aspects.
Best Hydration: Clarins Skin Illusion Natural Hydrating Foundation SPF 15
What We Like
- Hydrating
- For normal skin
- Adds a glow to the complexion
What We Don’t Like
- Can become shiny throughout the day
The Clarins Skin Illusion Natural Hydrating Foundation SPF 15 offers a lightweight, hydrating formula that provides a natural-looking finish. The foundation blends effortlessly into the skin, offering buildable coverage that evens out the complexion without feeling heavy or cakey. The added SPF 15 provides sun protection, making it suitable for daily wear. Users appreciate its hydrating properties, which leave the skin feeling moisturized and comfortable throughout the day. However, some individuals with oily skin may find that it lacks oil control and may require touch-ups throughout the day. Overall, the Clarins Skin Illusion Natural Hydrating Foundation SPF 15 is well-loved for its lightweight feel, hydrating properties, and natural-looking finish, making it a popular choice for those seeking a radiant complexion.
What We Like
- Convenient pump accessory
- Sixteen hours of coverage
- Blurring and hydrating
What We Don’t Like
- Has a thick consistency
Coverage: Medium | Finish: Natural | Shades: 30 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This medium coverage option from Charlotte Tilbury is perfect for those who prefer a decent level of coverage without seeming too heavy. Its blurring composition hides imperfections like pores and texture, and its 16-hour coverage keeps your skin looking flawless. Hyaluronic acid and rosewater are only two of the many hydrating and luminizing elements it contains, which means that your skin will become healthier and more hydrated as you use it regularly. They are available in 36 different hues, ensuring that there is one that will complement your skin tone and undertone. But the pump applicator is our favorite feature because it makes the product so easy to apply to the skin or to a brush.
Best With SPF: It Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow Foundation
What We Like
- Provides protection with an SPF of forty
- Wide color spectrum
- Beautiful sheen
- Cosmetics and skincare combine
What We Don’t Like
- Transfer quite a bit
Coverage: Medium | Finish: Radiant | Shades: 22 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Having built-in sun protection in your foundation is a nice perk, but you should still use a separate sunscreen under your makeup. In addition to hydrating hyaluronic acid and skin-smoothing niacinamide, this one has SPF 40 and other skincare components that work together to diminish the look of dark spots and smooth skin texture.1
No matter how you choose to apply it, the formula is feather-light and simple. It adds a healthy sheen to dry skin with medium coverage and a radiant finish. You should use a light dusting of powder to set this foundation if you’re worried about it transferring, because it transfers a lot. Still, it’s an excellent solution that works wonders on parched skin.
Best for Mature Skin: MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Invisible Cover Stick Foundation
Coverage: Medium to Full | Finish: Radiant | Shades: 22 | Cruelty-Free: No
The MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Invisible Cover Stick Foundation is a versatile and easy-to-use foundation stick that provides flawless coverage with a natural finish. Its creamy texture glides smoothly onto the skin, offering buildable coverage that effectively conceals imperfections and evens out the complexion. The formula is lightweight and long-lasting, ensuring a comfortable wear throughout the day without feeling heavy or cakey. Users appreciate its blendability and the ability to achieve seamless, high-definition results both in person and on camera. Additionally, the stick format makes it convenient for on-the-go touch-ups. However, individuals with oily skin may find that it requires setting powder to control shine. Overall, the MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Invisible Cover Stick Foundation is praised for its performance, versatility, and ability to deliver a flawless complexion effortlessly.
Best Matte Finish: Urban Decay Stay Naked Makeup with Matte Finish & Medium Coverage
Coverage: Medium, Full | Finish: Matte| Shades: 50 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
The Urban Decay Stay Naked Makeup with Matte Finish & Medium Coverage is a lightweight foundation that offers a natural-looking matte finish and buildable medium coverage. Its breathable formula feels comfortable on the skin, providing a smooth, shine-free complexion that lasts throughout the day. Users appreciate its versatility, as it can be applied lightly for a sheer look or built up for more coverage without feeling heavy or cakey. The foundation is also transfer-proof and resistant to sweat and humidity, making it suitable for all-day wear. However, some individuals with dry skin may find that it emphasizes dry patches or settles into fine lines. Overall, Urban Decay Stay Naked Makeup is well-loved for its long-lasting matte finish, natural coverage, and comfortable wear, making it a go-to choice for those seeking a flawless complexion.
Best Hybrid: Lumene Invisible Illumination Instant Glow Beauty Serum
Coverage: Medium | Finish: Hydrating | Cruelty-Free: Yes
The Lumene Invisible Illumination Instant Glow Beauty Serum is a multitasking skincare product that delivers hydration, illumination, and a healthy glow to the skin. Infused with Arctic Spring Water and Nordic Algae, this lightweight serum absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and revitalized. Users appreciate its ability to provide instant luminosity and radiance, blurring imperfections and creating a smooth, dewy complexion. The serum also contains antioxidants to protect the skin from environmental stressors and promote overall skin health. Additionally, it can be used alone for a natural glow or mixed with foundation for added luminosity. However, individuals with oily skin may find that it leaves a slightly dewy finish, so setting powder may be required for a matte look. Overall, the Lumene Invisible Illumination Instant Glow Beauty Serum is praised for its hydrating, illuminating, and skin-nourishing properties, making it a favorite among those seeking a radiant and healthy complexion.
