The 13 best foundations for dry skin that'll keep you hydrated all day long

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Foundation is meant to create an even-toned, smooth base for other makeup. But as someone with lifelong dry skin, I've often found that many products do the opposite, leaving my skin even more parched and making flakes more obvious. As I've learned over years of trial and error, the best foundations for dry skin tend to be liquid or cream formulas with the same moisture-attracting ingredients as serums and other skincare products — like hyaluronic acid, squalane, and glycerin.

After extensive testing, consulting dermatologists on their favorites, and long-term wear tests, we've finally landed on the foundation we think is best for most people's dry skin: ILIA's Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Skincare Foundation. This one feels feather-light on the skin, gives a glowy finish, and offers just enough coverage to neutralize redness and even out skin tone while still letting the skin breathe. Plus, it comes in a huge shade range. That said, the best foundation for you may depend on your specific skin type, your preferred finish and level of coverage, and several other factors.

With that in mind, here are the best foundations for dry skin based on my own long-term testing and recommendations from board-certified dermatologists.

Best overall

This is a foundation I now reach for year-round and the one we recommend for most people. For one, a little goes a long way with this formula, and it's a triple threat. The formula acts as a hydrating serum and a lightweight foundation, and it includes SPF 40. That means you can skip serum and sunscreen when using this, which simplifies and streamlines morning routines. What we love most about the formula, though, is the feel: It melts into the skin so beautifully, leaving a dewy finish without looking shiny. (If you tend to be extra oily around your nose, though, you may want to finish with a little powder in the T-zone area).

According to Dr. Kristina Collins, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in Mohs micrographic surgery as well as cosmetic dermatology, squalane and hyaluronic acid are two of the best foundation ingredients to look for if you have dry skin — and this product has both. Hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin, while squalane is a non-comedogenic oil that helps to seal in that moisture.

I actually like applying this foundation with my fingers, as I would a skincare product, but you can definitely use a makeup sponge or a brush, too. Just make sure to shake up the bottle before you use it for the best results.

Best budget

Most drugstore foundations are known for that dreaded caked-on look and a powdery finish — both of which can only accentuate the appearance of dry, flaky skin. This one is definitely an exception to the rule because it's a serum formula that features 1% hyaluronic acid — which is largely considered the gold standard ingredient for treating dry skin. Hyaluronic acid can hold 1,000 times its weight in water, so it attracts and retains moisture.

This foundation may be a serum, but I've found it looks best if I still wear a moisturizer and primer underneath. The coverage is very light, more like tinted skincare than a full-coverage base layer.

My only complaint is with the packaging: the product is applied via an eyedropper, which tends to drip everywhere, making the whole process a bit messy at times. But if you can get past that small snag, it's a budget-friendly option that works for all skin types and leaves a lovely natural finish with just a subtle sheen.

Best luxury

On multiple occasions when I've had my makeup professionally done, the artist has had this foundation in their arsenal — and it's not hard to see why. What sets the formula apart is the brand's patented Micro–fil™ technology, which ensures that pigment lays as flat as possible on the skin for a smooth, even canvas. And we can confidently say that it's not just a marketing claim. Several editors on the Reviews team swear by this foundation, especially for fuller-coverage looks.

Dr. Collins says this is one of her top picks for people with dry skin. "Its finely milled pigments provide buildable coverage without emphasizing texture, making it ideal for dry skin that craves a radiant look," she explains.

Dr. Pooja H. Rambhia, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Derm, agrees.

"The silky, hydrating texture blends seamlessly into dry skin, giving a radiant, dewy finish without settling into fine lines or dry patches," she adds. "It's also formulated to add luminosity, which is ideal for dry skin that can sometimes look dull."

Best for combination skin

Real talk: It's hard to find a foundation that promises medium to full coverage but also feels weightless on the skin. Just when I began to think I was asking too much, I stumbled upon countless reviews of this TikTok-viral foundation, which makeup artists love for its ultra-buildable and lightweight formula. Since it's been derm-tested and it's also non-comedogenic, it's well-suited to all skin types. You won't have to worry about it drying out your skin or clogging your pores.

One of the major advantages to this formula is the inclusion of niacinamide — which Dr. Glenicia Nosworthy, an aesthetic physician, calls one of her favorite ingredients for dry skin. Studies have shown that this form of vitamin B has antioxidant properties and can strengthen the skin barrier to reduce sensitivity while improving skin texture, hyperpigmentation, and even fine lines and wrinkles.

Best with SPF

If you live for a multitasking product, look no further. The IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream is a foundation, color corrector, hydrating serum, concealer, and sunscreen all in one. Not one but three of the dermatologists I interviewed for this story said this is one of the best foundations for dry skin due to its blend of hydrating, nourishing ingredients.

"Packed with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants, this CC cream not only provides good coverage but also gives an extra moisture boost to support dry skin," explains Dr. Rambhia. "Plus, the added broad-spectrum sun protection is a bonus. I use this one myself."

It's also a favorite of Reviews' executive editor Sally Kaplan, who has extensively tested foundations on her dry skin as a former beauty editor. Sally also cites this as a great option for anyone like her who struggles with both dryness and rosacea because the coverage is full enough to hide any unevenness.

Best for flaky or rough skin

This feels like a serum but evens out skin tone like a foundation — and since it's ultra-buildable, you can customize the coverage depending on your needs on any given day.

According to Dr. Nosworthy (and every other derm I spoke to), the best foundations for dry skin often contain hyaluronic acid — which this formula has. "This popular humectant draws moisture into the skin, helping it look plump and hydrated," Dr. Nosworthy explains. This is one of the reasons it can work well for skin that's flaky or rough.

The formula also contains organic chamomile water — a skin-calming ingredient that may be beneficial if you're prone to irritation.

The only drawback is the design: Since the bottle opening is very narrow, I've found it often takes a little extra effort to get the right amount of product into the dropper while not making a mess.

Best for sensitive skin

I discovered this product while searching for a lightweight foundation I could wear on my annual family beach vacation. It quickly became my summertime go-to due to the gorgeous glowy finish and impressive coverage — and the fact that it offers sun protection. What keeps me coming back to this one again and again is that it feels like it melts right into my skin rather than sitting on top of it.

It's not uncommon for people with dry skin to also deal with sensitivity — I would know, as my skin checks both boxes. What I love about Tower28 is that the brand is committed to creating products that work for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin like me.

With that in mind, this foundation uses mineral rather than chemical sunscreen and is free of fragrances and other common irritants. It's also formulated with white sage extract, which research shows may actually help reduce skin sensitivity to irritants.

Best for mature skin

Not too matte but not too glowy, sheer to medium buildable coverage — this is the Goldilocks of foundations for dry skin. The reason it's a great pick for mature, dry skin is that it's lightweight and won't settle into lines. A little goes a long way, and you can even swipe it over your neck, decolletage, or anywhere else you're looking to conceal any sun damage or even out your skin tone.

This one dries down a tad more matte than the others on this list, but it's still pretty hydrating due to the addition of squalane and hyaluronic acid.

I've loved using it in the summer when I'm battling natural shine around my T-zone — and since it's heat and humidity-proof, it doesn't separate even on the most sweltering days. It leaves a lovely natural finish that's luminous but not even the teensiest bit greasy.

Best skin tint

Saie is hands-down one of the best clean beauty brands — their products consistently give me that sought-after glow without any irritation, and the Super Skin Tint Foundation is no exception.

Although it comes out of the pump pretty runny, rest assured that the formula blends beautifully into the skin. That's probably because 85% of the formula is made up of skincare ingredients — like Saie's proprietary Hydrobounce Complex, which the brand claims is five times more hydrating than traditional hyaluronic acid. The formula also contains two powerful humectants to attract moisture — glycerin and polyglutamic acid — and squalane to lock it in.

A word to the wise: Shake the bottle well before you apply this foundation. Because of the high concentration of skincare ingredients, it has a tendency to separate.

Best lightweight

As someone with sensitive skin, I love that Almay's products are dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic. The company is super selective with ingredients in its formulas, which are cruelty-free and packaged with sustainable materials. Plus, it doesn't hurt that it's super budget-friendly.

"I love the Almay Skin Perfecting Hydrating Tint because it's so lightweight and delivers a beautiful dewy finish," says Dr. Tiffany Jow Libby, Director of Mohs Micrographic and Dermatologic Surgery at Brown Dermatology. "This foundation is perfect for adding radiance without feeling heavy and keeps skin looking fresh all day — it nourishes the skin for a hydrated, glowy look."

Best full coverage

After testing this product on 311 people for eight weeks, 95% of participants agreed that their pores were less visible — and I can vouch for this benefit after using the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation. This finish was quite matte, but it didn't make my skin feel dry — to the contrary, because it contains vitamin E and propanediol, it helps the skin absorb moisture. The formula also features an ingredient called MossCellTec™ No. 1, a moss extract complex that studies have shown can increase moisture levels in the skin by 216% in just one hour.

It's important to note that this foundation contains limonene, a potential irritant for those with sensitive skin — although I never experienced any issues using it.

Best buildable

While I'm not usually a sucker for marketing tactics, I'll admit that I was originally drawn to this foundation because it has the words "luminous" and "hydrating" in the name — and thankfully, it lives up to those promises. Nothing is worse than a foundation that darkens or changes color over time, but this formula is non-oxidizing. I also love the pump bottle packaging, which offers a no-fuss, no-muss application experience.

Makeup By Mario claims that this long-wearing foundation lasts for up to 16 hours and moisturizes the skin for up to 12 hours, and in my testing, I've found that to be true. The coverage can range from medium to full depending on how much you layer it on — but no matter how much you build it up, you can expect a natural finish with a subtle lit-from-within radiance.

Best long-wearing

When I want more coverage from my foundation, I typically find myself reaching for this old standby — it feels breathable, lightweight, and luminous but still manages to even out complexions remarkably well. It's also an ideal pick when you need a foundation with serious staying power, as it's transfer-, sweat-, and fade-resistant.

"This one is excellent for dry skin because of its creamy, long-wearing formula that doesn't settle into dry patches," says Dr. Collins. "It contains antioxidant-rich ingredients like raspberry and apple, which help to keep the skin hydrated and protected throughout the day."

It doesn't hurt that this formula also contains vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that can protect skin cells from damage, as well as glycerin to attract moisture into the outer layers of the skin.

What to look for in a hydrating foundation

Ingredients:

According to dermatologists, the best foundations for dry skin contain ingredients that are known to help the skin attract or retain moisture, like:

• Hyaluronic acid
• Glycerin
• Botanical oils (like jojoba oil or squalane)
• Aloe vera
• Vitamin E

As for ingredients to avoid, dermatologists say it's best to stay away from formulas with:

• Salicylic acid
• Clay
• Silica
• High alcohol content

"These mattifying agents can worsen dryness and create a tight, uncomfortable feel on the skin," says Dr. Rambhia.

Texture and finish:

Foundations for dry skin can range from matte to natural to dewy. Matte formulas have zero sheen and are usually better suited to those with oily skin. On the other end of the spectrum are dewy foundations, which leave a radiant, glowy finish and tend to feel a bit more hydrating. Foundations with a natural finish strike a nice compromise between the two, suiting all skin types and offering some subtle radiance without looking remotely greasy.

One thing to keep in mind is that matte formulas tend to be longer-wearing than their dewy counterparts. This is because they often contain oil-absorbing ingredients to prevent makeup from sliding, fading, or separating over time.

Shade range:

When choosing a foundation shade, it's crucial to factor in your skin undertones — and find a product that offers a warm, neutral, and cool option for each shade.

People with warm undertones have a complexion that leans peach, yellow, or golden, with greenish veins. They tan easily and tend to look better in gold jewelry. Conversely, people with cool undertones have a complexion that leans more pink or rosy with blue veins, burn before they tan, and often look better in silver jewelry. If you feel like you lie somewhere in between — as in your veins are blue-green, both silver and gold jewelry are equally flattering, and you can tan but also may burn — you likely have neutral undertones.

When darker shades are available, they might not always come in different undertone options — which can result in an overly orange or ashy appearance. The more shades a foundation is available in, the more likely you are to find one that perfect match.

FAQs

What type of foundation is best for dry skin?

"Powder foundations can emphasize dryness and settle into fine lines," explains Libby. "I also suggest avoiding ingredients like alcohol and heavy mattifying agents that can exacerbate dryness."

Across the board, dermatologists agree that the best foundations for dry skin are liquid and cream formulas.

"They tend to be more hydrating, blend more smoothly, and offer a dewy finish," explains Nosworthy.

What's the best way to apply foundation for dry skin?

Nosworthy says it's important to prep the skin to get the best results from your foundation.

"Having hydrated skin will automatically improve the finish, resulting in a smooth foundation application," she says.

Here are the steps she recommends taking:

• Start with clean skin — either use a gentle cleanser or micellar water that won't strip the skin of oils.
• Follow with a serum that contains hydrating ingredients — Nosworthy's favorite combo is hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C. "This combination helps hydrate the skin, balance oil production, and improve skin tone and radiance," she says.
• Apply a lightweight, makeup-friendly moisturizer and wait at least five minutes for your skin to absorb it.