Nourished, perfected base, anyone? These are the foundations – from light to medium & full coverage – that will actually work for your skin type
If you’re reading this, then chances are you have dry skin – and you’re on the hunt for a new foundation. Well, you’ve come to the right place. We know it can be tricky to make the right choice, so we’re aiming to bring you all the skin-formation you need in your quest for complexion perfection. But first thing’s first. What is dry skin?
“Dry skin produces fewer natural oils than other skin types and is characterised by a dull appearance that may feel tight, rough, flaky and itchy,” says Dr Susan Mayou, consultant dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic. “Scales may be apparent and the skin may feel less elastic with fine lines being more visible.”
So it’s no surprise that those of us with dry skin can struggle with foundation as it often ends up looking patchy. With this in mind, several top industry experts share with us everything we’ve ever wanted to know about foundation for dry skin, from what to look for to how to apply it and how to achieve a glowy, seamless finish.
What type of foundation is best for dry skin?
“Seek out a foundation with moisturising properties,” advises celebrity make-up artist, Lauren Montgomery. “When paired with a hydrating moisturiser and primer, the product will glide on more evenly.”
Check out our guide to the best primers for dry skin to nail your prep.
Another common dry skin concern?
“Its lacklustre appearance,” adds Lauren. Fortunately, a luminous base can help. “A foundation with light-reflective particles will naturally boost radiance. However, I’d make sure to avoid anything powder based,” she cautions. “These types of formulas are designed to absorb moisture – something dry skin doesn’t need.”
Why does my skin look dry with foundation?
If you’ve asked yourself this question, then as well as changing up your foundation, it could be good to switch up your skincare, too.
“Anyone with dry skin should be using hydrating ingredients regularly and consistently,” explains Dr Mayou. These include humectants, such as hyaluronic acid and ingredients like squalane that mimic the skin’s natural oils, boosting hydration and helping improve the appearance of your complexion.
“I’d also look towards ceramides that can help prevent moisture loss and protect the skin barrier from environmental stressors,” says Dr Mayou. Look for these in your foundation and other make-up too, for even more glow for your buck.
What’s the best way to apply foundation on dry skin?
Unsurprisingly, good skin preparation is key.
“Exfoliate and use a face cream or moisturiser for dry skin to build the smoothest base before make-up application,” recommends Lauren. “Avoid applying foundation with a buffing, circular motion. This will only lift the skin further and highlight dry patches. Instead, use a patting movement to apply your chosen product. A flat brush, beauty blender or simply using the fingers will ensure your make-up stays put all day long.”
Learn more tips for foundation application for flawless, glowing skin in our easy-to-follow make-up tutorial.
11 of the best foundations for dry skin you can find at Boots
Now you’ve mastered the base-ics, scroll on for our edit of some of the best foundations for dry skin.
From skincare-infused formulas to complexion-perfecting heroes, here are 11 of our top picks for dry skin, suited to all budgets.
Best natural finish foundation for dry skin
Try: Clinique Even Better™ Makeup SPF15 Foundation
• Size: 30ml
• Medium to full coverage
• 39 shades
• SPF15
Clinique has gained a rep for its great range of foundations that work for all skin types. One of our favourites is this second skin-effect bestseller, which hydrates and smooths skin for a natural finish. Developed with dermatologists, the creamy formula delivers 24-hour wear that doesn’t cake or crease – just what we love to hear.
Best luminous foundation for dry skin
Try: Fenty Beauty Soft'Lit Naturally Luminous Longwear Foundation
• Size: 32ml
• Medium, long-lasting coverage
• 50 shades
• Waterproof & transfer-proof
• Sweat & humidity resistant
Just because we want to make our dry skin look more hydrated, doesn’t mean we want it to look like an oil slick. Benefit-packed and hydrating, this foundation provides a naturally radiant finish with a subtly dewy base that never looks greasy – it’s giving golden hour glow, all day long.
Best light foundation for dry skin
Try: Revlon ColorStay Foundation For Normal/Dry Skin
• Size: 30ml
• Medium, buildable coverage
• Oil-free
• SPF20
A gorgeously lightweight foundation that promises seamless application and a natural finish? Count us in. This longwear number is a favourite, thanks to the fact it stays flawless for up to 24 hours without drying or caking – we have the super hydrating hyaluronic acid in its formula to thank for that!
Best glowy finish foundation for dry skin
Try: NARS Sheer Glow Foundation
• Size: 30ml
• Sheer, buildable coverage
• 20 shades
• Fragrance & paraben-free
• Non-comedogenic
• Dermatologist tested
Loved by influencers and editors alike, this glowy, hydration-packed foundation instantly illuminates and evens skin tone – ideal for a soft-focus, luminous finish. A must for ‘no make-up, make-up’ days, the formula is bursting with powerful antioxidants and skin-loving vitamin C to improve skin’s brightness and texture.
Best full coverage foundation for dry skin
Try: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation
• Size: 30ml
• Undetectable full coverage
• 40 shades
• Sweat & humidity resistant
Lancôme has always been a brand that delivers, so it’s no surprise that this foundation is innovative. How? Well, it’s infused with advanced airwear technology that adapts to every skin shade and concern. Ultra-thin and ultra-breathable, the formula is also concentrated with hyaluronic acid and an 81% skincare serum to help protect the skin barrier.
Best value foundation for dry skin
Try: Rimmel Lasting Finish 35 Hour Foundation
• Size: 30ml
• Full coverage
• 35 shades
• SPF20
• Clean, cruelty-free & vegan*
• Waterproof, crease-resistant & transfer-proof
If you’re looking for a foundation that’s as excellent for your skin as it is for your wallet, look no further. Boosted with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and niacinamide, this pick helps dial up the glow for dry and dehydrated skin types. With unbeatable hydration and 35-hour wear, it’ll take you from long days at work to a post-night out taxi home with minimal effort.
Best radiant finish foundation for dry skin
Try: No7 HydraLuminous Moisturising Foundation
• Size: 30ml
• Medium coverage
• 19 shades
• SPF15
It's no surprise that a moisturising foundation with medium coverage – such as this one – should be just the tonic for dry skin. By grace of its added grapeseed oil and vitamins, it will leave you with luminous-looking skin.
Best perfecting foundation for dry skin
Try: Laura Mercier Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Foundation
• Size: 30ml
• Medium coverage
• 30 shades
• Suitable for all skin types
Redefine perfecting coverage with this Laura Mercier foundation which instantly hydrates and smooths skin. Blurring the line between make-up and skincare, this weightless formula offers buildable coverage and up to 12 hours of waterproof wear, giving skin a supercharged, healthy-looking glow that naturally catches the light.
Best foundation for dry-to-combination skin
Try: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation SPF10
• Size: 30ml
• Medium-to-full coverage
• Over 60 shades
• SPF10
• Oil-free
• Non-comedogenic
Wear confidence whatever the occasion with this foundation favourite. Flattering on all skin tones, it helps to blur imperfections, feels super lightweight and leaves a fresh matte finish. Plus, with 24-hour wear, you can apply it once with no touch-ups needed!
Best foundation for sensitive, dry skin
Try: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 Hydrating Tinted Cream SPF50 For Sensitive Skin
• Size: 50ml
• Tinted cream
• SPF50
• Suitable for all skin types
• Fragrance-free
• Resistant against water, sweat & sand
If you’re wanting to soothe sensitive, dry skin, then why not reach for a skin tint instead of a foundation? As its name would suggest, La Roche-Posay’s Tinted Cream hydrates and illuminates the complexion, leaving it with a natural, lightweight glow. Not forgetting its new UV filter against ultra long UVA** which offers high protection against UV-induced damage.
Best foundation for dry & redness-prone skin
Try: IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Full Coverage Cream Original SPF 50+
• Size: 32ml
• Full coverage cream
• 23 shades
• SPF50
Now we know that this is technically a CC cream as opposed to a foundation, but we just had to give it a mention as it has so many great benefits. It has enough coverage to disguise redness, reduce the appearance of dark circles and minimise the look of pores, all thanks to hydrolyzed collagen, peptides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Plus, it’s got SPF50 protection and doesn’t crease or crack – it’s your one step for instant complexion perfection!
