After applying skincare, foundation is the starting point for creating an even make-up base, whether you go for a lightweight layer or prefer full coverage. But it can be a tricky balance to perfect, as finding the right product depends on your skin type.
If your skin is dry, it lacks key moisture and can appear flaky, dull and tight, as it doesn’t produce as much oil to form a protective barrier. This skin type is an underlying predisposition, which can be seen alongside combination concerns. While it manifests in similar ways, dehydrated skin is different, and occurs due to having too little water in the layer closest to its surface. But, when it comes to shopping for foundation, both skin types suit comparable formulas.
Foundations for dry skin should include hydrating ingredients and a smoothing formula to plump up tightness and even out any patchiness, while delivering radiance to offset dullness.
Skincare ingredients to look out for cover the likes of hydration boosting hyaluronic acid, soothing vitamin E and brightening vitamin C.
We’ve been putting lots of foundations to the test, finding out which products present a smooth, hydrating base. Read on for our pick of the best foundations for dry skin to suit all budgets.
How we tested
We tested several foundations over a few months, wearing them across long days and into the evening, in both warm and cooler weather. They were each worn over the same skincare routine to ensure testing consistency, and we noted how hydrating they looked and felt too. Our tester explored different price points, while looking at the formulas, packaging, and ingredients.
From balms and creams to glowy and matte formulas, read on for our list of the best foundations for dry skin.
The best foundations for dry skin in 2023 are:
- Best foundation for dry skin overall – Dior forever skin glow foundation for dry skin: £45, Sephora.co.uk
- Best budget foundation for dry skin – e.l.f flawless finish foundation for dry skin: £9, Superdrug.com
- Best light-coverage foundation for dry skin – Mac studio radiance face and body foundation for dry skin: £32, Maccosmetics.co.uk
- Best full-coverage foundation for dry skin – Kevyn Aucoin foundation balm for dry skin: £42, Spacenk.com
- Best dewy foundation for dry skin – Charlotte Tilbury beautiful skin foundation: £39, Charlottetilbury.com