The 11 Best Foundations for Dry Skin and Maximum Hydration
Including picks from Giorgio Armani Beauty, Jones Road, and Fenty Beauty.
Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Outside of finding a match that complements your skin's tone and undertone, there are a number of factors to consider when it comes to choosing the right face makeup. The best foundations for dry skin, in particular, typically contain a bevy of plumping and moisturizing ingredients like squalane, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides to combat flakiness.
"Any foundation that's hydrating and creamy is ideal for people with dry skin," professional makeup artist Beck Wainner tells BAZAAR.com. "These formulas keep it looking extremely supple and radiant—think: fresh and glowy." Celebrity makeup artist Hailey Hoff agrees, noting that the incorporation of proper skincare prep—from exfoliation to your choice of face oils and moisturizers—also plays a key role in keeping uneven texture and unwanted dryness at bay. "I personally love using the Chantecaille Rose de Mai Oil to prep clients with dry skin, but really any kind of oil or hydrating face cream can work," she adds.
To make it simple to optimize your makeup staples, we've pulled together 11 of the best foundations for dry skin that makeup artists and editors are raving about. From luxe favorites by Giorgio Armani Beauty and Clé de Peau Beauté to clean formulas from Jones Road and Kosas, these essential foundations are worthy of any makeup bag.
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation
Pros
- Long lasting
Cons
This coveted foundation is a go-to for Hoff and one of our holy grail picks for a reason: Aside from providing a dewy (but not shiny) lit-from-within-look, it also works well with every skin type.
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Hydrating Longwear Foundation
Pros
- On sale
- Available in 50 shades
Cons
With 50 different options to choose from, it's easy to find your shade in this hydrating foundation formula ideal for a medium- to full-coverage look.
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat All-in-One Glow Hydrating Makeup
Pros
- Smooths fine lines
Cons
If you're in the market for a product that does a little more than just even your complexion, consider snagging a tube of this multitasking tinted moisturizer and foundation that comes dermatologist tested.
Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Medium Coverage Liquid Foundation with Hyaluronic Acid
Pros
- Skin plumping
Cons
Wainner always keeps this hyaluronic acid-infused foundation in her kit for clients with drier skin. "I love using the Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation on clients looking for a natural finish to their makeup," she says. "It's very hydrating and always leaves skin looking plump and moisturized."
Jones Road What the Foundation
Pros
- Top rated
Cons
Created by makeup legend Bobbi Brown, this versatile foundation from Jones Road acts more like a moisturizer. Depending on your preference, this essential is seamlessly applied with a brush, sponge, or your fingers (just note that a little goes a long way).
Pros
- Long lasting
Cons
Here's a medium-coverage foundation that contains a moisturizing blend of hyaluronic acid and squalane, as well as niacinamide and peptides to plump and soothe.
Clé de Peau Beauté The Foundation SPF 21
Pros
- Contains SPF
Cons
- Pricey
This long-wearing and rose-scented foundation leaves behind a satiny smooth finish that won't weigh skin down, and uses Clé de Peau's Illuminating Complex EX to enhance skin's radiance and resilience.
Pros
- Easy to apply
Cons
Because this moisturizing foundation comes in stick form, it's the perfect option to take when you're on the go, or just trying your best to keep your routine mess free.
L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation
Pros
- Under $20
Cons
Close to 4,000 Ulta customers swear by this top-rated pick. In addition to being lightweight and containing SPF 50, the foundation is also specially formulated to smooth over fine lines.
Pros
- Refillable
Cons
Featuring a blend of ingredients like jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid, and olive-derived squalane, this buildable, vegan foundation from Danessa Myricks Beauty is the epitome of hydration. As an eco-friendly bonus, it's also refillable.
Tom Ford Beauty Traceless Soft Matte Foundation
Pros
- Sweat and humidity resistant
Cons
More than 1,000 Nordstrom customers are raving about this blurring foundation from Tom Ford Beauty, with one satisfied shopper writing, "This [foundation] is true to its description: definitely a soft matte. It’s comfortable, stays on all day, and wears very well under a mask. If you're questioning [whether or not] to buy this foundation, just do it. It’s very nice, and perfect if you're looking to treat yourself."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the top ingredients to look for in the best foundations for dry skin?
- Squalane
- Hyaluronic acid
- Ceramides
- Plant-based oils
How can those with dry skin ensure a smooth canvas for makeup?
According to experts, proper skin care prep, like exfoliating dead skin cells and application of facial oils and moisturizers, are essential for a smooth and even makeup finish.
If I have dry skin, can I still use powder to set my face makeup?
Yes, but we recommend using finishing powder in just the T-zone area of the face or where necessary to avoid enhancing fine lines or contributing to dryness.
