This is the dewy foundation I’ve gatekept for months
If you’ve got dry skin, you’ll know that finding the right foundation is like finding a needle in a haystack. Choose the wrong one, and you’re looking at a formula that will cling to rough patches or turn cakey by lunchtime.
But having dry skin doesn’t mean you need to skip foundation altogether – you just need to find the right formula (which is where I come in). Now more than ever, there are a whole host of dewy bases that are formulated with dry skin in mind. The best ones deliver that coveted ‘my-skin-but-glowier’ finish and come with an uber-lightweight consistency, making them ideal for day-to-day wear.
What's more, if your skin is truly in crisis mode, these nourishing formulas will help to ease dry patches and ensure that your foundation doesn’t flake off. Yep, you’ll never have to cross paths with a crumbling complexion again.
What should you look for in a hydrating foundation?
I’d like to think we've become more critical about the beauty products we invest in, and especially when it comes to finding the right foundation for dry skin, I’d say it pays to get picky.
From now on, formulas that are labelled as serums should become your closest allies. These foundations won’t migrate into fine lines but will give your complexion the radiance boost it's probably craving.
Next up, pay attention to the ingredients list. You’ll want to suss out the formulas that contain ingredients to boost hydration, like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and squalane. Just steer clear of matte bases as these are often formulated with ingredients designed for oily skin types.
How should you prep dry skin before applying foundation?
Remember that a foundation is designed to cover, but it won’t do much to improve your skin’s texture (that’s the job of your exfoliator, cleanser and moisturiser). So before you start shopping, it's important to note that prepping your base is everything (well, that’s if you want a smooth complexion – which I’m assuming, you do).
Start your skin prep with a chemical exfoliator – as opposed to a physical scrub – as this will help to remove dead skin cells and will be gentler on drier skin types. Follow up with a nourishing cleanser to remove impurities and ensure a hydrated base.
If you’re applying a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturiser, I’d suggest applying a water-based moisturiser to keep that dewy, juicy sheen. Then you could sandwich in a hyaluronic acid serum to take that hydration hit to the next level.
So now you’re a pro, it’s time to find your perfect match. To whittle down the options available, head straight to these editor-approved formulas and scrap the guesswork in finding a foundation for dry skin.
The best foundation for dry skin...
The 10 best foundations for dry skin
1. Rose Inc, Skin Enhance Luminous Tinted Serum
Thanks to a new generation of serum formulas, the gap is shrinking between makeup and skincare. So, if you want your foundation to benefit your skin as well as deliver a stunning sheen, Rose Inc’s Luminous Tinted Serum is one we love. It’s infused with squalane and sodium hyaluronate to hydrate and plump the skin, all the while delivering the most luminous second-skin finish. Just get prepared for the influx of complexion compliments.
2. L'Oreal Paris, Age Perfect BB Cream SPF 50
When we find a brilliant pocket-friendly foundation (well, technically this is a BB cream), it’s our duty to shout it from the rooftops. Compared to some £££ foundations we’ve tried, you would never guess this is something you could buy with change from a twenty. It’s enriched with glycerin – a powerful humectant – which draws moisture from the environment directly to the skin, imparting a hydrated, dewy finish.
3. Charlotte Tilbury, Beautiful Skin Foundation
Charlotte Tilbury boasts a rather impressive wardrobe of flawless foundations, but this one is by far the best for a dewy, radiant base. You can use a small amount of product to create a super natural, glowy finish, or amp it up to build the coverage. Either way, the overall result leaves any dry zones feeling hydrated – thanks to hyaluronic acid – and your complexion looking like you’re just naturally blessed with insane skin.
4. Estee Lauder, Double Wear Nude Water Fresh SPF30
This double wear foundation has been stripped back and reworked for a ‘your skin but better’ finish meaning it’s a brill option for those with drier complexions.
The formula stays true to the Double Wear promise, meaning it stays put no matter how manic your day is, but the real difference is the infusion of water and mineral gels which thins it out for a more comfortable wear. One coat delivers a healthy hit of colour while two amps up the coverage for those who want even out skin tone.
4. NARS, Light Reflecting Foundation
Dewy, radiant foundations have certainly been a driving force for many brands in recent years – and, once again, NARS has nailed it with this hydrating base. The lightweight formula effortlessly blends into the skin, and leaves a satin, blurring finish in its wake. Ask any beauty editor their opinion and the response will be universal: it’s a winner.
5. It Cosmetics, Your Skin But Better Foundation + Skincare
This long-time favourite CC cream may have a lightweight consistency, but the coverage is high enough to conceal any redness or blemishes that greet you in the morning. Formulated with skin-kind ingredients – like hyaluronic acid, vitamins and SPF 50 – it marries makeup and skincare benefits together.
6. Saie, Glowy Super Skin Foundation
When a foundation features in multiple magazines following its launch, you know it’s worth your attention. This can be said for Saie’s Super Skin Foundation (I picked up three mags last month, and they all included this dewy base).
It’s a current go-to for a delicate wash of coverage that will diffuse redness and give your complexion a healthy glow. I’m also here for the skin benefits; it's packed with all the greats – hyaluronic acid, squalane and glycerin – to give an additional hydration boost.
7. Rare Beauty, Positive Light Tinted Moisturiser
As soon as the question ‘Picky bits in the park?’ is thrown into the group chat, this is the foundation (ok, tinted moisturiser) I reach for. You don’t need any time or skill to apply it – just simply blend the formula in with your fingers and go. The consistency is one of the lightest you’ll try so it feels very comfortable through its wear. Feel free to participate in all the usual ‘picnic in a park’ activities (be it playing rounders or snacking on pineapple sticks) without the fear of it budging.
8. Kosas, Revealer Skin Improving Foundation
I think it’s acceptable to say that summer is fast approaching – and, in my opinion, with the sun comes dewy skin. One newbie I've been gatekeeping is Kosas’ Revealer Foundation (so please don’t stockpile as I fear a sellout). As the name suggests, it’s lighter than most, so it’ll add a delicate sheen of coverage, but it’ll still show your skin’s texture.
9. L'Oreal Paris, True Match Liquid Foundation
Let this cult classic prove that ‘buy cheap, buy twice’ doesn't always apply. You can expect the perfect amount of coverage to give a smooth, radiant complexion and a silky consistency that blends like an absolute dream. Tap in with a damp beauty sponge and it'll melt into your skin like butter. There’s zero cakey-ness but it delivers on the dew (without appearing sweaty).
10. Laura Mercier, Real Flawless Foundation
If you prefer full-coverage finishes, Laura Mercier’s latest launch will be right up your street. Just the smallest pump of product seamlessly glides over your skin, leaving a flattering, soft-focus veil behind. But perhaps my favourite thing is that it wears throughout the day without turning cakey – a must for dry complexions. Even after a full 9-5 in the office, my skin looks just as radiant as it did in the morning.
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