Forget heavy, uncomfortable foundations that can cake and cling to dry patches. If you’ve got dry skin, you’ll want a foundation that offers coverage while helping to moisturise and comfort your complexion. That’s why we’re here to help you find the good foundation for dry skin.
What to look for in a good foundation for dry skin
Here are some things to consider when choosing the right foundation for your dry skin:
Hydration: It might sound obvious, but when it comes to dry skin, moisture is key. That’s why you’ll want to keep an eye out for a hydrating foundation infused with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which help your skin retain moisture.
Buildable coverage: If you’ve got dry skin, you might find your make-up is prone to being cakey or has a tendency to settle into fine lines. Choosing a foundation with buildable coverage can help combat this, as you can apply your make-up in thin layers to the areas you want it.
Lightweight texture: Good foundations for dry skin are those with lightweight formulas, as they’re more likely to blend easily and not cling to any dry patches.
Dewy finish: Give dry skin a fresh, luminous look by choosing a hydrating foundation that has a dewy finish. Swapping a matte, flat look for a natural-looking glow will help your skin look fresh and radiant.
Recommended foundations for dry skin
If you're looking for a foundation for dryness that offers comfort without compromising on coverage, take a look at these top picks.
No7 HydraLuminous Moisturising Foundation is a great choice for dry skin, thanks to its hydrating properties. Expertly formulated for all-day hydration with medium coverage, it’ll leave you with a gorgeous glow.
Looking for a comfortable to wear, foundation with long-lasting coverage? Try No7 Stay Perfect Foundation for a flawless, natural-looking finish with up to 24-hour coverage.
If you want to help keep mature skin moisturised, No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum Foundation might be right for you. Formulated to target the key signs of ageing while it hydrates, it’ll leave skin looking and looking radiant.
The benefits of hydrating foundations for dry skin
There are lots of reasons why moisturising foundations are the perfect choice for dry skin. From instant hydration to lasting benefits, here are some of the pros you could find in a hydrating foundation:
They contain moisturising properties: Hydrating foundations deliver essential moisture to your skin, helping to prevent dryness. This means your make-up can go the distance, while your complexion is cared for.
They leave skin looking plump and dewy: Foundations with hydrating properties can give the skin a plump, more radiant appearance which is ideal for dry skin types.
Improved skin texture: Choosing a hydrating foundation with skin-loving ingredients not only gives your complexion an instant refresh, but it’s also an investment in your skin.
Full coverage foundations for dry skin:What to look for
Just because you have dry skin doesn’t mean you can’t go for a full coverage foundation. You just need to know what to look out for. Here are our top tips for choosing a full coverage foundation for dry skin:
Hydrating ingredients: Avoid that heavy, cakey finish by choosing a full coverage foundation designed especially for dry skin, with a formula that contains moisturising ingredients.
Buildable formula: Achieve full coverage by choosing a buildable formula that allows you to create your desired level of coverage without clinging to dry patches or settling into fine lines.
Our top pick: Protect & Perfect Advanced All-in-One Foundation is a skincare-infused foundation which offers buildable coverage while helping to hydrate and smooth the skin.
How to apply foundation for dry skin
Whatever your skin type, if you want your make-up to go the distance, it starts with skincare. For dry skin, it’s important to prep with a good moisturiser, followed by SPF and a hydrating primer. That way, Prepping your skin can help provide comfortable and non-cakey makeup application.
A super-hydrating moisturiser like Derm Solutions™ 100-Hour Hydration Cream deeply hydrates skin and improves the appearance of dryness. Follow up with a hydrating primer like No7 HydraLuminous+ Hydrating Primer designed to improve moisture levels and give your foundation something to grip to.
It’s also important to consider how you apply your foundation, depending on what results you want to achieve.
When layering your foundation to build up coverage, it’s important to be gentle with your skin to avoid irritating it or exacerbating any dry patches. The effective way is to apply some foundation to the back of your hand, then work it evenly into your foundation brush. Gently apply the foundation to your face using smooth strokes for a seamless finish. Don’t forget to blend around the neckline!
Pro tip: After applying your base, spritz a setting spray like No7 HydraLuminous Hydrating Fixing Mist to lock in moisture and foundation looking fresh all day.
Which hydrating foundations are good for dry skin?
When it comes to choosing the right foundation for dry skin, it’s a good idea to decide what you want out of a foundation, then explore the ingredients, formulas and finish of the products you’re considering.
If you’re looking for an everyday dewy glow, No7 HydraLuminous Moisturising Foundation could be the perfect choice. Formulated to give skin a fresh, radiant glow, this foundation combines vitamin A, C and E, as well as grapeseed oil into a nourishing formulation which helps to moisturise your skin. The buildable, medium-coverage formula allows you to build until you achieve your desired level of coverage. All while the water-based formula delivers hydration for a flawless, natural-looking finish.
For more mature skin, No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum Foundation combines medium coverage with anti-aging benefits for a brighter, more youthful-looking complexion. Powered by Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum technology, this foundation actively targets fine lines and wrinkles, age spots, pigmentation and for a comfortable, radiant finish. Meanwhile, the flexible formula helps prevent creasing, keeping skin looking flawless for longer.
No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced All-in-One Foundation is a skincare-infused foundation that gives medium/buildable coverage. With the added benefit of Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum technology, a blend of antioxidants alongside vitamins C and E, this foundation instantly brightens the skin's appearance. Blurring particles reflect light away from fine lines, while the flexible formula moves with your skin to provide a flawless finish that’s smooth and beautifully radiant.
Frequently asked questions about foundation for dry skin
Can I use full coverage foundation if I have dry skin?
You can absolutely use full-coverage foundation if you have dry skin. Just make sure you choose a formula that contains hydrating ingredients to help care for your skin.
Should I avoid matte foundations?
Some matte foundations can emphasise dry patches, so if you want a matte finish, it’s important to choose a formula that can give your desired finish without drying out your skin. Look out for hydrating ingredients that’ll deliver the moisture your skin needs. Take a look at the tips above for how to apply foundation for dry skin, too.
How do I keep my foundation from looking cakey?
There are some tips and tricks to help stop your foundation clinging to dry patches and causing the dreaded cakey effect. For instance, prep your skin with a hydrating primer to give your foundation something to grip to. You could also use a damp sponge to apply your foundation, followed by a setting spray to help keep your make-up fresh and in place all day.
To really get the most out of your foundation, it’s important to start with a good skincare routine tailored to your skin type. Read about the perfect skincare routine for dry skin.
