Foundation [1] is already one of the hardest (and most expensive) makeup items to shop for, but when you have dry skin, the search can be even more of a struggle. When your skin is dry, foundation can look patchy, feel incredibly uncomfortable, and even flake off in extreme cases — all of which get exacerbated in the Winter when the air becomes cooler and drier. This can be incredibly frustrating to the point you've given up on wearing foundation all together — although that doesn't have to be the case. With the help of some of the most well-respected makeup artists in the business, we narrowed down the exact foundations they rely on when they work with clients who have dry skin.
It's important to remember that choosing the correct foundation for your skin type is just half the battle. If you have dry skin, what you prep your skin with is just as important. "I recommend applying a hydrating moisturiser or hyaluronic acid serum prior to foundation, to help combat skin dryness and flaking," says Dr Alexis Granite, consultant dermatologist at Cadogan Clinic [2]. (For some recommendations, check out our list of moisturisers makeup artists like to use beore makeup [3].) Makeup artists Katie Jane Hughes [4] and Tom Pecheux [5] also like to bring face oil into the mix — yes, in addition to a serum and a face cream — applying it on super dry patches as a spot treatment.
Your application tools also play a big role. Both Lisa Potter Dixon [6] and Hughes told POPSUGAR they prefer using smaller brushes (such as eyeshadow brushes, for foundation application) as opposed to larger ones to allow more precision and control — only spot treating areas where coverage might be needed.
To help you on your quest for the absolute best foundation to use on dry skin, read on to see which formulas the pros keep in their kit (spoiler alert: most of them are liquids, a couple are creams, and they're all super hydrating and blendable), why they love them, and exactly how they use the product for the best finish. Armed with this information and product recommendations, you'll have the dewiest complexion in no time.
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation
The Nars Sheer Glow Foundation [7] (£33.50) is a favourite with both makeup artists Vincent Oquendo and Lucinda Worth due to it's buildable formula and dewy finish. "It doesn't attach to dry patches or flake on the skin, and it photographs beautifully (editors note: this makes it perfect for weddings and special occasions [8]). It's the number one requested foundation by my clients," says Worth.
Dior Capture Dreamskin Cushion Foundation SPF 50
The Dior Capture Dreamskin Cushion Foundation SPF 50 [9] (£65) formula is hydrating, leaves behind a natural-looking finish, and has the added bonus of SPF (although you should always apply separate SPF before foundation to ensure optimum UV protection.) "It enhances the complexion, making the skin look super healthy with low to medium coverage", says makeup Lucy Wearing, who happened to use this foundation on Ellie Goulding for her wedding day [10].
Glossier Stretch Concealer
When I recently caught up with makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes, I told her about my struggle to find a foundation that covers the red problem areas of my skin without drying them out (like most heavy formulas do). She pointed me towards Glossier Stretch Concealer [11] (£15). Sure, it's not an actual foundation, but her suggestion of applying it with a medium-sized foundation brush — or slightly bigger eye shadow brush — with a very light hand worked a treat to hide redness and cover up any spots. The formula spreads thin and is buildable without clinging onto dry patches.
Danessa Myricks Vision Cream Cover Foundation
When we think dry skin, we often turn our attention straight to dewy foundation formulas in an attempt to try and counteract the dullness that can come with dry skin. However, not everyone wants a dewy finish when it comes to their base makeup and that's exactly why London-based beauty brand founder [12] and makeup artist Joy Adenuga [13] loves the Danessa Myricks Vision Cream Cover Foundation [14] (£28). "It's buildable to full-coverage and the finish feels very lightweight and supernatural when it comes to coverage, without looking overly dewy."
Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue and Nars Creamy Concealer
When I told Hughes how much I love the Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue [15] (£29), but don't always feel it has enough coverage, she suggested I mix it with Nars Creamy Concealer [16] (£24). I take a pea sized amount of the Complexion Rescue and a dab of Creamy Concealer on the back of my hand, mix this together and apply either with my fingers all over, or with the Morphe M173 Chubby Buffer Brush [17] (£5.50) to the areas I need slightly more coverage such as my cheeks and under eyes. Genius.
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
If full coverage is something you are looking for, Ahn recommends Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation [18] (£27). Many full coverage foundations tend to be for oiler complexions, but this one is "dewy and gorgeous on the skin", says Ahn, making it ideal for drier types. This is definitely a full coverage formula and a little goes a long way (perfect if you don't want to constantly have to top up with a new bottle), which is why Ahn warns to use it sparingly.
Supergoop Daily Correct CC Cream SPF 35
Supergoop Daily Correct CC Cream SPF 35 [19] (£35) is great if you want a sheer-to-medium coverage base that looks like the natural texture and finish of your skin, but better. Not only does Ahn like that it's incredibly hydrating, but that it also contains SPF 35, making it the perfect everyday option for those with dry skin wanting just a tiny bit of coverage.
Clé de Peau Radiant Fluid Foundation SPF 25
Sometimes the priciest formulas really are worth their hefty price tag. Case in point: Clé de Peau Radiant Fluid Foundation SPF 25 [20] (£107), loved by both makeup artists Sandy Linter and Neil Young for its ability to glide over the skin without settling into dry patches or fine lines, giving the skin a "luminous" finish.
Chanel Vitalumière Satin Smoothing Fluid Makeup SPF 15
If you have dry skin but don't want your skin to look incredibly dewy or incredibly matte, look for something with a satin texture like the Chanel Vitalumière Satin Smoothing Fluid Makeup SPF 15 [21] (£40). "It has a light reflective formula that adds radiance to the complexion while smoothing out minor imperfections", says Young. The only negative? The very limited shade range.
Yves Saint Laurent Beauté Touche Éclat Le Teint Foundation
Another light reflective formula is the YSL Beauté Touche Éclat Le Teint Foundation [22] (£35), Young loves this because of its ability to "smooth out texture and imperfections", adding that it has great coverage without being the least bit drying.
Dior Backstage Airflash Spray Foundation
If you would like to smooth out the texture of your skin without using a heavy formula, turn to something a little different. Makeup artist Grace Ahn (who often works with Lizzo [23]) loves Dior Backstage Airflash Spray Foundation [24] (£38) for this. She sprays it onto a fluffy powder brush — never directly onto the face — and then applies it lightly smooth the appearance of the skin. She also notes that it's buildable if you need extra coverage in specific areas.
La Prairie Skin Caviar Essence-In-Foundation SPF 25
If liquid foundation feels too heavy for your skin, try something like Skin Caviar Essence-In-Foundation SPF 25 [25] (£160), which is incredibly lightweight and comes in a cushion compact. "This formula is super hydrating with light but buildable coverage," says makeup artist Georgina Graham. To apply, use the enclosed sponge to press down on the mesh cushion, which releases the thin liquid, and then simply pat it onto your skin, repeating until you get the amount of coverage you want. And while yes, the price tag looks outrageous, the compact comes with a refill when you purchase.
Honest Beauty Everything Cream Foundation
Honest Beauty Everything Cream Foundation [26] is coming to the UK soon and after hearing what makeup artist Daniel Martin (Meghan Markle [27]'s good friend and go-to makeup artist) has to say about it, you'll be queueing up to get your hands on one. This foundation is more on the matte side but due to its balm-like texture, it gives a good amount of coverage but without feeling cakey. "I love the Honest Beauty Cream Foundation because it doubles as a concealer and when used with a moisturiser, can also be used like a liquid foundation!" says Martin. "It's a does-it-all foundation, all in a handy compact."
Fenty by RihannaPro Filt'r Hydrating Longwear Foundation
47 shade options, and the fact you can pick it up at Boots, make the Fenty by Rihanna Pro Filt'r Hydrating Longwear Foundation [28] (£23) incredibly inclusive. It offers medium, natural-looking coverage that you can wear for hours and it will still feel comfortable on the skin.
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
The Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation [29] (£38) is a lightweight liquid foundation that comes in 40 shades and has been beloved my makeup artists ever since it launched. It has a weightless texture, despite excellent colour pigmentation.
Urban Decay Hydromaniac Glowy Tinted Hydrator Foundation
In the market for a foundation that offers good coverage but feels more like a tinted moisturiser? The Urban Decay Hydromaniac Glowy Tinted Hydrator Foundation [30] (£29) is buildable and has a lightweight, radiant finish.
It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream
A favourite of POPSUGAR beauty editors, the It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream [31] (£32.50) is a colour-correcting full-coverage cream with SPF 50+ built-in. It's packed with collagen, antioxidants, and vitamins that keep skin looking radiant and smooth.
Smashbox Studio Skin 24 Hour Oil-Free Hydra Foundation
Unlike most matte foundations, the Smashbox Studio Skin 24 Hour Oil-Free Hydra Foundation [32] (£30) won't leave your skin feeling dry. It's also oil-free and packed with moisture-locking hyaluronic acid.