When you’ve got dry skin, something as simple as applying your foundation can feel like the most difficult thing in the world.
Stipple on the wrong formulation for your skin type and it’ll look streaky, cling to all your dry patches and fail the coverage test no matter how much you apply.
But when a foundation has been made with dry skin in mind, it’s obvious: It blends like a dream, layers well, leaves you a healthy glow, and may even convince the people around you that you’re a much more hydrated individual than you actually are. It’s practically magic.
In other words, if you play your cards right, selecting the best foundation for your dry skin can work absolute wonders for your complexion.
Here are marie claire’s recommended foundations for dry skin…
The best foundation for dry skin 2024
01
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow
from $47.40 at Adore Beauty
If you’ve ever spotted Zendaya on a red carpet write-up and subsequently spent far too long staring at her near-perfect skin, then it’s probably important that you know that this foundation is the culprit. Infused with a serum that leaves you sporting a healthy glow without compromising on coverage, this foundation is our go-to hack for the kind of flawless face one would expect to see sauntering past paparazzi at an awards show.
Key features:
- Available in 28 shades
- Infused with hyaluronic acid and mandelic acid
- Neo-glow foundation technology promises a 24 hour glow
- Medium buildable coverage
- Transfer and fade proof
- Doesn’t settle into fine lines
Available at:
- $47.40 (usually $79) from Adore Beauty
- $79 from Sephora
- $79 from The Iconic
02
Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation
from $79 at Adore Beauty
Developed with runway models’ skin in mind, this foundation is lightweight, hydrating, versatile and long-lasting. The buildable formula can be layered for more coverage that looks diffused, radiant and healthy every time.
Key features:
- Available in 43 shades
- Infused with plant-derived squalane and hyaluronic acid
- Water, sweat, humidity and transfer proof
- Buildable lightweight coverage
- Natural radiant finish
- Can be used on the face and body
Available at:
- $79 from Adore Beauty
- $79 from Sephora
- $79 from David Jones
03
Clarins Skin Illusion Natural Hydrating Foundation SPF 15
from $51 at Adore Beauty
This serum-infused foundation gives the illusion of a bare skin effect once it’s applied to the complexion. The formula has been enriched with a combination of non-greasy oils that help to keep skin moisturised long after application too.
Key features:
- Available in 20 shades
- Infused with skin care ingredients
- Enriched with moisturising and non-greasy face oils
- Bare skin illusion finish
- Clinically proven to enhance radiance
Available at:
- $51 (usually $60) from Adore Beauty
- $60 from MYER
- $60 from David Jones
04
Estée Lauder Futurist Skin Tint Serum Foundation
from $54 at Adore Beauty
Not only does this tinted serum foundation smooth, moisturise and even skin tone, but it also helps to improve the appearance of skin over time, transforming dull, dry skin into a softly radiant complexion.
Key features:
- Available in 29 shades
- Sweat and humidity resistant
- 8 hour wear
- Doesn’t crease, streak or settle into pores
- Botanical oil infusion (meadowfoam seed, calendula and rosehip oils) improves moisture levels
Available at:
- $54 (usually $90) from Adore Beauty
- $90 from Sephora
- $90 from MYER
05
M·A·C Cosmetics Studio Radiance Face & Body Radiant Sheer Foundation
from $39.60 at Adore Beauty
The original face and body foundation, M·A·C Cosmetics’ best-seller has had a makeover, with the tried and true formula being improved upon for those of us with drier complexions and a penchant for a natural glow.
Key features:
- Available in 30 shades
- Sheer, radiant finish
- Buildable, lightweight coverage
- Can be used on the face and body
Available at:
- $39.60 (usually $66) from Adore Beauty
- $66 from The Iconic
- $66 from MYER
06
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation
from $105 at MYER
With a fine and silky finish that looks so flawless it’s hard to detect whether you’re wearing makeup at all, this healthy glow foundation from Chanel is worth every hard-earned penny required to acquire it.
Key features:
- Available in 42 shades
- Buildable coverage
- Silky, natural and undetectable finish
- Light-reflecting powders blur and smooth imperfections
- 12 hour wear
- Enriched with Healthy Glow Booster pigment technology
Available at:
- $105 from MYER
- $105 from David Jones
What type of foundation is best for dry skin?
The best type of foundation for dry skin is a liquid foundation that has been enriched with hydrating ingredients. These foundations tend to be formulated with dry skin in mind, so they help to keep the skin moisturised long after application, minimising the risk of makeup clinging to dry patches or appearing cakey over time.
How do you get flawless foundation with dry skin?
If you have dry skin, then prepping your skin properly prior to foundation application is vital. A richly hydrating moisturiser that helps to even skin tone and texture is a must, and if you’re wearing makeup for prolonged periods of time, then a makeup primer that promotes longevity and hydration can’t go amiss either. If you find that your skin still looks dry after applying your foundation, then we’d recommend lightly misting your face with a hydrating setting spray. This will help to unify your makeup with your skin for a natural, flawless finish.
Looking to save money on foundation? Check out our coupon codes for MYER, David Jones and more.
Related article:
- Moisturising & Gentle: Top-Rated Cleansers Formulated For Dry Skin
- 5 Silky Serum Foundations For Polished But Natural Coverage
- The 11 All-Time Greatest Tinted Moisturisers For Every Skin Type
Main image credit: @babskymakeup
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