All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
If you find yourself choosing between base makeup and going easy on your sensitive, dehydrated face, it’s time to grab one of the best foundations for dry skin. You already know the struggle of the cakiness, flakiness, and pilling that results from a drying foundation, and, delicately put, it’s no fun at all. While standard foundations can indeed slay, they don’t necessarily include hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane, which are key to helping your glam go on smoothly and your skin stay quenched. And, no, we’re not just talking about tinted moisturizers—it’s 2024 and we can get hydration and medium, buildable coverage in the same bottle. So, shop these editor-beloved and MUA-approved foundations, and read expert advice from board-certified dermatologists on what makes a winning foundation for dry skin types.
Our Top Picks
- Best Foundation for Dry Skin Overall: Dior Forever Skin Glow, $57
- Best Dewy Foundation for Dry Skin: Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation, $65
- Best Light-Coverage Foundation for Dry Skin: Kosas BB Burst, $38
- Best Medium-Coverage Foundation for Dry Skin: Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Skin Tech Foundation, $49
- Best Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin: Nars Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation, $52
- Best Skin Tint for Dry Skin: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40, $48
- Best Tinted Moisturizer for Dry Skin: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30, $54
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the benefits of a foundation for dry skin?
- How should I choose a foundation for dry skin?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Foundation for Dry Skin Overall: Dior Forever Skin Glow
Why it's worth it: Skin care meets makeup in the Dior Forever Skin Glow Foundation. This luxe, hydrating formula (shout out to restorative botanicals like iris, wild pansy, hibiscus, and nasturtium extracts) comes in a wide range of shades, each featuring one of six Dior, signature undertones. Pick between neutrals, warms, warm olives, warm peaches, cools, and cool roses to find a fitting match for your coloring. Regardless of SPF rating, we always recommend a standalone sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher—but any additional SPF is always a welcome boost.
Tester feedback: Shipin wears 3O Warm Olive and sings its praises. "With dry (often flakey) skin, I'm not a foundation-wearer. Instead, I prefer skin tints, tinted moisturizers, and the like—but if I ever do need foundation, Dior's Forever Skin Glow has been my go-to for years," she explains. "It's everything someone with dry skin would want out of a formula: breathable, doesn't seep into fine lines or accentuate dryness, and leaves you with a subtle dewy finish that'll trick anyone and everyone into thinking you were born with richly hydrated, plump skin." Shipin adds that it's never bothered her facial eczema throughout her years of use, which is a huge win.
Key ingredients: octisalate (4.5%), titanium dioxide (4.23%), iris, wild pansy, hibiscus, nasturtium | Fragrance-free: no | Shades: 41 | Coverage: medium to full
Best Dewy Foundation for Dry Skin: Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation
Why it's worth it: When it comes to Chanel's Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation, “light coverage” doesn’t mean “skimping on pigment.” Instead, this product bridges the gap between a skin tint and a true foundation, sitting nicely atop your skin, and hydrating with glycerin and vitamin E. The 40% water formula doesn't skimp on antioxidants, which help your skin barrier combat irritation from pollutants and free radicals. "I love how light and fresh it feels, literally like pushing water into my skin," says Kirin Bhatty, a celebrity makeup artist based in New York City and Los Angeles. "I like to apply it with my fingertips," she adds.
Tester feedback: "I'm a sucker for a lightweight, dewy base, and Chanel Les Beiges delivers every time—it contains 40% water, after all, so no wonder it has that melt-into-my-skin texture I'm always looking for," commerce editor Sarah Han previously explained. "I go in with my (clean!) finger at first, warming it up as I spread before buffing everything in with a foundation brush. It truly feels like I have nothing on and my complexion looks, well, perkier." Han wears the shade BO53.
Key ingredients: glycerin, meadowfoam seed oil, vitamin E | Fragrance-free: no | Shades: 42 | Coverage: light
Best Light-Coverage Foundation: Kosas BB Burst
Why it's worth it: The super hydrating Kosas BB Burst has our hearts. It goes on smoothly, helps your skin maintain and attract moisture, and soothes all the other pesky stuff accompanying dryness, like redness and a weak skin barrier. The formula goes on like a tinted moisturizer but builds nicely for your perfect coverage level, and you'll dig the hydrating duo of sodium PCA and sugar molecule-derived saccharide isomerate, as well as copper peptides and zinc. In Kosas's words, it's "your skin but better." Pair it with the Hailey Bieber-approved Revealer Concealer and bask in the glowiness.
Tester feedback: The BB cream is a favorite of shopping director Shanna Shipin. "This formula is the definition of weightless—if I don't apply it using a mirror, I truly question whether I put it on or not," she said. "It can be a little tricky getting the undertones just so, but once you've found the perfect color, it's Second Skin City. Truly imperceptible coverage that blends easily and wears ridiculously comfortably.."
Key ingredients: copper peptides, zinc, sodium PCA, saccharide isomerate | Fragrance-free: yes | Shades: 24 | Coverage: light
Best Medium-Coverage Foundation for Dry Skin: Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation
Why it's worth it: This Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation was a 2022 TikTok smash hit, and for good reason. The formula features a fermented arnica complex and BioFerment 7 Complex, which includes fermented Shiunko, green tea, and Licorice Root. Cosmetic Ginger King previously explained the calming effects of arnica and the skin-healing benefits of Shiunko, an ointment traditionally used to heal cuts and burns. "This formula is gentle for the skin," she said, adding that "fermented ingredients have a better efficacy as fermentation breaks down the molecule more for better penetration." And it doesn't hurt that this medium coverage foundation has garnered a 2023 Best of Beauty Award and a 2024 Reader's Choice Award.
.jpg)
Tester feedback: “While I much prefer a medium-coverage foundation, on days when I need something a tad lighter, I reach for the Haus Labs foundation,” associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen previously told Allure. “Even though it’s buildable, I usually only apply a single layer (with my fingers) and after my concealer is on, I’ll go back in with a makeup sponge (love you, Beautyblender) to even out the dewy finish. It wears well, but I always notice near the end of the day, it starts to sheer out, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for something super long-wear. Shade matching-wise, I know it’s the bare minimum to expect a brand to have my exact shade, but I really like that this foundation is truly a perfect match to my fair skin and neutral undertone. (I’m shade 120 Light Warm, by the way.)”
Key ingredients: fermented arnica, fermented Shiunko, green tea, licorice root | Fragrance-free: yes | Shades: 51 | Coverage: light to medium, buildable
Best Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin: Nars Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation
Why it's worth it: So you want something light but long-lasting, radiant but subtle, hydrating but non-greasy? What we're hearing is that you want the Best of Beauty-winning Nars Light Reflecting Foundation. This light-coverage, buildable, and non-acnegenic formula evens out skin tone and quenches with ingredients like glycerin, moringa seed extract, cacao peptides, biomimetic oat (a synthetic oat molecule), and Japanese lilyturf. You'll only need one to two pumps to get the full effect, and you can skip the foundation brush and blend it out with your fingers if you so please
Tester feedback: Shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis put it simply. "Every time I move onto a new foundation, I immediately miss this one. It's glowy (but not greasy), lightweight, and truly brings out my skin—just with less acne and hyperpigmentation."
Key ingredients: glycerin, moringa seed extract, cacao peptides, biomimetic oat, and Japanese lilyturf | Fragrance-free: yes | Shades: 36 | Coverage: light to medium
Best Skin Tint for Dry Skin: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Why it's worth it: "This feels like skin care and looks like skin care, but with good coverage," Bhatty raves. "I love how glowy this formula is and the shade range is also so beautiful." Ilia's Super Serum is formulated with your dry skin in mind and is packed with face-loving ingredients like plant-based squalane, niacinamide, and two types of hyaluronic acids. It's also SPF 40, which we can always get behind. Ilia explains that the serum foundation appears lighter upon application—which helps you better discern which areas are SPF-protected. After around a minute, the formula dries down to its true, perfect-match tone.
Tester feedback: Senior news editor Nicola Dall'Asen previously deemed the Super Serum one of her favorite, moisturizing formulas when she's having a low-maintenance moment. "Putting the word 'serum' in the name wasn't a lie; this stuff oozes, goozes, and slathers just like a thick, somewhat oily serum." The result? A fast-absorbing application and instant hydration.
Key ingredients: zinc oxide 12%, squalane, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Fragrance-free: yes | Shades: 30 | Coverage: sheer
More foundations for dry skin we love:
Best Tinted Moisturizer for Dry Skin: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30
Why it’s worth it: Laura Mercier has had our backs since the ‘90s and the brand’s Tinted Moisturizer is yet another example of why we’re such loyal fans. The formula underwent a transformation in 2019, when the brand upped the moisturizing ingredients, SPF protection, and expanded the shade range. Deputy beauty director Elizabeth Siegal was fiercely loyal to the OG version and fretted when she heard it was getting an update. But, it turned out she was tickled after her first go at the new formula. “The difference [between the old and new formula] was almost imperceptible, except that the new version made my cheekbones a little glowier. I have to admit—I might, possibly, like it better than the original,” she told Allure.
Key ingredients: avobenzone 2.5%, octinoxate 7.49%, octocrylene 2%, oxybenzone 1% macadamia oils, kukui seed oils, tamarind seed extract | Fragrance-free: yes | Shades: 20 | Coverage: light
Best SPF Foundation for Dry Skin: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow Foundation
Why it’s worth it: Your ideal no-makeup makeup foundation, Lancôme’s Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow Foundation is powered by hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and smoothing mandelic acid—bolstered by SPF 27 (an excellent start, but we always advise a minimum of sunscreen with an SPF of 30). The formula is non-comedogenic, so if your dryness goes hand in hand with acne, this foundation is a good fit.
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, mandelic acid | Fragrance-free: no | Shades: 30 | Coverage: light to medium
Best Stick Foundation for Dry Skin: Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Balm
Why it’s worth it: At Allure, anything in stick form gets bonus points for its ease of application and portability. So, when Anastasia Beverly Hills dropped its Beauty Balm, we were totally smitten. This foundation functions like a solid serum, imparting all the goodness of skin care with the natural-finish coverage of your favorite skin tint. A peptide complex hydrates, while HA+ microspheres smooth the appearance of fine lines. It’s great for on-the-go touch-ups and days when your glam routine has serious time constraints.
“This is my favorite stick complexion product for dry skin,” makeup artist Karol Rodriguez tells Allure. “It’s a serum-boosted product that applies and layers gorgeously while providing a medium coverage. It doesn’t emphasize dry patches at all and wears gorgeously.”
Key ingredients: peptide complex, HA+ microspheres, fatty acids |
Fragrance-free: yes | Shades: 16 | Coverage: sheer to light
Best Full-Coverage Foundation for Dry Skin: Makeup Forever HD Skin Ultra Glow
Why it’s worth it: We look to Makeup Forever for high-quality coverage, and the HD Skin Ultra Glow said “Yes and,” formulating this foundation with hydrating, plumping, and smoothing ingredients. It’s exceptionally buildable, kicking things off super sheer and intensifying to a full-coverage foundation (use a makeup sponge if that's your vibe). Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, sunflower seed oil, jojoba oil, and coconut extract go easy on dry, mature, and sensitive skin for a foundation that hydrates and stays put all day.
Rodriguez is a fan, to say the least, calling this foundation a dry skin godsend. “It’s a gorgeous, luminous foundation comprised of 98% skin care—it glides on the skin and does an amazing job at camouflaging dry patches, adding that “It’s perfectly creamy and creates a glow that lasts all day.”
Key ingredients: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, lemon extract, jojoba oil, coconut extract | Fragrance-free: no | Shades: 38 | Coverage: light to medium
Best Buildable Foundation for Dry Skin: Makeup by Mario Surreal Skin Foundation
Why it’s worth it: This 2023 Best of Beauty winner is breathable, lightweight, and stays put for 16 hours thanks to proprietary MoistureGrip technology and hydrating botanicals like grapeseed oil and vegan squalane. Apply the foundation with your fingers for a natural look, or apply with a brush for more comprehensive coverage. Rodriguez says this foundation is one of her go-to's for people with exceptionally dry skin.
Key ingredients: glycerin, vegan squalane, grapeseed oil, sunflower seed oil, hyaluronic acid | Fragrance-free: yes | Shades: 30 | Coverage: light to medium
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of a foundation for dry skin?
Hydration doesn’t have to end when you pop the cap back on your moisturizer. Seizing any moment to support your skin is wise, and a foundation formulated for dry skin can do just that. "Foundation just adds another opportunity for hydration while also addressing a cosmetic benefit," says Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Hamden, Connecticut. She advises prepping the skin with moisturizer for an extra boost of hydration.
How should I choose a foundation for dry skin?
When choosing a foundation for dry skin, keep an eye out for specific ingredients—you'll likely recognize a few from your moisturizer or hydrating face wash. "I love the addition of hyaluronic acid, as well as other hydrating ingredients like vitamin C, E, and niacinamide," says Dr. Gohara.
Esthetician Renée Rouleau told Allure that people with dry skin should watch for ingredients that help retain moisture and support the skin's barrier, like ceramides. "This is important year-round, but especially during the harsh winter months when dry skin can be even more sensitive," said Rouleau. Squalane is another wingman to watch for. New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Doris Day, MD, previously told Allure that this saturated oil "aids in skin-care problems wherein the skin barrier is disrupted and transepidermal water loss is an issue."
When it comes to consistency, Dr. Gohara prefers products with liquid foundations. "These tend to contain more oils, which can be a gift to dehydrated skin," she says.
Meet the experts
- Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Hamden, Connecticut
- Doris Day, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Renée Rouleau, an esthetician
- Kirin Bhatty, a celebrity makeup artist based in New York City
- Karol Rodriguez, a makeup artist
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best foundations for dry skin, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, makeup artists, and dermatologists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product's performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Craving more hydration? Of course, you are—quench your skin with more of our favorites:
- 18 Best Face Exfoliators for Glowing Skin
- 17 Best SkinCeuticals Products Your Skin Will Thank You For
- 15 Best Lip Oils for a Hydrating Punch of Shine and Color
Done reading? Now, watch April cover star Shakira break down her most iconic music videos:
Shop all of our latest obsessions in one place! And don't forget to follow Allure on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all things beauty.
