Foundations and dry skin do not always go hand in hand. Most people with dry skin struggle to get makeup to look natural on their skin. Even a non-drying formula can look ashy or cakey.
You want coverage to conceal redness, uneven skin tone, and whatever else, but looking as dry as the Sahara is not doing you any favors. Plus, you don’t want your skin to feel tight all day. You can load up on moisturizer and even use a hydrating primer, but it will not look good if your foundation isn’t right for your skin.
Only foundations intended for drier skin help to plump and hydrate rather than sit on the sit and separate, making you look dry and can even lead to premature aging.
Urban Decay Hydromaniac Tinted Glow Hydrator (Shop here)
Everything you want as someone with dry skin is suitable in the name of this foundation. Technically this is considered more of a tinted moisturizer, but it has the medium buildable coverage of a foundation. With kombucha filtrate and marula oil, it keeps your skin hydrated and glowy all day long. Even with those hydrating ingredients, it helps to minimize the look of large pores, blurs imperfections, and evens skin tone and texture. With only 12 shades, it isn’t the most inclusive range, but the lighter coverage allows some room for error.
Pacifica Kind Tint Tinted Serum (Shop here)
If you want something lightweight and easy to apply, this is for you. It offers light coverage, is easily blendable with just your fingers, and is less than $20. For those that hate the feeling of makeup, this formula is a breathable, tinted serum infused with vegan collagen, hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, niacinamide, and caffeine to hydrate and brighten the skin. This gives you a dewy finish that mimics the look of a fresh facial.
Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation (Shop here)
If you want good coverage, an extensive shade range to choose from, and long-wearing makeup, Nars has what you need. Most foundations for dry skin do not offer full coverage, but this does. It will last for up to 16 hours and is fade-resistant so that it will look fresh, even at the end of the day. Plus, this is more than makeup. The blend of raspberry, apple, and watermelon extracts, helps support skin health to smooth and improve texture over time.
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation (Shop here)
ILIA is known for clean formulas, and this foundation falls right into that category. This serum texture is dewy and buildable and features sunscreen and skin-loving ingredients. The texture of the foundation ensures it won’t settle into lines, wrinkles, or dry spots. Just be aware that it goes on lighter to help you blend, but it will darken to its true shade in about a minute.
bareMinerals COMPLEXION RESCUE Tinted Moisturizer (Shop here)
Here is more dry skin coverage with a solid SPF. This tinted moisturizer is described as a gel-cream but offers a somewhat thick and lightweight whipped texture. The coverage is light here but can be built up where you might need a little more oomph. This skincare and makeup cross-over moisturizes the skin and protects it while providing ample coverage for the rest of your look. For those wanting something even more convenient, this formula also comes in a stick format for on-the-go.
No matter which of these you choose to try, your dry skin will love the glow and feeling. But, always be sure to prep the skin with a hydrating moisturizer and follow up with an alcohol-free setting spray for the longest wear time possible.
