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NEWSLETTER

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Buying Guides


9 DRUGSTORE FOUNDATIONS THAT GIVE EVEN THE DRIEST SKIN A LUMINOUS GLOW



 * 
 * 
 * 
 * 
 * NEWSLETTER

By Shawna Hudson, Sarah Yang
last updated 29 February 2024

(Image credit: @littleblackboots)

Choosing the best foundation for dry skin can be tough, especially during winter
when it's easiest for your drier areas to be accentuated. Luckily, with the
right skin prep, type of foundation, and expert artist advice, you can keep your
complexion from looking overly patchy.



While this sounds easy enough, dewy, luminous foundations that give you the
ultimate glow and a boost of hydration don't always come cheap. That's where our
good friend the drugstore comes in. Don't underestimate the power of a $5
foundation—there are so many you can pick up at the drugstore that perform just
as well as high-end options without breaking the bank.



If you're looking for dermatologist- and makeup artist–led advice on choosing
the best foundation for dry skin, keep scrolling. We're breaking it down ahead
along with the best options you can snag at the drugstore.


THREE RULES FOR CHOOSING FOUNDATION FOR DRY SKIN



(Image credit: @glossipgirl)

After talking to some dermatologists about this dilemma, we learned that there
are three important rules for choosing a foundation when you have dry skin. One,
you should think about the texture of the formula. Two, look for certain
ingredients that can benefit the skin. And three, you'll need to think about
what you can do to manage the dry skin before application.


FOUNDATION TEXTURE



(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

There are so many foundation textures and formulas out there. You've got liquid,
powder, stick, and even serum now. "I would recommend liquids, creams, or stick
foundations, depending on what coverage you are looking for in your foundation,"
says Robyn Gmyrek, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Park View Laser
Dermatology. "I would not opt for powders, as they will not moisturize as well
and can absorb oils from the skin, especially if they contain clay or talc, and
contribute to further dryness."



Celebrity makeup artist Judi Gabbay agrees but doesn't always recommend cream
formulas for dry skin types. She says, "When shopping for a foundation with dry
skin, look for packaging that says 'hydrating' or 'luminous.' I'd personally
stay away from cream foundations, as they can sit on top of dry skin and give
off a patchy effect. I'd also forgo [mattifying] foundations, as they can dry
out skin even more. The goal is to plump, hydrate, and correct at the same time
without drawing attention to any dry patches."

Board-certified dermatologist Roberta Del Campo, MD, also adds that it might
help to purchase a foundation with noncomedogenic skin oils that can hydrate,
smooth, and allow for a better base for makeup application.


FOUNDATION INGREDIENTS TO LOOK FOR



(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

Today's foundations are packed with some good-for-the-skin ingredients. So this
is the perfect opportunity to use that to your advantage and choose a product
that has something that can nourish your skin as well. Think of it as a
two-for-one. And who doesn't love multitasking products like that?

Take a look at this list of dermatologist-recommended ingredients that can help
your dry skin:

Glycerin: It's a humectant, so it will draw water into the skin, Gmyrek says.

Dimethicone: It's hydrating.

Niacinamide: This ingredient is hydrating, has anti-inflammatory properties, and
helps the skin barrier.

Ceramide: A hydrating ingredient that also repairs the skin barrier.

Hyaluronic Acid: This powerhouse is ultra hydrating.

Oils: Gmyrek says sunflower, argan, coconut, and jojoba oils can help.

Vitamin E: This antioxidant can soothe skin and has anti-aging benefits, Del
Campo adds.


FOUNDATION INGREDIENTS TO AVOID



(Image credit: @eggcanvas)

There are also some foundation ingredients that won't do your dry skin any
favors. Here's what to avoid:

Alcohol: This is a surefire ingredient that will dry out your skin.

Vitamin A: Board-certified dermatologist Brooke Jackson, MD, says you should be
careful with vitamin A (or retinol) because it can be drying.

Bismuth Oxychloride: Del Campo says this ingredient can be irritating.

Clay or Talc: Gmyrek adds that some matte-finish foundations will have clay or
talc, which can soak up the skin's natural oils.


HOW TO PREP AND APPLY FOUNDATION FOR DRY SKIN



(Image credit: @emmahoareau)

Get your skin in check before applying product. "Foundation will sit better on
smooth, hydrated skin, so start by addressing the dry skin," Jackson explains.
Some of this involves making some changes to your lifestyle or daily habits
based on the season. Jackson advises people to stay well hydrated, especially in
the winter months. She also recommends investing in a humidifier if you're
dealing with a dry environment.

"Review all of your products and make seasonal changes. Often, the products we
use in the summer may be too drying for the winter months," Jackson explains.
"This may also mean talking to your dermatologist about any topicals that you
are using, which come in different formulations. You may need to change to a
more moisturizing formulation in the winter months."

E.L.F
Hydrating Face Primer
$8
SHOP NOW





When it comes to application, prep the skin with a moisturizer and hydrating
primer to smooth and prevent the foundation from settling in the dry cracks of
the skin. When choosing a primer, you can use the above list of ingredients,
too. "Remember, the higher up on the ingredient list something is, the more the
product contains," Gmyrek says.

Del Campo recommends using a slightly damp sponge applicator to ensure that the
formula is applied uniformly.

Neutrogena
Hydro Boost Glow Booster Primer & Serum
$16
SHOP NOW





BeautyBlender
Pro
$20
SHOP NOW






BEST DRUGSTORE FOUNDATIONS FOR DRY SKIN

If you're on a budget or just don't want to splurge on a foundation for your dry
skin, there are plenty of drugstore and affordable options for you. This can be
clutch if you only deal with dry skin a couple of months out of the year and
don't want to empty your wallet for two expensive foundations. Below are some
picks recommended by dermatologists and editors.


NEUTROGENA HYDRO BOOST HYDRATING TINT

Neutrogena
Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint
$9
SHOP NOW



Jackson recommends Neutrogena's liquid foundation, which contains hyaluronic
acid. The formula is lightweight and has a water-gel consistency, so it doesn't
feel too heavy.




PHYSICIANS FORMULA ORGANIC WEAR SILK FOUNDATION ELIXIR

Physicians Formula
Organic Wear Silk Foundation Elixir
$15
SHOP NOW



Formulated with jojoba oil, aloe vera, coconut oil, and botanical cactus flower,
this weightless foundation is a recommendation from Del Campo. The coverage can
range from sheer to buildable, and it leaves you with a dewy finish.




MAYBELLINE FIT ME DEWY + SMOOTH FOUNDATION

Maybelline
Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation
$7
SHOP NOW



Both Gabbay and Gmyrek recommend this drugstore foundation for dry skin. Gymrek
says the price can't be beaten, and it's got a selection of 24 shades. The
formula contains beneficial ingredients like water, glycerin, and dimethicone.




COVERGIRL + OLAY SIMPLY AGELESS 3-IN-1 LIQUID FOUNDATION

Covergirl and Olay
Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation
$10
SHOP NOW



Another pick from Jackson, this foundation contains hydrating ingredients like
hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. The product also helps in the anti-aging
department, working to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and
improving skin tone and texture.




L'ORÉAL AGE PERFECT RADIANT SERUM FOUNDATION WITH SPF 50

L'Oréal
Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation With SPF 50
$14
SHOP NOW



There's a hydrating serum and vitamin B3 in this foundation that's especially
designed for mature skin. It also has SPF 50 protection and comes in 30 shades.




BURT'S BEES GOODNESS GLOWS LIQUID MAKEUP

Burt's Bees
Goodness Glows Liquid Makeup
$34
SHOP NOW



This foundation contains meadowfoam seed oil, a moisturizing and nourishing
ingredient. The medium- to full-coverage foundation comes in 18 shades and is
free of parabens, phthalates, SLS, petrolatum, talc, synthetic fragrances, and
silicones.




REVLON COLORSTAY MAKEUP FOR NORMAL/DRY SKIN SPF 20

Revlon
ColorStay Makeup for Normal/Dry Skin SPF 20
$10
SHOP NOW



Revlon's ColorStay foundation has a whopping 24 hours of staying power. The
oil-free formula contains hyaluronic acid and SPF 20 protection, too.




NO7 LIFT & LUMINATE TRIPLE ACTION SERUM FOUNDATION

No7
Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum Foundation
$14
SHOP NOW



Not only will No7's serum foundation blur blemishes and other imperfections, but
it will also work to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by
reflecting light away. The hydrating product will leave your skin glowy and
plump looking.




NEUTROGENA HYDRO BOOST HYDRATING FOUNDATION STICK

Neutrogena
Hydro Boost Hydrating Foundation Stick
$9
SHOP NOW



If you prefer a stick foundation, this pick from Neutrogena might be your best
bet. It blends easily, doesn't leave a cakey finish, and won't clog pores. Plus,
it's formulated with moisturizing hyaluronic acid.




MORE FOUNDATIONS MAKEUP ARTISTS LOVE FOR DRY SKIN

MAKE UP FOR EVER
HD Skin Hydra Glow Hydrating Foundation
$47
SHOP NOW



"I love Make Up For Ever's Hydra-Glow Foundation. It has an extensive shade
range and is made up of 86% skincare, leaving your skin looking and feeling more
hydrated and brightened over time. It also helps blur any imperfections and
provides 24 hours of wear!" — Gabbay



Charlotte Tilbury
Beautiful Skin Medium Coverage Liquid Foundation With Hyaluronic Acid
$49
SHOP NOW



"Charlotte Tilbury's Beautiful Skin Foundation has a natural finish and a
long-wearing formula infused with hyaluronic acid for an added boost of dewiness
and a glow. With 30 shades to choose from, a match is easy to find. This
foundation not only blurs pores, but brightens and hydrates for 16 hours of
wear." — Gabbay 



This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been
updated.

Explore More:
Foundation Ask A Makeup Artist


Shawna Hudson
Social Links Navigation
Associate Beauty Editor

Shawna Hudson has worked in editorial for over six years, with experience
covering entertainment, fashion, culture, celebrities, and her favorite topic of
all, beauty. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a
degree in journalism and has written for other publications such as Bustle, The
Zoe Report, Byrdie, Elite Daily, Mane Addicts, and more. She is currently an
associate beauty editor at Who What Wear and hopes to continue feeding her
(completely out-of-control) beauty obsession as long as she can. Stay up to date
on her latest finds on Instagram @shawnasimonee.


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