If your skin craves moisture and you crave an even complexion with minimized pores and spots, try your hand at a moisturizing foundation that will work at doing both. Settling for a foundation that doesn’t agree with your skin type and needs is going to mean a perpetual struggle of flaky patches and a cakey look. No, thank you.
What you need is a formula that will leave your skin looking smooth, supple and radiant. Given the overwhelming options of foundations available in the market, choosing the one perfect for your skin can be tricky. We’re here to help you quell the dry spell and find you the best picks that won’t crack, flake or slip.
Before we proceed to show you the best full-coverage foundations for dry skin, let’s brush up on your basics so you get the application bit right.
How To Apply Foundation For Dry Skin
If you’re done with all those complicated video tutorials, here’s a quick guide on how to apply foundation for dry skin.
Step 1: Firstly, use a mild face wash to cleanse your face of any dirt or impurities. Starting with a clean canvas is key to achieving a smooth base.
Step 2: Next up, apply a lightweight moisturizer. This step is important to prep your thirsty skin.
Step 3: Now it’s time to apply an even layer of face primer and follow it up with your trusted concealer.
Step 4: Now pick a bit of a hydrating foundation from the broader end of the makeup sponge and apply strokes of it all over your face. Using the sponge, blend it out really well.
Step 5: Set your makeup base with a setting spray. For more glam, go ahead with eye and lip makeup.
Picking Foundation For Dry Skin
If you think wearing foundation on dry skin means flaky patches, or a creasy and cakey finish, you’ve got it all wrong, honey. You’ve probably been choosing the wrong formula which doesn’t cater to your skin needs. Here are the types of foundations you should pick from; stay away from anything else.
1. Liquid Foundation
While liquid foundation makes for a smooth choice for people with dry skin, it’s also great for makeup novices. Available in oil-based and water-based formulas, it can be easily blended even without a dedicated makeup sponge. If you’re not tied down by oily skin and need a dewy finish, this foundation can be the ultimate must-have in your makeup arsenal.
Nykaa Recommends: PAC HD Liquid Foundation
2. Cream Foundation
Thicker than its standard liquid counterpart, the cream foundation promises to last past the happy hours on your girls’ night. Highly pigmented with a medium to full coverage, it is easy to blend on dry skin. The only downside? It can crease easily in humid weather, so avoid investing in one in that case. If you still can’t let go of the soft dreamy creamy finish, you can mix the foundation with a moisturiser before application and you’re good to go.
Nykaa Recommends: MARS Lightweight BB Cream
3. Mousse Foundation
Also known as whipped foundation, it makes for a great pick over its creamy counterpart as it won’t give away crease lines by the end of your 9-to-5. The formula contains micro bubbles which makes it lightweight while also offering light coverage. It’s perfect if you are just looking to even out your skin tone with a matte finish. If you’re still testing the waters with foundations, don’t start with mousse as it can be a little tricky to apply and needs practice.
Nykaa Recommends: Lakme 9 to 5 Weightless Mini Mousse Foundation
Ingredients To Look For In A Dry Skin Foundation
As a rule of thumb, for parched, dehydrated skin, turn to products that boast emollients and humectants. You’re likely looking for foundations imbued with soothing and moisturising ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, squalene, and natural oils. Meanwhile, steer clear of foundations comprising denatured alcohols, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and fragrances. Bear in mind that ingredients including glycolic and salicylic acid are ideal for oily and acne-prone skin types.
Best Foundation For Dry Skin
Ace your base with the best foundations for dry skin to prevent patchy and cakey finishes.
1. Paese Cosmetics Moisturizing Foundation
Searching for a foundation with the right amount of tint to wake up your face, while feeling like it’s barely there on your face at all? The best foundation for dry sensitive skin, Paese Cosmetics Moisturizing Foundation works behind the scenes to keep your complexion radiant with a sheer-to-light coverage without leaving an oily film residue. When buffed into the skin, this product infused with intensely moisturizing Aloe extracts really quenches the skin while evening overall skin tone. The fact that it’s safe for allergic skin is just the cherry on top.
2. Note Luminous Moisturizing Foundation
On days when your skin needs extra help in the hydration department, Note Luminous Moisturizing Foundation steps up to balance moisture levels while providing all-day makeup coverage. Thanks to Sweet Almond Oil and Macadamia Oil, this highly moisturizing formula creates a silky smooth base with a luminous finish. Oh, and it’s perfect if you keep forgetting to apply the sunscreen as this one comes with an SPF-infused base while ensuring sketchy ingredients like parabens are out. Goodbye, uneven, parched skin – and hello satin glow.
3. Revlon Touch & Glow Moisturising MakeUp
A beauty filter in a bottle is the only apt way to describe the Revlon Touch & Glow Moisturising MakeUp. The water-based formula moisturizes the skin for a flawless, dewy finish while concealing the tiniest of imperfections without clogging pores. It evens out skin discolouration, blurs fine lines and looks completely natural on and off camera. Ideal, if you’re seeking full skin coverage sans feeling weighed down. Brownie points for smoothing well onto the skin without a cakey or patchy result.
4. L'Oreal Paris Accord Parfait Super-Blendable Foundation
Hoping to recreate the pearl-like glow you last saw in your favourite magazine? L'Oreal Paris Accord Parfait Super-Blendable Foundation gives dry skin a natural glow that just doesn’t quit. Available in 13 shades, it caters to a wide range of skin tones to give a second-skin-like-finish that feels moist and buttery. Add to that, its high coverage formula delivers a hydrating finish that lasts from dawn to dusk while also providing sun protection (hi, SPF 17).
5. L'Oreal Paris Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Foundation
Who says you can’t have it all? Transferproof, waterproof, and sweatproof, the best liquid foundation for dry skin – L'Oreal Paris Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Foundation – promises to stay put from conference room to club. It boasts of a super lightweight formula – meaning you’re in for a dewy, breathable finish that can easily last up to 24 hours. Plus, we love how it blends to blur fine lines and pores while delivering a red-carpet-worthy glow. It’s available in 11 different shades, spanning across all skin tones, so you will definitely find your true match.
6. SERY Fix 'N' Click Foundation Stick
The SERY Fix 'N' Click Foundation Stick could be your end-all-be-all pick. Here’s why. Its highly pigmented, and weightless creamy texture blends seamlessly into skin to cover dark spots and fine lines from desk to drinks. We’re still not done. It does more than just your average foundation. Packed with Red Raspberries (a non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep the skin cells young and hydrated) and White Clay (a mild exfoliant to buff away dead skin cells for clear skin), it helps your face mimic the glow you’ve been desperately longing for. Oh and did we tell you, it is self-setting?
FAQs On Foundations For Dry Skin
1. How do I make my foundation look good with dry skin?
- Exfoliate regularly to get rid of dry flakes and dead skin cells that can hinder the smooth application of foundation on your skin.
- Always hydrate your skin with a moisturizer prior to applying the foundation. This will ensure a natural, dewy result. Avoid petroleum-based moisturizers as it can make your face appear greasy by the end of the day.
- Avoid matte finish or drying formulas. Stay away from formulas that mention ‘oil-control’ as they can be drying too. Choose foundations that assure a luminous, dewy or hydrating finish as they will suit dry skin.
2. How long does it take for a liquid foundation to dry?
Liquid foundation takes at least 3 to 5 minutes to completely set. When applying, use an egg-shaped sponge to press the product evenly for a streak-free finish.
3. Is setting spray or powder better for dry skin?
Anything powder-based tends to absorb moisture which is the last thing you need for dry skin. Opt for setting spray over compact powder as it will deliver a comparatively softer and dewy effect. A good setting spray will infuse your skin with moisture and keep it from getting dehydrated.
Nykaa Recommends: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
