These foundations rescued my dry winter skin: Shop my full review (2025)

Shopping for the best foundation for dry skin can be as difficult as purchasing a house (OK, maybe not that hard, but you get the idea).

This is especially true if you have dry skin; the hunt to find a formulation that isn’t cake-y can, at times, be a Herculean effort. You may not want to opt for something too full-coverage; instead, you’ll want an easy-to-blend option that is buildable, hydrating and will feel like a second layer of skin. If you have wrinkles or fine lines, you’ll want a foundation for mature skin with smoothing effects.

“I recommend using a lightweight to medium coverage foundation for dry skin,” Rahi Sarbaziha, MD, Beverly Hills-based integrative aesthetics doctor, told the New York Post. “It’s best to build on top of foundation, rather than using a very thick product all over your skin. Thick products could highlight dry patches and settle into lines.”

Much like shopping for concealers and shampoos for your hair type, it’s important to do your homework. Luckily, I’ve been testing foundations for years, but have been professionally ranking and reviewing top formulas for five years. I’ve swatched nearly every brand with a foundation brush, assessing how it blended and stayed on throughout the day.

Not to mention, ever since I was in middle school, I’ve had a surefire obsession with hitting my local Sephora and rummaging through the beauty shelves. I would always try new brands (which makes my current job no surprise to anyone).

And, I’ve always had dry skin. Because my skin is dry around my ears, nose, and jawline, finding the perfect foundation has always been hit-or-miss. So, below, you’ll find the complete, rigorously tested list of the holy-grail foundations I won’t shut up about.

What are the best foundations for dry skin?

Best Foundation Overall: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Foundation

There’s a high chance that the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Foundation would be recommended by any makeup artist (I’d confidently bet money on this) when on the subject of wedding day foundations. It’s a standout for sure. Though pricey, it’s worth every penny.

What impressed me the most? It’s not thick, blends exceptionally well, and leaves my skin feeling and looking hydrated. Its ability to balance out my skin tone upon first application gives it that wow-factor. Of course, it’s buildable, but that’s up to personal preference. It gives skin the ideal no-makeup makeup look that you’ve been seeing all over social media, too.

It has a smoothing finish when pumped on the back of my hand, so much so that it feels like a lightweight, cloud-soft lotion. It doesn’t budge throughout the day either — and that’s without a primer.

What’s more, its shade range is pretty expansive. The foundation is oil-free and offers that your skin-but-better look. You’ll be speechless during your first pass of this beauty gem and will want to continue repurchasing its one-of-a-kind formula.

Price: $$$$ | Shade Range: 40 Shades | Finish: Natural, Luminous | Good for: All Skin Types

Best Drugstore: e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter

The e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter is so good, it’s wild how it’s less than $15. It’s a versatile product that visibly enhances my complexion once I use it, thanks to its radiant, dewy finish. That said, it combines the benefits of a primer, highlighter and skin tint all in one.

First things first: its formula. Infused with skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane, which help to hydrate the skin while providing a luminous glow, it’s offered in a suitable number of shades to appeal to everyone — especially if a radiant look is what you’re after.

After reviewing the lion’s share of e.l.f. Cosmetics, I can share that this product is one of the most versatile. After applying my facial sunscreen, I dollop some of this on and swiftly blend it out. Otherwise, it’s a buildable base before applying my concealer and other makeup products.

Speaking of blending, it absorbs beautifully onto my skin. Whether worn on its own for a natural, glowy appearance or layered under foundation to create a luminous base, its visible filter effect softens the look of imperfections. This helps blur any texture that may be on my skin. However, it doesn’t cover up larger pores, and I’d imagine it wouldn’t cover up acne scarring with 100% perfection. Not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind.

The product’s design is also user-friendly, with a convenient doe-foot applicator that makes it easy for me to apply and blend precisely where needed. It has quickly gained popularity for its affordability without compromising on quality, so it’s safe to say it’s a fan favorite for those looking to achieve a glowing complexion without breaking the bank.

Price: $ | Shade Range: 12 Shades | Finish: Natural, Luminous | Good for: All Skin Types

Best Foundation for Mature Skin: IL MAKIAGE Woke Up Like This Flawless Base Foundation

The IL MAKIAGE Woke Up Like This Flawless Base Foundation is one I’ve been fed by multiple Instagram ads. So naturally, I had to try it for myself.

This foundation has chic, upscale packaging, but it’s what’s inside that matters most (even though it looks fantastic on my bathroom counter). It offers a flawless, natural-looking finish while providing full coverage. Uniquely, it’s formulated to mimic the appearance of perfectly smooth skin, blurring imperfections and evening out my skin tone all the while. Shortly after applying, I was in the passenger seat, off to New York City, and I kept looking at my skin in the mirror. Simply put, it leaves a polished yet barely there finish.

On that note, the foundation’s weightless texture feels comfortable on the skin, offering a second-skin effect that doesn’t feel heavy or cake-y. It truly offers a natural radiance, and I don’t feel like I have to touch up anything throughout the day.

It’s the best foundation for mature dry skin because of its ability to virtually mask subtle lines, though it works well on my naturally dry, combination skin.

Though only available on the retailer’s website, it’s worth finding your correct shade and stashing it away in your makeup bag. Along with the Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation, this one beautifully balances out the skin, with the ideal amount of hydration. However, this foundation gives a bit more radiance than Estée Lauder’s, which is contrastingly more matte.

Impressively, it’s available in 50 shades, an ode to the brand’s commitment to diversity. Its luminous finish is ideal for all skin types, and it’s one you simply have to try, especially if you have mature skin, as its ability to most naturally conceal imperfections is second to none.

Price: $$$ | Shade Range: 50 Shades | Finish: Natural, Luminous | Good for: All Skin Types

Best Foundation for Sensitive Skin: LYS Beauty Triple Fix Serum Foundation

Found: the best foundation for dry sensitive skin. The beauty of the LYS Beauty Triple Fix Serum Foundation is that it’s a skincare-infused foundation that’s at a reachable price point and delivers — no joke — a near-flawless complexion. It also grants my skin a divine radiance each time, thanks to vitamin C landing on its ingredient list.

I’ve never used a foundation that includes vitamin C before this one, and it’s also packed with other nourishing ingredients, including turmeric, ashwagandha and hyaluronic acid, which provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hydrating benefits. Together, these ingredients help balance and improve the skin’s appearance, making it a great choice for those looking for skincare benefits, radiance and an even complexion once fully blended.

With a medium-to-buildable coverage formula, this foundation offers a natural, radiant finish that evens out skin tone while allowing the skin to breathe. It is designed to suit a wide range of skin types, from normal to dry, and even those with sensitive skin like me, who can enjoy its gentle formulation. The serum-like texture glides smoothly onto the skin, creating a dewy, soft finish that doesn’t feel heavy or cake-y.

Giving users the best of both worlds with its skincare-makeup hybrid formulation, it provides long-lasting wear, staying in place throughout the day without fading or settling into natural lines. The foundation is also free from parabens, sulfates and phthalates, and — the best part — is available at Credo Beauty (aka, the gold standard in clean beauty products, if I do say so myself). Its versatile formula ensures a radiant, healthy-looking finish. In other words, it’s the bomb dot com.

Price: $$ | Shade Range: 35 Shades | Finish: Natural | Good for: All Skin Types

Best Full Coverage Foundation: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation

Charlotte Tilbury strikes again with her Airbrush Flawless Foundation. It has that full-coverage charm without being cake-y or showing natural imperfections I want to smooth over. It’s constantly the one I reach for if I’m taking plenty of photos, too — whether it’s a headshot, a family party, or any other paparazzi-filled event (and by paparazzi, we mean the BFF who knows how to get all the angles in record time).

It truly has that airbrush finish that allows me to apply it on days when my tinted moisturizer isn’t what I want. Despite its natural matte finish, it does have a hint of radiance to it, allowing it to look like your actual skin and not a liquid mask you’re smearing onto your face.

Not only does it last for an impressively long amount of time (more than 12 hours!) but it feels weightless on the skin, even though it has a heavier consistency. Oh, and when some of the liquid foundation finds its way into my bright-white sink and needed a few scrubs to completely remove, you know the staying power is real.

I don’t know what magic Queen Charlotte put in this formulation, but it’s a surefire standout and worth trying.

Price: $$ | Shade Range: 40 Shades | Finish: Matte | Good for: All Skin Types

Best Powder Foundation: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundation

Queen RiRi doesn’t disappoint, with the Fenty Beauty by Rihanna’s Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundation the most seamless pressed powder foundation I’ve used in a while. Its versatile, high-performance finish delivers a flawless matte look with a lightweight feel, effectively canceling out excess oil, especially on the forehead.

Its buildable coverage is premier, and I love how it evens out my skin tone, blurs imperfections. It also leaves a smooth, airbrushed effect without feeling heavy on the skin. Because it doesn’t feel heavy, it also doesn’t create or pronounce my naturally dry skin. Its airy finish makes it almost like a loose powder, but a bit more long-lasting.

Something I also noticed: the formula is finely milled, which helps it seamlessly blend into my complexion. It creates a supremely natural, soft-focus finish that looks fresh throughout the day. It’s the best powder foundation for dry skin for that very reason.

Rihanna, known for her commitment to inclusivity, made sure the foundation caters to a diverse range of skin tones. Impressively, the product is available in more than 50 shades, making it accessible for various undertones, from fair to deep skin tones. If you’re looking to accurately match your natural skin color or wish to create a slightly darker or lighter tone for contouring, this compact has you covered — litrerally.

This foundation creates a shine-free finish that really stays in place throughout the day. Its oil-absorbing properties make it a standout among some others, which is great for my combination skin. Its lightweight texture doesn’t clog my pores or cause breakouts, either.

Price: $$ | Shade Range: 50 Shades | Finish: Natural | Good for: All Skin Types

Best Dewy Foundation: MAKEUP BY MARIO SurrealSkin Luminous Hydrating Foundation

True story: I had the opportunity to meet the legendary Mario Dedivanovic (Kim K’s makeup artist), and his knack for makeup application is ultra-impressive. His relatively new SurrealSkin Liquid Foundation is no different, thanks to its natural finish, impressive shade range and effective hydration.

It’s a luxurious, radiant foundation designed to give your skin a glowing, fresh-from-the-skin-care look. I’d say this medium-coverage foundation is perfect for those who want to achieve a dewy, natural finish with a hint of luminosity. Infused with hydrating ingredients like glycerin and squalane, it not only provides long-lasting coverage but also nourishes the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. I love how its formula is buildable, allowing you to customize the level of coverage depending on your needs, from a light veil to a more perfected finish.

All in all, its dewy, radiant finish is what sets it apart. The foundation enhances my skin’s natural glow without being overly shiny or greasy. It creates a soft, healthy sheen that makes my complexion appear fresh, youthful and revitalized (you know, all the things you’d want). So, if you’re a fan of that luminous look, this is the foundation for you.

It’s long-lasting and boasts a wide shade range, too. While it’s not in the most travel-friendly packaging as it’s glass-encased, it doesn’t stop me from using it and bringing it with me nearly everywhere.

“This hydrating liquid foundation contains natural ingredients like grapeseed oil and vegetable squalene to hydrate the skin while providing a glowy appearance,” Sarbaziha explained.

This is one of those foundations that looks beautiful no matter how you apply it. I love pairing this with a loose powder and, after, dusting some powder blush onto my cheeks.

Price: $$$ | Shade Range: 32 Shades | Finish: Dewy | Good for: Dry Skin, Sensitive Skin

Best Matte Foundation: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation always gives me a dose of nostalgia. I remember my elementary school days of going to the mall with my mom, stopping at the Macy’s beauty counter and watching her excitedly ask for the Double Wear foundation. For years, it has been a legacy product — and entirely worth it.

The foundation is renowned for its long-lasting, full-coverage formula that has a known ability to resist fading, transferring, and smudging. I love wearing this foundation when I know I need an oil-resistant finish to last me from early morning to late evening. It’s also offered in a wide range of shades to accommodate various skin tones. Not to mention, it’s buildable to ensure the final coverage is customizable from user to user.

Despite its full-coverage name, it’s particularly lightweight, which I love in matte foundations especially. It feels comfortable on the skin, blends seamlessly and is oil-free, which my combination skin drinks up. It’s not fragrance-free, but there’s not a strong, odious scent that would steer me away from using this full-coverage smoothing base.

Unfortunately, this foundation is void of a pump applicator, so I have to pump out the product from its bottle onto the backside of my hand. It’s not messy, luckily, but just something to note. I usually pump out liquid foundations and other makeup products on my hand (consider it my painter’s palette), so this isn’t a complete dealbreaker.

I’ve also found this foundation to be sweat- and humidity-resistant, which makes it perfect for any weather condition you’re stepping out into. For a beautiful matte base that allows other products, like your concealer and powder, to glide on like a charm, this foundation has that it-factor.

Price: $$$$ | Shade Range: 57 Shades | Finish: Matte | Good for: Dry Skin, Mature Skin, Combination Skin

Most Hydrating Foundation: Exa High Fidelity Foundation

The Exa High Fidelity Foundation is a clean, high-performance foundation that combines impeccable coverage with skin-loving ingredients. Deeply nourishing, it’s the best hydrating foundation for dry skin — hands down.

Designed to provide a flawless, natural-looking finish, this foundation offers medium-to-full coverage while still allowing your skin’s texture and natural radiance to shine through. It’s formulated with a unique blend of botanicals, including aloe vera and turmeric, which work to soothe, hydrate, and protect the skin throughout the day. The foundation is ideal for those seeking a long-wearing, comfortable formula that enhances the complexion without feeling heavy or cakey.

What makes the Exa High Fidelity Foundation stand out is its impressive staying power and its ability to balance both coverage and skin health. It’s buildable, so you can customize the level of coverage depending on your needs, from light to full. The formula is designed to resist settling into fine lines and pores, leaving behind a smooth, airbrushed finish. It also provides a natural, semi-matte finish that works well for a variety of skin types, particularly those with oily or combination skin. Exa’s dedication to clean beauty means that the foundation is free from harmful chemicals and harsh ingredients, making it suitable for sensitive skin as well.

Additionally, the Exa High Fidelity Foundation comes in a wide range of shades, so it’s easy for everyone to find their perfect match. The lightweight formula feels breathable on the skin and adapts to various skin tones and undertones, offering a personalized fit for every user. The foundation is also free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, so you can feel good about what you’re putting on your skin. Whether you’re looking for everyday wear or something more long-lasting for special events, the Exa High Fidelity Foundation offers the ideal combination of coverage, comfort, and clean beauty for anyone seeking a radiant, flawless finish.

Price: $$ | Shade Range: 43 Shades | Finish: Satin | Good for: Dry Skin, Sensitive Skin, Combination Skin

An FAQ on Foundations for Dry Skin

Ahead, Sarbaziha gives us the 411 on foundations equipped for dry skin, including what ingredients to look for and how to properly apply it to the skin.

How can I tell if I have dry skin?

First things first — there are some telltale signs that your skin is dry in the first place, as dry skin can be identified through various signs.

“One of the most common indications is a rough texture to the skin,” Sarbaziha tells The Post. “Additionally, dry skin often exhibits flakiness, redness, peeling, increased fine lines and wrinkles and itching.”

It’s important to note that these symptoms can persist throughout the year for individuals with dry skin, and they may be exacerbated in warmer and drier climates.

What to look for in a foundation for dry skin, according to an expert

When selecting a foundation for dry skin, there are certain qualities to look for.

“Opt for foundations that contain hydrating ingredients and moisturizing formulas,” she recommends. “Some beneficial ingredients to consider include ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin and aloe vera.”

More, it’s generally recommended to choose liquid or cream-based foundations as they provide a more youthful appearance, while powder foundations can potentially highlight dryness.

What ingredients to avoid in a foundation for dry skin, according to an expert

With any makeup product, there are always some ingredients that are best to avoid — both for the health of your skin and the efficacy of the product once applied.

“It’s wise to avoid foundations with a matte finish as they can exacerbate dryness,” Sarbaziha notes. “While oil-free makeup is still suitable for dry skin, it’s important to note that more oil does not necessarily equate to increased hydration.”

Additionally, be cautious of potential irritants such as heavy scents, dyes, parabens, or other synthetic ingredients that can further irritate dry or cracked skin.

Is a water-based foundation better for dry skin?

Whether a water-based foundation is better for dry skin depends on individual preferences and skin conditions.

“Water-based foundations can provide hydration without clogging pores, while oil-based foundations have the potential to hydrate but may also cause pore blockage and breakouts,” she notes.

How to properly prep your skin before applying foundation, according to an expert

Preparing dry skin before applying foundation involves several steps.

1. Start by cleansing your face with a hydrating cleanser that helps retain skin moisture and clear out pores.
2. Follow this with the application of hydrating serums, such as those containing hyaluronic acid or hydration boosters.
3. Afterward, apply a moisturizer and/or SPF, either separately or as a moisturizer with SPF incorporated.
4. Allow a few minutes for these products to absorb, and then apply a primer. Both oil-based and water-based primers can be used based on personal preference and how they feel on your skin.
5. Finally, apply your chosen foundation.

How to properly apply foundation onto dry skin, according to an expert

“To properly apply foundation on dry skin, you can use a beauty blender or a foundation brush on clean and moisturized skin, Sarbaziha offers. “It’s important to avoid harsh rubbing and instead apply the foundation gently for a seamless, hydrated finish.”

Regularly cleaning your makeup brushes or blenders is essential to prevent the spread of dirt and maintain optimal hygiene, too.

Why does my foundation look cakey?

According to Sarbaziha, foundation may appear to be drying out the skin or becoming cakey for several reasons.

“Layering the foundation too heavily, using an outdated product, or selecting a foundation that is too heavy or unsuitable for your skin type can contribute to this issue,” she lists. “To avoid a cakey look, opt for lightweight and sheer foundations, and steer clear of matte finishes.”

How I tested

Here are some criteria I kept in mind when reviewing foundations for dry skin:

• Consistency: The worst part about any foundation is a goopy texture that is difficult to blend. All options should be much like your best body lotions — easy to absorb, lightweight and effectively blend-able.
• Irritation levels: Of course, if any foundation has led to breakouts (note: I used the same skincare products I usually use to ensure my makeup was the only aspect I’d be swapping out), it wouldn’t be included.
• Ability to blend (without looking cake-y): For best results, I want a foundation that’ll work with my dry skin, being able to blend without looking caked on. All options on this list achieve that flawless coverage that’ll leave you completely impressed.
• Fragrance: Some foundations come with this unwanted, paint-like fragrance that some with dry skin may not care about all too much, but my sensitive skin surely does. All options on this list are void of any pungent scent.
• Staying power: Of course, you want whichever foundation you choose to last all day. I assessed each formulation hourly to make note of streaking, fading, and if it ended up remaining the same.

What I tested (but didn’t make the cut)

Not every foundation is created equal and while I love many products from the below brands, the following formulations didn’t work for my dry skin:

• HAUS Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Skin Tech Foundation: This foundation is sometimes cake-y and heavy. I prefer something more lightweight that’s more buildable and forgiving. However, its shade range is fantastic, and it may be a good choice for you if you have acne you’d like to conceal heavily. Just know that you may have some patchiness.
• Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation: While it blended beautifully and left a natural finish, it wasn’t long-lasting and seemingly not worth the $30 price tag.
• NARS Light-Reflecting Foundation: I adore NARS (especially for its range of blushes), but this formulation didn’t work for my dry skin. Within two hours, it streaked off a bit.

Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post

This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.