Best Foundations for Dry Skin

We believe all skin types need to invest in the best foundations for dry skin, because at some point or another, everyone battles dry patches, rough texture and flaking. And powdery/overly mattifying formulas can accentuate those issues by settling and caking in all the wrong places. So to ensure your face looks flawless, invest in a foundation that will infuse your skin with sufficient hydration (apart from following a good skin care regimen religiously, because there's nothing like a great base for smooth makeup application.) Ahead, the 9 best foundations for dry skin. (Toolkit: find your perfect tone match in any brand here.)

The Best Foundations for Dry Skin

Kiko Milano Smart Hydrating Foundation

We might have found the perfect liquid foundation for winter – the paraben-free Kiko Milano Smart Hydrating Foundation will give you all the benefits of a luxury moisturizer with buildable medium coverage. With a light and natural finish, it's perfect for daily wear.  The satin-like formulation will leave your skin even-toned, soft and dewy, making this one of the best foundations for dry skin. If you still aren't sold, this foundation's oil-free and contains shea butter + aloe leaf extracts. Find your tone in the extensive shade range of 19 hues.

Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Wear Hydrating Foundation

For a medium-to-full-coverage formula that goes on with zero irritation, get the Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Wear Hydrating Foundation. It's enriched with hyaluronic acid that imparts moisture, so it's easily one of the best foundations for dry skin. AND it applies very smoothly, gliding onto skin and staying there all day without settling/caking. Those having trouble finding the perfect match should definitely take a look at this because there are – hold your breath – 33 shades to choose from.  Our only gripe is that it's on the expensive side, but then a little product goes a long way.

Nykaa SKINgenius Sculpting & Hydrating Foundation

Paraben-free, fragrance-free and made in Europe, the Nykaa SKINgenius Sculpting & Hydrating Foundation is perfect for the sensitive-skinned. Its combination formula of Polylift technology + hyaluronic acid will pump hydration into dehydrated patches, making it one of the best foundations for dry skin.  The weightless, dewy texture will smooth over rough + flaky problem areas and conceal any redness/blemishes you may have. Get it in 5 colour-adapting shades.

Revlon ColorStay™ for Normal/Dry Skin Foundation

The Revlon ColorStay™ for Normal/Dry Skin Foundation is a long-wear, oil-free and lightweight formula that won't cake on rough and flaking patches, which makes it one of the best foundations for dry skin.  Apply this for 24-hour-long  full coverage with the added benefit of hydration. The product comes with a pump applicator for easy use, and has a demi-matte finish that works to balance moisture all day long. Just in case you aren't battling dryness, you can check out the ColorStay range for combination/oily skin.

Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Liquid Foundation

The dermatologically tested, non-comedogenic Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Liquid Foundation rings up a bit expensive, but it's worth every penny. The formula provides 8 solid hours of continuous hydration with its Super Bio-Moisture Network (Argan Oil, Cranberry Seed Oil and Yuzu Seed Extract deliver moisture and Wild Thyme Extract provides antioxidant benefits), making it one of the best foundations for dry skin. It's also enriched with Broad Spectrum SPF 20, so you can skip the sunscreen if you have this on.

Maybelline Dream Satin Foundation

The Maybelline Dream Satin Foundation is one of the best foundations for dry skin with a high-coverage, breathable, air-whipped formula that glides on smoothly for day-long hydration. It comes with UV Protection SPF24 PA++. Get a velvety finish in 6 super-saturated shades – Classic Ivory, Porcelain, Nude, Nudebeige, Natural Beige and Pure Beige and apply it with your fingers, or use a beauty blender.

Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF 40

Formulated with Lychee, Bamboo Grass and Cordyceps Mushroom extracts, the Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF 40 is one of the best foundations for dry skin. Its silky emulsion has ultrafine pigments that smooth over imperfections, dryness and rough patches while delivering mega-hydration for a firmer, more lifted look. This is our most expensive recommendation, but don't forget that it packs rich ingredients while doubling as a sunscreen, so you don't have to apply anything prior.

MAC Face & Body Foundation

Look no further than the MAC Face & Body Foundation if you want a longwear, lightweight and sheer-buildable formula that delivers hydration as you apply it. It'll make you glow without the grease, and won't settle into fine lines/look cakey even on dehydrated patches, making it one of the best foundations for dry skin. The product has left the makeup community smitten, so you definitely want to try it.