The best makeup and foundations for dry skin

Best Hydrating Makeup & Foundations for Dry Skin

How to prep dry skin for makeup?

Prepping for makeup is where the real magic starts, especially when your goal is smooth, hydrated skin that lets your foundation look its best. Focus on layering hydrating products to create a makeup-ready canvas:

• Layer on Hydration: Start with a hydrating serum featuring ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or squalane. Follow it up with a rich moisturizer to lock in moisture and create a smooth base for your makeup.
• Prime for Perfection: Use a hydrating or luminous primer to blur imperfections and add an extra boost of moisture. This step ensures your foundation applies evenly and stays fresh all day.

For more tips, check out our Best Skincare Routine for Dry Skin guide to level up your makeup prep game.

What is the best makeup primer for dry skin?

Think of primer as the bridge between your skincare and your makeup. For dry skin, you’ll want a primer that does more than just help your makeup last—it should also add a boost of moisture and radiance. Look for primers with words like "hydrating," "luminous," "dewy" or "radiant" in their names. Formulas infused with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and nourishing oils will give your skin an extra layer of hydration and help your makeup look its best.

What foundation is best for dry skin?

When your skin is on the drier side, the right foundation formula can make you feel so much more comfortable and confident. We recommend looking for liquid foundations, tinted moisturizers or cream foundations.

• Liquid Foundations: Choose formulas described as "hydrating," "luminous" or "radiant." These often contain moisturizing ingredients that give your skin a healthy-looking glow.
• Tinted Moisturizers & Skin Tints: These are amazing options for dry skin. They offer sheer-to-light coverage while packing a serious hydrating punch.
• Cream Foundations: Creamy stick or compact foundations can also work beautifully, as their emollient texture can be very forgiving on dry patches.

How to apply foundation for dry skin?

The tools you use are just as important as the foundation itself!

• Makeup Sponge: This is a fan-favorite method for a reason. A damp sponge presses the foundation into the skin for a seamless, skin-like finish and adds a touch of extra hydration. Bounce, don’t drag!
• Fingers: The warmth of your fingers can help melt the product into your skin for a very natural look.
• Foundation Brush: If you love a brush, opt for one with soft, densely packed bristles. Buff the foundation in using gentle, circular motions to avoid disturbing any dry areas.

Start with a small amount of product and build up coverage only where you need it. This prevents makeup from looking heavy or settling into lines.

Which type of makeup is best for dry skin?

Cream and liquid formulas are your best friends! Powder-based products like blushes, bronzers and highlighters can sometimes cling to and emphasize dry patches.

• Cream Blush: Melts into the skin for a natural, lit-from-within flush.
• Liquid Highlighter: Gives you a gorgeous, dewy glow without any glittery powder.
• Liquid or Cream Bronzer: Adds warmth and dimension while keeping your skin looking hydrated and fresh.

If you do use powders, try to apply them sparingly and focus on formulas that are finely milled and described as having a "satin" or "luminous" finish.

How to get dewy makeup with dry skin?

A dewy glow is totally achievable! It’s all about layering hydrating products. Start with your hydrating skincare prep and a radiant primer. Use a luminous foundation and apply it with a damp sponge. Add cream or liquid blush and highlighter for a seamless, radiant finish. The final touch? A few spritzes of a hydrating or dewy-finish setting spray. It will meld all your makeup layers together and give you an instant boost of glow. You can even pop it in your bag to refresh your skin throughout the day.

Discover our How to Achieve Dewy Makeup guide for more expert tips.

How to stop skin from looking dry with foundation on?

Seeing foundation settle or look patchy by midday can be frustrating, but we have some tips to help!

• Prep is Key: Don't skip your hydrating skincare and primer routine! This creates a barrier of moisture that keeps your skin happy under your makeup.
• Less is More: Avoid applying too much foundation, which can look heavy and cakey. Build your coverage in thin layers.
• Use a Setting Spray: A hydrating setting spray is a must-have. It locks in your look while giving your skin a fresh, plump appearance. Avoid mattifying or alcohol-heavy sprays.
• Strategic Powdering: If you need to set your makeup, use a very small amount of a lightweight, translucent powder and apply it only where you truly need it, like your T-zone. A fluffy brush is great for a light dusting.
• Refresh Midday: Keep a facial mist or hydrating setting spray with you. A quick spritz can instantly revive your makeup and bring back that dewy look.

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