15 Best Drugstore Foundations For Dry Skin (2024)
Hide all your uneven dry patches with these makeup essentials without breaking the bank.
Mary Ajaka is a celebrity makeup artist with 15 years of experience in TV/media, editorial, and bridal makeup. She has a keen eye for detail and understands that each face is unique, which is why she uses different makeup techniques tailored to the individual.
Read full bio of Mary Ajaka
Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior to this, she was a part of a digital marketing company in Kolkata where she wrote stories on travel, beauty, and home décor.
Read full bio of Baishali Bhattacharya
Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
Read full bio of Srijita De
Experience: 7 yearsMadhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.
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Applying a regular foundation on dry skin can look uneven and flaky. It can also feel uncomfortable and heavy. Knowing this, we have prepared a list of the 15 best drugstore foundations for dry skin that you must consider buying right away. These foundations are designed specifically for dry skin. They cover uneven patches to give you a flawless result and hydrate the skin and enhance your natural glow. Mary Ajaka, a celebrity makeup artist, says, “Choosing the right foundation formula for dry skin is very important, because your skin needs to look well-hydrated and healthy.”
These hydrating foundations help enhance the health of the skin further. So, scroll down and check out the list including products with positive reviews online.
In This Article
15 Drugstore Foundations For Dry Skin
1.Best Active Ingredient: Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation
The Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation with SPF 18 hydrates skin and soothes dryness and flakiness. It gives skin total coverage and leaves a naturally luminous glow. The lightweight foundation hydrates the rough dry patches and blends well with your skin tone. It is a non-comedogenic formula that mattifies and refines pores. It also leaves a seamless finish and serves as a perfect base for statement-making make up looks. The active ingredient in the foundation is 7% octinoxate, which is an organic acid that filters out the sun’s UVB rays and provides a complete shield from sunburn. This foundation is dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic. It contains glycerin that provides intense hydration and nourishment. If you want to know more about the benefits of this product through a tester’s experience of using it, check out this quick review on YouTube.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Gives natural, dewy finish
- Protects with SPF 18
- Hydrates skin
- Perfect beauty blender
- Maintains natural look
- All-day wear
- Available in 28 different shades
Cons
- Medium coverage
- Strong smell
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 24,130 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
2. Best Longwear Liquid Foundation:Revlon ColorStay Longwear Liquid Foundation
The Revlon ColorStay Longwear Liquid Foundation comes with a Time Release Technology that offers hydration all day long. It is oil-free and restores skin’s natural moisture levels. This liquid foundation wears up to 24 hours with a broad spectrum SPF 20 protection. This foundation formula is blended with 4.4% titanium dioxide and 2% zinc oxide. It protects the skin from UVA and UVB radiation. The foundation is gentle on the skin. It gives a natural finish with a medium to buildable coverage. It is pretty easy to use. Just pump the foundation, blend with a sponge, and your skin is perfectly ready for the makeup. Here’s an honest review of the product and a reviewer’s experience with it.
Pros
- Provides coverage for 24 hours
- Natural finish
- SPF 20
- Protects skin from UVA and UVB rays
- Provides medium to buildable coverage
- Oil-free
- Moisture-balance
- Blends well
- Easy to apply
- Comes in 24 shades
- All-day hydration
- Suitable for oily skin type
Cons
- Consistency could be too thin
RememberWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 1,249 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
3. Best Soft-Matte Gel Foundation:Maybelline New York Dream Velvet Soft-Matte Hydrating Foundation
The Maybelline New York Dream Velvet is a soft-matte hydrating foundation. It has a unique gel formula that provides medium to full coverage. It easily blends with your skin tone and offers a perfect match. It does not cause drying or roughness. This luxurious, gel-whipped non-drying formula is infused with water and glycerin that make you feel fresh and hydrated for 12 hours. The foundation gives you a smooth finish without drying your skin out.
Pros
- Gives medium to full coverage
- No drying
- No roughness
- Hydrates skin
- Blends easily
- Gel-whipped formula
- Suitable for combination skin
- 12-hour wear
- Smooth, velvety finish
Cons
- No SPF
- May settle into fine lines
| Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation | Revlon ColorStay Longwear Liquid Foundation | :Maybelline New York Dream Velvet Soft-Matte Hydrating Foundation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Dry; NormalColor | Dry; NormalColor | Combination,NormalColor |
| Dimensions | 103 x 32 x 32 inches | 5.7 x 5 x 1.8 inches | 0.97 x 1.51 x 4.79 inches |
| Weight | 1 Ounces | 3.2 Ounces | 1.44 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 24,130 | 1,249 | 2,303 |
| Price | $3.65 | $7.71 | $9.49 |
4. Covergirl CG Smoothers Hydrating Makeup Foundation
The Covergirl CG Smoothers Hydrating Makeup Foundation is designed with AquaCurrent Science that provides all-day hydration with a super-moisturizing coverage. The special light-reflecting ingredients instantly minimize imperfections and cover fine lines and wrinkles. This lightweight foundation blends easily with the skin for a smooth, glossy finish. Silica, dimethicone, and glycerine in the foundation moisturize skin and make it softer.
Pros
- Provides all-day hydration
- Super-moisturizing
- Light coverage
- Reduces fine lines
- Covers wrinkles and imperfections
- Smooth finish
Cons
- Drying
- Hard to blend
Quick Tip5. L’Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation
The L’Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation works wonders on dry, rough skin. Its creamy formula goes on smoothly and leaves a dewy finish with a glow that lasts up to 24 hours. This is a lightweight foundation that gives medium coverage with SPF 15 protection. The hydrating formula is made with 3.2% octinoxate that protects skin from UVA and UVB rays. It hides imperfections instantly and leaves you with a healthy, clear complexion. This cream foundation is available in 12 different shades that easily blend with your skin tone and offer you a statement-making look.
Pros
- Lightweight coverage
- Creamy formula
- Hydrates skin
- Does not look cakey
- Medium to buildable coverage
- Covers fine lines
- Protects skin from sun damage
- 24-hour coverage
Cons
- Not suitable for fair complexion
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 11,215 great reviews on Amazon.
6. Best For Uneven Skin Tones:ELF Flawless Finish Foundation
The ELF Flawless Finish Foundation is a lightweight liquid foundation with a highly buildable and blendable formula that offers a smooth-as-silk-like feeling. Upon application, it seamlessly melts into your skin, offers medium to full coverage, and remains weightless the whole time. The fact that it is oil-free makes it even more fascinating since it gives your skin a semi-matte satin finish for a timeless beauty look while glycerin delivers moisture to your skin cells. This formula of this flawless satin foundation improves skin texture and uneven skin tone without any issues.
Pros
- Works on all skin types
- Skin-loving ingredients
- Lasts all-day
- Easy to use
- Paraben-free
- Lightweight
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Oil-free
Cons
- Thin viscosity
7. Best Overall:Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation
The Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 water-resistant foundation is a lush, creamy-rich formula that combats under-eye circles and reduces redness and other skin imperfections. It blends easily with the skin tone and gives a natural-looking finish. This multitasker foundation and concealer give you a bright, bold finish with just one skin-perfecting step. This is a full-coverage foundation that lasts all day to glam your look.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Oil-free
- Lightweight
- Cruelty-free
- Medium to full coverage
- Provides satin-matte finish
- Evens out the skin tone
- Covers imperfections
- Covers dark circles
- Available in 45 different shades
Cons
- Not suitable for skin that is too oily
RememberWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 18,175 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
8. Best Lightweight:Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation with SPF 20
The Healthy Foundation by Physicians Formula is an ultra-blendable, lightweight, and breathable formula that provides medium coverage with a healthy, smooth, satin finish. This unique dermatologist-tested formula with a booster infusion of vitamins A, C, and E hydrates skin and provides a flawless, luminous look. The antioxidant blend with SPF 20 protects the skin from the sun and environmental damage. The brightening complex (Chinese Wu-Shu-Yu extract), hyaluronic acid, sunflower seed oil, Mongongo, and Rosemary leaf extract nourishes, hydrates, and brightens dull skin.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Infused with natural ingredients
- Hydrating ingredients
- Non-comedogenic
- Clinically-tested
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Heavy foundation
9. Best For Anti-Aging:Bourjois Healthy Mix Anti-Fatigue Foundation
The Bourjois Healthy Mix Anti-Fatigue Medium Coverage Liquid Foundation gives your skin a healthy-looking radiance that is both natural and refreshed. It provides a dewy and radiant finish that lasts up to 16 hours. Its anti-aging formula containing a combination of vitamins C, E, and B5 gives you even-toned skin. The hyaluronic acid keeps your skin moisturized constantly and restores the skin’s elasticity. The non-comedogenic formula blurs any flaws in the skin.
Pros
- Comfortable all-day
- Semi-matte finish
- Suitable for all skin types
- Lightweight
- Sheer coverage
Cons
- None
10. wet n wild Photofocus Dewy Foundation
The wet n wild Photofocus Dewy Foundation is a weightless, super-nourishing foundation that delivers natural, all-day wear. The silky, creamy, and moisturizing foundation provides medium to full coverage for a flawless finish. This is a 100% cruelty-free foundation that blends seamlessly with the skin tone. It blurs imperfections and helps minimize the appearance of pores. It is available in 20 different shades to match your skin tone.
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight
- Moisturizing
- Delivers medium to full coverage
- Long-lasting
- Hydrating
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Blends easily
- Does not make skin look cakey
Cons
- Strong fragrance
11. Best Water-Gel Formula:Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint Liquid Foundation
The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint Liquid Foundation boosts hydration and gives a shiny look. This lightweight, oil-free, water-gel formula instantly quenches your skin with hyaluronic acid. The foundation moisturizes, plumps your skin, and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It makes your skin easy to breathe and gives a long-day coverage. It easily blends with your natural skin tone. It is available in 10 different shades.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Refreshes skin
- 24-hour long hydration
- Full coverage formula
- Plumps skin
- Does not settle into fine lines
Cons
- Strong smell
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has received 8,502 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
12. Best Full-Coverage Formula:L.A. Girl Pro Coverage Liquid Foundation
The L.A. Girl Pro Coverage is a high-definition, long-wear, illuminating liquid foundation. Its lightweight formula gives full coverage with a glowy finish. It is comfortable for all-day wear. Its added antioxidants make it a perfect makeup product that masks imperfections and also protects skin from sun damage. The antioxidants with glycerin help hydrate and nourish skin, and improves skin firmness with a dewy finish. The extra coverage oil-free foundation blends easily with the skin tone. It is available in 15 different shades.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Oil-free
- A long-wear foundation
- Illuminating foundation
- Provides full-coverage
- All-day and everyday wear
- Hydrates skin
- Provides protection from sun damage
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Not suitable for extremely dry skin
- Thin consistency
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 1,299 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
13. Best For Natural Shine:Almay Skin Perfecting Comfort Matte Foundation
The Almay Skin Perfecting Comfort Matte Foundation is an oil-free liquid foundation that helps in evening out your skin tone and reduces the overall appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The foundation also helps in blurring the look of any skin imperfections. This lightweight matte foundation will feel truly comfortable on your skin and can last up to 16 hours. As a result, it moisturizes dry skin and keeps it smooth all day long while also looking naturally shine-free.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Easy to apply
- Offers buildable coverage
- Long-lasting
- Lightweight
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- SLS-free
- Mineral oil-free
- DMDM Hydantoin-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Triclosan-free
- Palm oil-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Not for sensitive skin types
14. Best Affordable:Catrice HD Liquid Coverage Foundation
The Catrice HD Liquid Coverage Foundation is a very lightweight foundation with a long-lasting composition that offers great coverage. With the help of this foundation, you can provide a natural matte finish to your skin that lasts up to 24 hours. It enables you to conceal any flaws and mattifies your skin’s texture, resulting in a uniform and flawless complexion. This foundation looks and feels like a second skin.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Alcohol-free
- Gluten-free
- Lightweight
- Unique dropper applicator
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Oil-free
- Alcohol-free
- Available in 23 different shades
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 10,197 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
15. Best Affordable:HIDE PREMIUM Liquid Foundation
The Hide Premium Liquid Foundation successfully conceals any skin fault while assisting you in keeping a natural, flawless appearance. Hide acne, balance out your skin tone, get rid of scars and dark spots, and lessen hyperpigmentation by applying the foundation. This foundation enables you to enhance your natural beauty and boosts self-confidence without effort. The breathable and moisturizing foundation retains coverage for up to 12 hours while also effectively resisting perspiration.
Pros
- Available in 20 different shades
- Breathable
- Full coverage
- Lightweight
- Sweat-resistant
- Non-clogging
- Buildable formula
Cons
- None
These are the best drugstore foundations for your dry skin. These are both cost-effective and hydrating. In the following section, we have summarized how you can apply a foundation to your dry skin.
How To Apply Foundation To Dry Skin
- Start with cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. This preps your skin for the makeup application.
- Take a small portion of the foundation, and using your middle or ring finger, pat on your face with light, feathery strokes.
- Blend the foundation downward, from the forehead to the chin, using a beauty blender or a sponge.
- Depending on the desired finish, you can add a little more foundation by following the above process.
The following section can help you make a wise purchase decision.
How To Choose The Right Product
- Your foundation should match the tone of your skin. It should be invisible and blend easily with your skin.
- If you want to hide blemishes or skin imperfections, choose full coverage foundations. Choose a foundation coverage as per your skin’s needs.
- Depending on how dry your skin is, choose a natural, radiant, luminous, or dewy finish. Avoid a matte-finish foundation as it may further dry your skin out.
- Liquid foundation is best for extremely dry skin. The creamy, non-greasy texture provides hydration to the skin.
- Choose a moisturizing foundation that contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. These ingredients nourish and replenish the skin. Be it a full coverage or a medium coverage foundation, perform a patch test before applying any new foundation to avoid any undesirable side effects.
- You can also check online reviews and know about the reviewer’s experience with the product to narrow down the search.
Infographic: Key Ingredients In Drugstore Foundations For Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, using a regular foundation can make it look patchy. You need to look for products specially designed for dry, cracked skin. Foundations for dry skin contain potent ingredients that moisturize it and treat itchiness. Check out the infographic below to learn about the hydrating ingredients in drugstore foundations.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Though foundations may usually cause problems with dry skin, the ones listed here are a boon. These drugstore foundation formulas not only hide any imperfections but also hydrate dry skin. Foundations for dry skin contain nourishing ingredients that prevent further drying and give a glowy effect to the skin. For refined pores, UV protection and total coverage, opt for the Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation. The L’Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation offers medium coverage that lasts 24 hours, while with the Revlon ColorStay Longwear Liquid Foundation you get buildable coverage and broad spectrum SPF. Pick the right product from this list for you as the investment will go a long way in promoting your appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get a foundation to stay on dry skin?
You can make the foundation stay on your dry skin by applying a hydrating primer underneath it to create a smooth base. For better results, exfoliate dead skin cells before applying makeup and set your cosmetics with a competent setting spray after application.
Is a drugstore foundation as good as high-end ones?
Yes, drugstore foundations can be as good as their high-end alternatives. They come with gentle formulas at an affordable price range.
Can I apply foundation after moisturizer?
It is not recommended to apply foundation directly after a moisturizer. Apply a primer after your moisturizer and then, follow it with your foundation.
Does dry skin need a primer?
Yes, you can use primer on dry skin. Use a formula with humectants that will keep your skin hydrated while offering a smooth canvas for your other makeup products.
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