Our 12 Best Foundations for Dry Skin

One of the best foundations for dry skin, this is formulated with 20 skincare actives including the trademarked Fermented Arnica that soothes dryness and stops redness. Lady Gaga herself has worn nothing else on the red carpet for years. With medium buildable coverage that feels weightless, it delivers a dew-inducing finish to even the driest skin. Choose from 51 inclusive shades that cater to every undertone and enjoy the subsequent applause.

Perfect match product: Only Lady Gaga could have paired the HAUS LABS Triclone Skin Tech Concealer and foundation together so perfectly. Far more than just a concealer, this contains a plumping Hyaluronic Acid complex that blends effortlessly into dry skin. 

If you like the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, then you’ll love their NARS Foundation for dry skin. With 70% skincare ingredients, it reduces dryness over time by boosting the skin’s barrier and adds instant shine. Filled with shine-inducing ingredients like Algae Extract and Polynesian Seawater, we can rely on this formula for medium coverage and next level luminosity. Add this to your routine to see your complexion in its best light. 

Perfect match product: Keep that glow going by pairing with NARS Liquid Blush, the perfect formula to add a pop of colour without clinging to skin’s dryness. 

Matte fans rejoice, this foundation is as comfortable as it is longwear. With a formula that won’t crease or attach to dry patches, this is our fave full coverage foundation for dry skin. Lasting for a solid 24-hours (no matter what you get up to), it’s waterproof, sweatproof and dehydration-proof, making this a gym bag must-have. It even has added SPF 10 to protect your dry skin while projecting your glow. 

Perfect match product: For the creamiest combo, pair with the Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer. The lightweight formula never creases, even on the driest complexions, brightening up our eye area and our day.

Perfect match product: Mix Rare Beauty’s Positive Light Highlighter with the Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation for a truly ethereal base. The two liquid formulas will hydrate the skin without settling into any areas of dryness for light-reflecting luminosity. 

Perfect match product: P(l)ump up the jam by applying the Sephora Collection Hydrating Serum before your foundation and keep dryness at bay all day. 

We’re forecasting hydration with this big hitting ingredient list. Killing the complexion game, Kosas is known for its skincare-filled formulas and long-term results. One of our favourite foundations for dry skin, this is filled with a powerhouse blend of Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides and Squalane to boost the skin barrier instantly and over time. With medium buildable coverage, catch us sporting this second-skin finish to every event. 

Perfect match product: Keep your application effortless by blending into the skin with Kosas’ Dual Ended Makeup Sponge for the most natural, dewy finish. 

Your dewiest glow is just a few drops away with this tinted moisturiser. Extremely lightweight and easy to wear, it keeps skin hydrated and effortlessly put together. One of our fave Fenty hydrating foundations (how could we possibly pick), the QuickBlur complex boosts moisture levels while smoothing the complexion. Did we mention it’s sweatproof, transfer-proof and humidity-proof? It’s even more of a necessity than our umbrella.

Perfect match product: For an instant kiss of bronze, layer the Cheeks Out Cream Bronze on top and discover a match made in hydration heaven. 

Perfect match product: Prep your skin with the Danessa Myricks Beauty Oil for a naturally radiant look all day long. 

Get your best-looking skin ever with this MAC Foundation. Powered by an 80% skincare base with 33 skincare ingredients, including 10% Hyaluronic Acid solution, Olive and Jojoba Oils and Vitamin E, this delivers instant hydration that lasts for 24 hours. Think: plumper, smoother skin that looks healthier immediately and over time. To even out your complexion, apply this foundation onto your face with a makeup sponge, brush, or your fingers, then build to your desired coverage and feel like your most confident self.  

Perfect match product: Once you've finished your makeup, top it off with a spritz of MAC Setting Spray to fix your look from dusk 'til dawn.

Firstly, good skin is the best foundation for your makeup. But this Clinique Foundation for dry skin will make good skin even better. Packed with skin-loving ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Vitamin C and Clinique's exclusive dark spot-fighting molecule UP302, your skin is coated in hydration with SPF 20 protects skin from future discolouration. Apply the weightless formula after moisturiser and primer, starting with just a half-pump before building for medium to full coverage and endless confidence.  

Perfect match product: Moisturise dry skin with Clinique Moisture Surge to help skin continually rehydrate itself. The refreshing gel-cream slips on easily, absorbs quickly, and keeps hydration locked in all day. It's our perfect prep before foundation.