15 Best Drugstore Foundations For Dry Skin (2023) – Our Top Picks
Hide all your uneven dry patches with these makeup essentials without breaking the bank.
Baishali Bhattacharya Certified Image Consultant, Certified In Makeup Artistry
Expertise: Makeup & Fashion
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 ... more
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 add a luminous glow.
These hydrating foundations help enhance the health of the skin further. So, scroll down and check them out.
In This Article
15 Drugstore Foundations For Dry Skin
1. Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation
The Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation with SPF 18 hydrates and soothes skin. 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. 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 hydration and nourishment. If you want to know more about the benefits of this product, 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
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 balances 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.
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
Cons
- Consistency could be too thin
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 does not cause drying or roughness. This luxurious, gel-whipped 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
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
- Lightweight
- Reduces fine lines
- Covers wrinkles and imperfections
- Smooth finish
Cons
- Drying
- Hard to blend
5. 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. It is available in 12 different shades that easily blend with your skin tone.
Pros
- Lightweight
- 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
6. 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 while glycerin delivers moisture to your skin cells. This will enable you to improve any uneven skin tone and texture 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, 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 skin tone
- Covers imperfections
- Covers dark circles
- Available in 45 different shades
Cons
- Not suitable for skin that is too oily
8. 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 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 nourish and hydrate skin.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Infused with natural ingredients
- Hydrating ingredients
- Non-comedogenic
- Clinically-tested
Cons
- Heavy foundation
9. 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 radiant and natural 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. 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. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint Liquid Foundation
Image: Neutrogena 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 reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It is oil-free and non-comedogenic. 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
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 and 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 improve the skin’s appearance 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
13. 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, your skin will feel moisturized and smooth all day long while also looking naturally shine-free.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- 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. 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 give your skin a natural matte finish 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
15. 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 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.
- 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 texture provides hydration to the skin.
- Choose a moisturizing foundation that contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. These nourish and protect the skin.
Though foundations may usually cause problems with dry skin, the ones listed here are a boon. They not only hide any imperfections, but also hydrate dry skin. Pick the right product from this list. The investment would 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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