12 Top Foundations for Dry Skin, Recommended by Leading Makeup Artists

Marcos praises Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk saying, “This foundation provides impressive coverage along with a beautiful glow-from-within effect.”

HELLO! Shopping Expert Hollie Brotherton concurs, stating: “This is every skin type’s dream.” She adds: “Its featherlight formula includes hydrating glycerin for a natural dewy glow, and because it’s oil-free, you won’t experience any unwanted shine. It significantly enhances my skin’s appearance and is so customizable in terms of coverage. Rumor has it, Meghan Markle loves it, and if it’s suitable for a Duchess…”

Charlotte touts the Shiseido Revitalessence Foundation as an ideal upgrade from a tinted moisturizer, labeling it “lightweight and hydrating” with the capacity to layer for desired coverage while retaining a luminous effect.

I wholeheartedly agree; this is one of my must-haves when my skin requires extra moisture. It provides a blurring effect and brightens my complexion while being a flawless fusion of makeup and skincare. I prefer to apply it with a brush or a beauty sponge.

Celebrating makeup artists supporting each other! Well-respected by clients and peers alike, Lisa Potter-Dixon collaborates with A-list celebrities (including Cara Delevigne and Paris Jackson) and works on top-tier editorial shoots.

The Lisa Eldridge Skin Tint ranks high on her list as she notes: “This provides nice coverage while hydrating dry skin and delivering remarkable results.”

After trying this foundation myself, I completely agree; it offers substantial buildable coverage and even appeared in our feature of best skin tints to try.

Stacey fills her kit with only the finest products, and when it comes to clients with dry skin, she has not one but two favorite foundations.

“I adore the Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation for its buildable medium coverage. It gives a radiant glow that effectively conceals redness caused by dehydration while lasting the entire day.”

As for Stacey’s second go-to, she loves the Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Complexion Drops. “This combines skincare benefits with a buildable light coverage, soothing the skin while leaving it naturally radiant and fresh.”

“As a London-based makeup artist, I’m a big fan of the Maybelline Super Stay 30H Lumi-Matte Foundation. It’s fantastic for clients with dry skin as it provides excellent medium-to-full coverage while feeling light and breathable. The formula includes amino acids and Light Wear technology to ensure it doesn’t cake or feel heavy. It also blends seamlessly and gives the skin a smooth, radiant finish without excessive shine or added dryness.”

Joe gives a thumbs up to the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint, stating, “It’s fantastic and fragrance-free, making it ideal for individuals with really dry and sensitive skin.”

Grace believes that proper skin preparation is vital for ensuring your foundation adheres well to dry skin. “Use a rich moisturizer like Skin Food by Weleda or Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream. Give it 5-10 minutes to soak into the skin before applying foundation products.”
One of Grace’s top products is the Sculpted by Aimee Hydra Tint. “This product is a skincare/makeup hybrid designed to provide hydration. For optimal results, apply it with your fingers to achieve a dewy finish. If you have dry skin, avoid using brushes as they can exacerbate flaky areas.”

This tip is definitely valuable!

Helen Hand possesses a comprehensive understanding of all skin types, and when I asked her for her top foundation recommendations for dry skin, she had plenty to share.

She highlights her fondness for Chanel products, using them frequently on high-profile clients like Lorraine Kelly, Christine Lampard, and Ranvir Singh.
One of her favorites is the Chanel Sublimage L’essence De, which she describes as “the ultimate luxury in a bottle. Although it’s pricey, it is worth every penny. It glides on beautifully, provides coverage, feels weightless, and best of all, leaves a radiant finish on the skin. It is my top choice for photoshoots and red carpet appearances.”

Helen also appreciates the Chanel Les Beiges Foundation, which she finds suitable for morning television and all age demographics. If you’re on a budget, she recommends Beauty Pie Superluminous™ Skin Glow Filter.

Makeup artist Lisa Little loves the NARs Light Reflecting Foundation, stating, “This fantastic foundation works wonders for everyone, especially those with dry skin because of its natural finish, lightweight feel, buildable coverage, and nourishing formulation. It works to enhance the skin’s appearance over time by combining antioxidants and hydration agents for a healthier complexion.”

Josephine emphasizes, “For dry skin, I particularly seek products that offer a good glow and mask any flaky areas. The IT Cosmetics CC Nude Glow unites color correction with a lightweight, radiant base, making it ideal for dry skin. Alternatively, for a budget-friendly pick, I recommend the Maybelline Anti-Age Perfect or Maybelline Instant Anti Age Perfector 4-in-1 Glow, which provides a sheer, natural glow while keeping the skin hydrated throughout the day.”

Dani praises the Trish McEvoy Gorgeous Foundation, stating, “This lightweight and buildable foundation is incredibly hydrating. A small amount is enough to achieve a radiant finish that lasts all day.”
She adds, “I and my clients with dry skin adore it! Another favorite of mine is the L’Oréal Tinted Plumping Serum, a daily hydrating serum that imparts a beautiful glow! The serum contains 1% hyaluronic acid that merges skincare with makeup, leaving the skin feeling nourished and smooth. Personally, I have very dry skin, and I wear this constantly for a luminous finish.”