10 Best Foundations for Dry Skin
Words by Maya Avram
Dry skin calls for a foundation that feels as good as it looks – one that cushions, comforts and enhances natural radiance. The secret lies in restoring balance: moisture from nourishing oils and hydration from water-binding ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, all complemented by soothing botanicals. Our edit of the best foundations for dry skin brings you silky, nourishing bases that glide effortlessly, leaving your complexion supple, moisturised and luminous.
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Victoria Beckham Beauty The Foundation Drops
Coverage: Light to Medium
Finish: Luminous
Boasting the consistency of a serum and a featherlight texture, The Foundation Drops from Victoria Beckham Beauty marry skincare and make-up with effortless ease. This nourishing formula, powered by Augustinus Bader’s proprietary TCF8 complex (alongside echinacea extract, spilanthes flower and olive leaf extract), helps strengthen the skin barrier and replenish essential lipids. The result? A smooth, luminous finish that cocoons skin in lasting comfort for up to 12 hours.
Tom Ford Architecture Radiance Hydrating Foundation
Coverage: Medium to Full
Finish: Radiant
Referred to by the brand as ‘Liquid Light’, Tom Ford’s Architecture Radiance Hydrating Foundation delivers moisture alongside luminous coverage. Its weightless formula blends barrier-supporting niacinamide, water-binding hyaluronic acid and nourishing botanical oils (including Queen of the Night flower) to replenish lipids and lock in hydration. The result? A radiant finish that feels as comforting as your skincare ritual.
Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Coverage: Medium
Finish: Luminous
Inspired by the elegant sheen of silk organza, Armani’s iconic Luminous Silk Foundation delivers a seamless, second-skin finish. Powered by Micro-fil technology and moisture-binding glycerine, this oil-free formula cushions the complexion with hydration while delivering a radiant, buildable coverage. Its featherlight texture glides on effortlessly, creating a luminous, unified look that stays comfortable without sitting within dry areas or fine lines.
Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Fluid Foundation Natural
Coverage: Medium
Finish: Natural
The Radiant Fluid Foundation Natural from Clé de Peau Beauté delivers long-lasting hydration while replenishing the skin's natural moisture for all-day comfort. Infused with the brand’s Skin-Empowering Illuminator and the Light-Empowering Enhancer, it offers a blurring, luminous finish. Its silky texture blends seamlessly, smoothing over areas of dryness and softening the appearance of fine lines for a lit-from-within glow.
Mac Studio Radiance Serum-Powered Foundation
Coverage: Medium to Full
Finish: Radiant
Mac’s iconic Studio Radiance foundation is reimagined as a skincare-infused base, delivering hydration and luminosity in equal measure. With 10% hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and nourishing jojoba and olive oils, the formula cushions dry skin and locks in moisture. Its featherlight texture blends effortlessly, creating a radiant finish that resists settling even in heat and humidity.
Sensai Flawless Satin Moisture Foundation
Coverage: Full
Finish: Satin
Fans of Sensai’s Koishimaru Silk EX complex can now enjoy its signature hydration in foundation form. The Flawless Satin Moisture Foundation boasts an indulgently rich texture, offering full coverage that envelops dry skin in lasting moisture without feeling too heavy. Light-diffusing powders impart a diffused glow and a satin finish, keeping dry skin luminous and nourished throughout the day.
By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra Foundation SPF 30
Coverage: Light to Full
Finish: Soft Matte
By Terry’s Hyaluronic Hydra Foundation SPF 30 brings the brand’s cult-favourite hydrator to the fore, with eight types of hyaluronic acid for multi-layer hydration. Designed with dry and dehydrated skin in mind, this serum-like formula delivers buildable coverage and a soft matte finish that feels plush and breathable. Light-reflecting pigments amplify luminosity, leaving the skin even and thoroughly hydrated.
Guerlain Parure Gold Skin Rejuvenating Radiance Foundation
Coverage: Medium to Full
Finish: Radiant
The pinnacle of skincare-meets-make-up, Guerlain’s Parure Gold Skin Rejuvenating Radiance Foundation is a gift to dry skin. Formulated with 85% skincare-based ingredients, including brightening 24-karat gold and soothing white peony extract, it delivers both moisture and glow. The texture is lush yet breathable, enveloping the skin in comfort while enhancing luminosity, without settling into areas of dryness or fine lines.
Lancôme Teint Miracle Foundation SPF 15
Coverage: Medium
Finish: Natural
The result of a decade of skincare research, the Teint Miracle Foundation SPF 15 from Lancôme is designed to hydrate and illuminate. Infused with 37% water, glycerine and hyaluronic acid, it envelops dry skin in lasting moisture for up to 18 hours. Pearlescent pigments and Aura-Inside technology impart a radiant glow, while the featherlight formula blends seamlessly for a luminous, natural finish.
Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation
Coverage: Medium to Full
Finish: Natural
Hourglass brings its signature glow to base make-up with the Ambient Soft Glow Foundation. Infused with conditioning vitamin E, antioxidant-rich white tea extract and moisture-binding glycerine, the formula is designed to nourish dry skin while delivering a soft-focus finish. A veil of light-diffusing pigments and blurring spheres creates a harmonious look that lasts up to 16 hours, enduring heat and humidity without compromising on radiance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Preparation is key to a smooth, comfortable base. Begin with a hydrating serum to replenish water content, followed by a rich moisturising cream to keep skin soft and balanced. Finish with a luminous primer to create a seamless canvas that ensures your foundation glides on beautifully and enhances natural radiance.
Choose formulas that feel fluid and nourishing: Oil- or water-based foundations tend to sit comfortably on the skin without settling into dry areas. Look for hydration heroes like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to boost water levels, alongside vitamin E for barrier support – together they help keep skin supple and ensure a fresh, luminous finish.
Apply your foundation in light layers, and set them thoughtfully. Use a gentle stippling motion for concealer and powder rather than buffing –this helps maintain your skin’s moisture balance and prevents product from lifting. The result? Coverage that lasts while keeping your base smooth, comfortable and radiant for longer.
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