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Stylist Loves
The best full-coverage foundations for dry skin, in every type of finish you can think of
By Chloe Burcham &Lucy Partington
2 years ago
3 min read
Famous for its ability to suck skin of every last drop of moisture, most people think full coverage foundation is a no-go for dry skin. We beg to differ. Here’s our curated edit of formulas that promise to hydrate.
Searching for the best foundation is a little like figuring out your signature scent. You mix a bunch and have a drawer full of half-used bottles, but until you’ve found ‘the one’, you’ll keep on searching for the next.
Because there are so many kinds of foundations (and skin types) to consider, finding your favourite formula can be a bit of a slog. Do you want a glowy finish? Are you looking for something matte? Do you want to cover blemishes? Finding the perfect foundation is essentially finding the perfect skin base – so, of course, it’s important to get it right.
If you’re looking for the best full-coverage foundation for dry skin – you’ve come to the right place. We’ve swatched, tested and approved so many formulas, we’re confident we’ve done the hard work when it comes to finding your perfect match.
But first, let’s talk application.
What is the best way to apply foundation for dry skin?
If you have very dry skin, you’ll be well aware of what a nightmare it can be applying foundation. You want coverage, not cakeyness, and applying a full coverage formula over parched skin can be a recipe for disaster. Luckily, we’ve got a foolproof three-step guide for the best way to apply foundation for dry skin.
1. Exfoliate
The key to a smooth, flawless foundation finish ultimately starts with skin prep. Exfoliating away any dry, rough patches (especially around the nose and chin) can help your foundation apply smoother and last longer.
2. Hydrate
If your skin is thirsty, it’s important to hydrate it first – before applying your foundation. Opt for a nourishing moisturiser or primer that will give your skin a much-needed drink and provide an even, soft canvas for foundation application.
3. Use tools
To give your foundation a great starting point, buff and blend it in with a fluffy brush or make-up sponge. Brushes and sponges are gentler on the skin, and won’t disrupt any dry patches or flakiness like your fingers might.
The best full coverage foundation for dry skin
Ready to find the best foundation for you? These are Stylist’s top picks of the best foundations for dry skin:
Makeup By Mario SurrealSkin Foundation
Trust the one and only Mario Dedivanovic to create the perfect foundation: available in 30 flexible shades, it’s effortlessly buildable and blendable, and works to hydrate skin for 12 hours. Plus, it’s formulated to work in harmony with both powder and cream products.
Shop Makeup By Mario SurrealSkin Foundation at Sephora UK, £40
Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation
The most talked about product from Lady Gaga’s Haus Labs, this foundation offers medium, buildable coverage that feels weightless on skin. It’s formulated with fermented arnica to reduce redness, and the serum-like formula promises a natural-looking, second skin finish that’ll never look cakey.
Shop Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation at Sephora UK, £42
Sculpted by Aimee Satin Silk Longwear Foundation
Shop Sculpted by Aimee Satin Silk Longwear Foundation at Boots, £27
Revolution Conceal & Define Foundation
There’s major hype around this budget foundation and for good reason. The oil-free, creamy formula blends into skin seamlessly without caking or creasing. Plus, there’s 50 true-to-skin shades. Winner.
Shop Revolution Conceal & Define Foundation at Superdrug, £9.99
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Silky and lightweight, with a buildable full coverage, this foundation is a favourite for faking that lit-from-within glow.
Shop Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation at LookFantastic, £45
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
It’s the OG full-coverage foundation, now in more shades than ever. Double Wear won’t dry out your skin, but it will last all day long.
Shop Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation at LookFantastic, £39.50
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation
This full-coverage foundation has a semi-matte finish, but is enriched with hydrating ingredients so that your skin won’t feel dry or cakey underneath.
Shop Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation at Sephora UK, £39
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream
If you prefer a glowy finish then this is the foundation for you. Loved by beauty editors, the serum-like formula boosts your skin’s hydration and glow, while still offering medium to buildable coverage.
Shop IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream at Boots, £36.50
Too Faced Born This Way Liquid Foundation
It can be difficult to find a full-coverage foundation that still looks natural on the skin, but this trusty little number does just that.
Shop Too Faced Born This Way Liquid Foundation at LookFantastic, £36
Uoma Say What?! Foundation
Lightweight, long-lasting and hydrating, this foundation blurs away blemishes leaving skin with a soft matte finish.
Images: Caroline Tompkins/Getty Images; courtesy of brands
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