Dec 20, 2021

Foundation for Dry Skin: 3 Best Dry Skin Foundations

The wrong foundation on dry skin can be a disaster. It can cling to dry patches, cake, and settle in the worst areas. Thankfully, there are plenty of hydrating foundations that can soothe your skin instead of leaving it looking flaky.

You may struggle with skin that looks dull and lifeless. However, you can achieve a radiant, supple complexion with the proper skincare and makeup. You need good moisturizing products to quench your dry skin.

You don't have to fear foundation shopping. We have a few recommendations to consider. We will also go over how to take care of your skin and apply the best foundation options.

What Is Dry Skin?

There is a difference between experiencing dryness and actually having a dry skin type. Some people are dry all the time because their skin's natural oil glands don't produce enough sebum. Sebum is the oil your body creates to help protect and hydrate your skin.

Your skin dries out and looks dull because your glands don't make enough sebum. You may experience flaking and overall dehydrated skin. However, you can counteract the lack of natural oil production with hydrating products. Consult a dermatologist for professional advice, but you should be applying a moisturizer twice a day.

People may also experience dryness from certain medications and topical treatments. For example, you may have a normal skin type, but you suddenly have dry patches once you start using retinol. While retinol can be excellent for the skin, it can cause dryness.

When you first start using retinol, you may notice a change to the top layer of your skin. During the first few weeks of using this skincare, you may notice skin shedding and more dead skin cell turnover than usual. You can also develop dry skin from oral medications, like Accutane.

Whether you have dry skin only temporarily or it's just your skin type, finding the right foundation is essential. Many options will work for your skin instead of against it.

3 Best Foundations for Dry Skin

There are foundation formulations made to work with your dry skin. They won't dry it out further or look cakey. Here are our top three foundations to look out for the next time you're shopping.

1. Luminous Silk Foundation

A luminous silk foundation has a smooth texture and is easily buildable. You can find high-quality formulations that can provide undetectable coverage. The radiant formulation will make your skin look hydrated and glowy instead of dry and dull.

These foundations are lightweight, making them easy to blend into the skin seamlessly. It is ideal for people with dry or mature skin since it can glide over these complexions effortlessly. You won't even notice that you're wearing makeup.

2. Full Coverage With Moisturizer Foundation

The best thing about using a liquid foundation is that they can come with skincare already mixed in. There are hydrating foundations with built-in moisturizers. These foundations are ideal for people with dry skin that need all the hydration they can get.

They come in dewy, satin finishes, providing smooth, even coverage over dry skin. You won't struggle to blend them out to get a perfect complexion.

3. Soft-Matte Foundation

Some people may think they can't have a matte finish if they have dry skin. Not everyone likes that dewy skin look, but ultra-matte foundations may look too lackluster. There are soft-matte foundations that may be just what you need.

They keep you looking matte without appearing too dull. These types of foundations can also be super long-wearing, like HIDE Premium Foundation. It works for all skin types, and it's super lightweight. It has an undetectable finish, thanks to pigments that mimic skin. The liquid formulation won't dry out your skin and will glide on easily. You can also add any skincare you want, like a moisturizer or SPF.

Foundation Ingredients To Avoid

Some foundation formulations can make matters worse. There are various ingredients in makeup that can irritate dry skin. Here are things to look out for when you're reading makeup labels.

Denatured Alcohols

If you see a foundation labeled "quick-drying," it's a red flag. It means it most likely contains alcohol which can dehydrate your skin. Look out for labels that list ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, or benzyl alcohol.

These alcohols pull water out of your skin from the deeper layers, which can damage your skin's natural barrier. When your skin isn't hydrated and healthy, it can be sensitive, red, and you can even develop eczema. However, some alcohols are beneficial, like cetyl and Cetearyl alcohol, since they have a soothing effect.

Fragrances

Some fragrances can trigger an allergic reaction in people with sensitive, dry skin. Most people aren't affected by added fragrance since there is such a small amount in a product. However, if you notice irritation or you struggle with contact dermatitis, you may want to avoid fragrances.

Glycolic Acid

If you buy a lot of acne-fighting products, you probably have at least one that contains glycolic acid. You can find this ingredient in moisturizers, primers, and foundations. It can increase skin cell production and regeneration, which is great for some people, but can be too harsh for dry skin types.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is another ingredient typically used for acne-prone skin. It can help control oil and reduce breakouts and bacterial growth. You can find it in everything from foundation to makeup wipes.

However, it can be too harsh on dry skin, similar to glycolic acid. It can damage the surface of your skin and lead to more issues. If you have acne and dry skin, consult a dermatologist to find the right combination of ingredients.

Importance of Skincare

Makeup can only look as good as the skin it's on. You should follow a skincare routine no matter what skin type you have. It is especially important to protect and help your skin's natural barrier if you experience dryness. When you take care of your skin, it will look smooth and supple.

A study in 2020 showed that a consistent skincare routine results in noticeable changes in dry skin. They saw a significant improvement in participants' skin getting treatment compared to the control group. Over 80% of people in the study saw a decrease in dryness and better skin texture.

However, applying certain skincare before your foundation can cause problems. Facial oils may feel nice, but they're not necessarily hydrating. They trap water in but don’t add moisture. Plus, oil can break down a foundation, causing it to oxidize.

Instead, before makeup, try a hydrating primer and SPF to protect your skin. Apply your foundation with a damp makeup sponge and gently press the product over your face. You don't want to rub the foundation around because you won't get the best coverage or an even layer. Finish with a setting spray to give yourself an extra boost of hydration.

The Takeaways

You can have flawless-looking skin if you use a foundation that works with your dry skin. When you find a product with beneficial ingredients, you will notice a difference in the application. You should try to avoid certain products if they contain ingredients that could potentially irritate your skin. HIDE products won't aggravate your dry skin and will blend effortlessly into your skin.