The Best Foundation For Dry Skin

Buying Guide

If you’ve got dry skin, makeup can be a particular chore. That relative lack of oil in your pores means that you’re in need of a good foundation, but it’s often the last thing you want to put on. Choose the wrong one, and it’ll be flaking off your face within hours. But finding the right one can not only give you a glow that lasts all day; it can actually help regulate your skin.

Take a trip through the makeup aisle, and you might come away more confused than enlightened. Most every brand has a foundation that claims to be formulated for dry skin, but how do you know which one is the best?

You can start by eliminating certain broad types of foundation. Liquid and cream foundations are two of the most popular types, and that’s really what you should stick with. Powders really work best when there’s a little moisture to keep the particles together, so leave them to those with oilier skin.

The next thing to think about is your finish. “Finish” is a general term for the texture a foundation leaves on your skin, and it can be either natural, dewy or matte. A natural texture is just that: One that tries to mimic the skin as it would be without makeup. Dewy foundation tends to be smooth and shiny, while matte formulas emphasize a cleaner, powdered look. With foundation, remember that you’re trying to bring your face back to a baseline and counteract the dryness, so a dewy finish is usually the best choice.

Now that you’ve narrowed things down, it’s time to look at those ingredients. There can be a lot of long chemical names on that foundation bottle, but here are a few good ones to see: Ceramides are a lipid that are very common in makeup these days, for good reason. They form a barrier that holds moisture in the skin and keeps harmful airborne irritants out. Hyaluronic acid is another common substance in foundations, and it’s one that your skin produces naturally. It actually soaks up moisture and keeps it nearby, which keeps your face looking and feeling healthier. Squalane is another naturally-occurring ingredient that helps lubricate those pores.

As for ingredients on the “red flag” list? Avoid foundations with sacylic acid, which can leave dry skin feeling itchy and irritated. Parabens aren’t good for the skin in general but dry skin in particular. And in higher concentrations, alcohol can cause that foundation to crack and flake off.

Finally, make sure you pick a coverage level that suits your skin. The decision between light, medium or full coverage is less about your dry skin and more about what aspects of it you want to cover up. Light coverage will largely let the natural look of your skin show through, while medium coverage can hide small blemishes or freckles. It’s also buildable, so you can apply more in the areas where you need it. Full coverage is usually reserved for those with acne or other issues, or for those who plan to be in front of the camera. Just make sure you use moisturizer with that full coverage foundation, especially if you plan on wearing it long term.

Foundation might be the base layer for your makeup, but that doesn’t mean it’s the first thing that has to go on your face. If you’re having trouble getting even liquids or creams to stop flaking, try a bit of moisturizer underneath. This extra layer of liquid can give the foundation something to hang onto.

You might also consider an exfoliating regimen. Using a toner or mask before bed a few times a week can rejuvenate your skin and make a world of difference when it comes time to get ready in the morning.