Top 5 Drugstore Foundations For Dry Skin

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Finding a good foundation is hard enough. Having dry skin makes it even harder. But, finding a good foundation that works with dry skin at the drugstore… that’s a challenging task.

Best Drugstore Foundations for Dry Skin- The List

1. L’Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation

L'Oreal Paris New True Match Foundation

L’Oreal Paris has been in drugstores forever. Their true match line of foundations has been getting tons of praise for years.

This foundation is medium coverage and formulated with up to 6 pigments for your most precise match.

It’s perfect for dry skin because of its water-based formula!

Since the foundation is hydrating and lightweight, it will last all day on the skin without feeling cakey.

The L’Oreal Paris True Match Foundation is our favorite drugstore foundation for dry skin and one of the best things about it is that it comes in almost 50 different shades! This foundation will look good on every skin tone!

What We Like:What We Don’t Like
40+ different shades
Hydrating
Water-based formula
Blends easily
Can crease if not set with powder

2. No7 Beauty Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum Foundation

No7 Lift and Luminate

No7 Beauty Lift & Luminate Foundation instantly gives your skin a firmer, brighter-looking appearance!

This medium to full coverage foundation is formulated with light reflecting particles and optical blurrers to help uneven pigmentation and texture for an illuminated looking complexion.

The light and creamy foundation includes vitamin A, C, and E which works well with dry skin!

Everyone can wear this because it comes in 18 different shades!

What We Like:What We Don’t Like
Light and creamy formula
18 different shades
Includes vitamins
Can enhance your pores (depends on your skin)

3. E.L.F Cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter

Elf halo glow foundation

E.L.F. really did it with the Halo Glow Liquid Filter Foundation! The glow booster infused with skin-loving ingredients give your complexion a soft-focus social filter effect IRL.

You can use the foundation 4 different ways: wear alone, over or under makeup, mix with foundation or use as highlighter!

We love it because the formula is enriched with skin-loving ingredients like Squalane and Hyaluronic Acid which is perfect for dry skin!

It creates the perfect dewy look!

The only downfall is that it is only available in 8 universal shades but they are supposed to work across all skin tones

What We Like:What We Don’t Like:
Can be used 4 ways
Hydrating and light
Sulfate free
Vegan
Cruelty Free
Only comes in 8 shades
Not the best for oily skin

4. Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation

maybelline fit me foundation

Maybelline has been a drugstore makeup favorite throughout the years! The Fit Me Foundation line has been popular since it came out came out!

The foundation comes in two finishes: dewy + smooth and matte + poreless.

Since we want something that is meant for dry skin, the dewy + smooth option is best.

The foundation comes in a wide range of shades, so you’ll be able to find something to match your natural skin tone.

The coverage is light to medium, so it won’t be able to cover up blemishes and discoloration as easily as other foundations.

Also, there is SPF in the formula to prevent sun damage. Since it has SPF, the smell can be off putting to some.

What We Like:What We Don’t Like:
Includes SPF
Wide range of shades
Light to medium coverage for a natural look
SPF smell
Can look cakey

5. Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation

physicians formula

The Healthy Foundation by Physicians Formula is great for dry skin!

This is due to them including a combination of hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. This combo is going to nourish and moisturize your skin!

This foundation comes in an acceptable range of shades to choose from.

Physicians Formula is dedicated to using the best ingredients, so this is perfect for people with sensitive skin.

Since the formula has SPF in it, it does have the typical sunscreen scent.

Something to note about this product is that it takes some time to dry down, so it might feel sticky on the skin for a while. To fix this, you can use a translucent setting powder on top of it.

What We Like:What We Don’t Like:
Includes hyaluronic acid and vitamin E
Good range of shades
Great for people with sensitive skin
Can feel sticky

Frequently Asked Questions

What to look for when choosing a drugstore foundation?

Since you are looking for a foundation that is meant for dry skin, you want to avoid mattifying finishes.
Matte foundations have a higher possibility of drying out your skin. Choosing one that has a dewy finish will provide you with that much-needed hydration.
Another thing to look for is the shade range. It is often very important that you find a product that has a wide range of shades.
This is because you’ll have the best chance of buying the shade that is closest to your natural skin color.

Is powder or liquid foundation better for dry skin?

Liquid foundation is generally the best choice for dry skin because it hydrates your complexion, while powder can cling and exacerbate dry patches. Being a little heavier and richer than powder foundation, liquid blends also hold moisture within your skin and prevent unnecessary dehydration throughout the day.

Should I set my makeup with powder if I have dry skin?

People with dry skin can use a setting powder, but keep in mind: You don’t need to powder your entire face. Just brush on a light dusting over the areas that show a little oiliness (most people experience some shine on their nose) and leave the cheeks powder-free.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a makeup product that fits all of your needs is a difficult task. So, when you are looking for a good drugstore foundation that is curated for dry skin, it can feel unclear where to search. However, we recommend you start your search with our favorite, L’Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation because it works well on most skin. It moisturizes the skin and provides an even complexion all in one product. If it’s not for you, our top 5 drugstore foundations for dry skin list has other options that will surely work for you!