On the hunt for a foundation that will suit your skin texture? Craving a full-coverage look but unable to find a formula that will not trigger your dry skin? Want a dewy but natural look? The answer to your questions is two words: Hydration and Texture!
Even if you use the best foundations and formulations, if the texture of your foundation isn’t suitable for your skin, your makeup will look cakey. An incompatible base can settle into fine wrinkles and pores and make your skin look dry and fake. Hence, you need to make sure the formula you invest in is perfect for your dry skin!
We have compiled a list of the 10 best foundations for dry skin with ingredients that can hydrate and retain the moisture in the skin. After analyzing multiple reviews and consulting some of the best dermatologists, the list is formulated.
Best Foundation for Dry Skin in India 2024
SUGAR Cosmetics – Ace Of Face – Foundation Stick
Buy Now on Amazon
Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Although I thought that a foundation stick would be too dry for my skin, this one proved me wrong! It is one of the best foundation sticks that will soon be a makeup essential for EVERYONE! I know it is expensive, but trust me, it is worth every penny!
The formula glides on your skin and is long-lasting, which provides full coverage without feeling heavy on your skin. Isn’t this everything we ever want in a foundation?
The foundation has 22 shades! The shades are designed to suit every undertone and a variety of skin tones.
How can we not discuss the unique packaging! The foundation stick is dual-ended! You have a solid foundation on one side of the stick, and on the other side, you have a high-quality stippling brush made with synthetic fibres that will not absorb the product!
The pigmentation of the foundation is superb, and you can skip concealing and colour-correcting to hide your imperfections!
The formula feels like butter and blends effortlessly on the skin, and gives it much needed hydration! Since the shades are diverse, you can find your colour and concealing shades amongst the many options.
Once the foundation settles, it gives you a powder base appearance which I love! Even though it is a full-coverage matte foundation, it does not pool in the creases and grooves of the skin.
Like all other Sugar products, it is free from mineral oils and parabens; hence, even if you have sensitive, dry skin, it will not cause any untoward reaction on your skin.
Highlights:
- 22 intense shades
- Provides matte finish
- Moisturizing
- Black tube packaging
- Dual-ended look
- It does not melt with sweat or excessive oil
- Creamy soft texture
- Can work as contours and colour-correctors
- Free from parabens
- 100% Vegan
- Long-lasting
- Travel-friendly.
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologically tested
L’Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Liquid
Buy Now on Amazon
Overall Rating: 4.7/5
L’Oreal Paris always comes out with formulations that are better than their predecessors. This is one of the best formulas for dehydrated skin.
The inclusivity of the shades took me by surprise since it has 14 shades that suit different undertones. The formula’s texture is liquidy but blends and settles beautifully on your skin to give you an even tone.
It is lightweight but does not give you a dewy glow; the luminescence comes to form the gold flickers present in the foundation liquid. No need for a highlighter!
The foundation also contains Vitamin E, which gives the liquid a moisturizing ability. The body stores vitamin E in the dermis and epidermis layers, protects the skin from UV damage, and act as free radical scavengers.
Vitamin B5 is an excellent moisturizer that can help in assembling the lipid barrier and fixing the water on the skin. It can also help rebuild the skin and cover acne scars and marks.
The packaging is compact and very travel-friendly. It has a pump dispenser that makes the entire application procedure very smooth.
It has an SPF of 17 to shield the skin cells from destructive rays. It is a budget-friendly buy and blends like a dream on your skin, irrespective of the texture.
Highlights:
- SPF 17
- 14 shades with different undertones
- Ultra-fine and intense pigments
- Super blendable
- Light-weight
- Flawless look
- Moisturizing
- Skin healing abilities
- Gold shimmer
- Dermatologically tested
- Pump dispenser
- Travel-friendly
Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
Buy Now on Amazon
Overall Rating: 4.7/5
The perfect dupe for the most loved high-end MAC studio fix foundation. Both the foundations can dry down to give the skin a hydrated glow while covering blemishes and dark spots.
The formula is not heavy; hence it feels like you have nothing on! You won’t even feel like you have anything on owing to the lightweight texture of the formula.
The foundation comes in 20 shades within which you will find a shade and tone that will complement your natural skin. The formula does not oxidize after application; hence you dont have to worry about picking the wrong shade!
The pigment is intense and contains ingredients like Glycerin and Vitamin E that can work together to give your skin an intense hydrated look. Glycerin is a humectant that can prevent excess water loss due to heat or sweating. Vitamin E can also help eliminate the notorious free radicals that can harm the skin cells and result in early signs of ageing.
I am always getting late for work early morning; if you fit the same cut, we need this in our life! The foundation has an SPF of 22! You do not have to apply additional sunscreen with such a high sun protection factor.
I blend a thin layer of this beautiful foundation, toss in some blush and pat some lipstick, and I am good to go!
Since the product is free from oils, it will not melt or crease your skin. It is a long-lasting and very affordable option in the market.
Highlights:
- 20 shades
- Super hydrating
- Oil-free formula
- Buildable Coverage
- Easy to blend
- Tested for allergies
- It does not cause breakouts.
- Buildable coverage
- No fragrance
- It does not clog pores
- Budget-friendly
- Dermatologically tested
Nykaa SKINgenius Sculpting & Hydrating Foundation
Buy Now on Amazon
Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Nykaa is a brand that all Indians can resonate with since the products are formulated, keeping every Indian skin tone in mind. This product has a long-lasting semi-matte finish that will not settle into your creases and crevices.
SKINgenius is a true genius since it tackles one of the most challenging aspects of ordering foundation online: shade variations. How many of you have ordered a colour online only to receive something that is a shade or two darker or lighter than your natural skin tone? This one-of-a-kind skin-adapting feature will adjust to your skin tone, whether it’s darker or lighter.
The foundation has Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin A. Hylauronic Acid can work on the skin at a deeper level to hydrate the skin and reduce wrinkles and creases. Hydrated skin has a smooth and even texture; Hylauronic Acid can give you that while working on your skin elasticity and roughness.
Vitamin E can also help reconstruct the lipid layer and empower the skin to strengthen its defence mechanism against environmental challenges and microbes.
The texture of this foundation is liquid but not runny; it blends smoothly in the skin and gives you a realistic glow. The foundation has 5 different shades, but dont be fooled by the limited options; you will find your shade in the range!
The packaging is leak-proof and comes in a squeezable bottle. The result of the foundation is a dewy glow with no white cast.
It is a perfect everyday foundation if you have dry skin or rough skin! It is free from parabens and a VERY affordable option. The foundation is also equipped with poly lift technology to give your face a natural firmness.
Highlights:
- 5 unique shades
- Tube packaging
- Lightweight formula
- Quick-drying
- Intense moisturization
- Enriched with Vitamin E
- Glides on the skin
- Paraben-free
- It comes with colour-changing technology
- Decent staying power
- Dewy look
- Budget-friendly option
- No fragrance
Daily Life Forever52 Liquid Long Lasting Full Coverage Foundation
Buy Now on Amazon
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
If you are looking for a moderate coverage foundation that is buildable, this can be your product! This foundation has 16 different shades; however, 6 are available on Amazon, and 10 are available on Nykaa.
The names are so beautiful as it represents desserts, and it is apt since this foundation is a treat to dry skin! The foundation has very inclusive shades and will work with every skin colour and undertone.
Cheesecake is excellent for fair skin with a warm undertone that should work with fair Indian skin. The shade Chocolate mouse will be perfect if you have a medium skin colour with warm or neutral undertones.
One of the ingredients in the foundation is jojoba extracts. It is an excellent humectant that can pull water from the skin and quench your dehydrated skin. It can reduce the radical stress on the skin and promote reparation.
The formula does not make your skin feel tight or cakey as it blends beautifully. The dispenser has a pump-like cap that is very convenient and non-messy.
The pigmentation of the foundation is intense, but it does not feel heavy post-application. It lasts for a good 6-7 hours without melting, which is an excellent wear time for a drug-store product.
Highlights:
- 16 shades
- Moisturizing
- Works with all skin types
- Intense pigmentation
- Water-based formulation
- Buildable product
- Jojoba extracts
- Long-wear
- Lightweight
- Antioxidant properties
- Pump dispenser
Lakmé Absolute Argan Oil Serum Foundation with SPF 45
Buy Now on Amazon
Overall Rating: 4.2/5
This foundation represents the perfect skincare-makeup hybrid. The foundation contains skin-loving elements to nurture your skin while giving you the desired makeup look!
I’m completely enamoured with the packing! It’s a plastic bottle with a golden bottle inside, super luxurious and handy!
The foundation has 10 shades that can work with the majority of the skin colour. However, the ingredients are a dream for dry-skinned individuals; it is super moisturizing and can make your skin glow from within.
This serum-tint mixture is enriched with argan oil. The oil contains Vitamin E that can work on the skin from multiple fronts to prevent the excessive radical formation and reduce inflammation. It has omega-6 fatty acids that can rebuild the skin barrier to prevent moisture leakage.
Some reports have even highlighted the wound healing properties of this oil can help treat redness, rashes, and acne scars.
The foundation has a sun protection factor of 45! I think it’s excellent when foundations for everyday usage has an SPF because it means you can use fewer products on your face.
The texture of the foundation is watery; hence you may want to be careful while applying it with the dropper. It blends like a dream and dries down to give you a sheer to medium coverage look.
The dropper applicator is perfect for this foundation! It lasts for 3-5 hours without creasing or resulting in random patches. Your skin glows with this one!
Highlights:
- 10 shades
- A revolutionary serum foundation
- Velvet fluid texture
- It contains Moroccan argan oil
- It gives a dewy look
- SPF 45
- Medium coverage
- Intense moisturization
- Lightweight
- Luxurious packaging
- Dropper for application
- Pleasant fragrance
Revlon Nearly Naked Make Up Foundation
Buy Now on Amazon
Overall Rating: 4.4/5
Revlon always outdoes itself with formulations that are not heavy on the skin are undetectable! This foundation is perfect for everyday wear if you want something hydrating yet correcting.
The shade range is quite impressive since it contains 16 shades that can help cater to most Indian skin types.
The ingredients in this potion are designed carefully to boost the skin’s natural barrier and protect it from any invading microbes.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract in the foundation can instantly rejuvenate your skin and give you a fresh awaken glow. In the laboratory, these extracts could also absorb excess UV radiation and prevent radical development.
The foundation also encapsulates Vitamin E, can favour skin hydration, and prevent untimely wrinkles and skin sagging.
Another fantastic skin-loving ingredient in this foundation is Jojoba Oil. It can promote the synthesis of collagen owing to its antioxidant abilities. It can help in reinforcing the skin and eliminating the damage caused due to environmental factors.
The foundation can also keep microbes under control since it contains agents like Niacinamide that can inhibit the proliferation of micro-organisms.
The foundation has an SPF of 20 that can help shield the skin cells from the harsh sun rays! The best part: The SPF does not leave a whitewash look after the application.
The texture of the foundation is perfect for giving the skin a no-makeup look. It glides seamlessly on the face and even out the skin tone without caking up on your face.
The packaging is not the best since it does not have a pump or dropper. It is very budget-friendly and easy to use.
Highlights:
- 16 shades
- SPF 20
- Lightweight
- Blends seamlessly
- Antioxidant properties
- Can promote collagen synthesis
- Has Vitamin E
- Anti-aging ingredeints
- Perfect for summers
- Buildable coverage
- No fragrance
Lakme 9 to 5 Primer + Matte Perfect Cover Liquid Foundation
Buy Now on Amazon
Overall Rating: 4.3/5
Looking for a multipurpose, moderate base, this is still inexpensive? The Lakme 9 to 5 Primer + Matte Perfect Cover Liquid Foundation is a great bargain. It is a foundation that can work as a primer and help minimize pores while giving you a flawless glow!
The foundation comes in 16 colours, perfect for Indian tones and texture. The hues are named in a manner that makes the shade selection very user-friendly.
The N range has shades that will work with neutral undertones, the C range if you have cool undertones, and the W range if you have warm undertones.
With a moist beauty blender, you will be able to blend this foundation effortlessly onto your skin. The formula is quick-drying and doesn’t look greasy at all. If you want to use a brush, use one with synthetic bristles to ensure that the brush absorbs as little as possible.
It is an excellent product if you are usually on the run. It is simple to use and gives you medium to full coverage. You won’t even need a mirror to apply this liquid; it will give you a consistent and uniform tone.
It has a Sun Protection Factor of 20. Your three-step makeup routine can be completed in one step with this foundation since it is a foundation but can replace your primer and sunscreen.
I am not a big fan of the brush applicator since it is not hygienic. The foundation lasts about 7-8 hours, but it is not transfer-resistant. However, it will remain intact if you dont have limited sun exposure.
Like every Lakme product, this liquid also has a strong fragrance. It may not be the best choice if you are sensitive to aromas.
Highlights:
- 16 shades
- Liquid consistency
- Easy to blend
- Quick-drying
- Can replace primer and sunscreen
- It does not accentuate pores
- Medium to buildable coverage.
- SPF 20
- Long staying power.
- Affordable.
- Strong fragrance
Iba Pure Skin Liquid Foundation
Buy Now on Amazon
Overall Rating: 3.9/5
Iba Pure Skin is slowly climbing the makeup ladder, thanks to the influencers who cannot stop raving about these products.
As we move towards cruelty-free and vegan makeup options, Iba, a halal brand, can cater to environmentally conscious buyers. It is free from alcohol and parabens, hence a perfect option for anyone with sensitive skin prone to flare-ups and rashes.
The foundation has a minimal shade option that may not work with Indian skin tones; hence, it may not be the best if you want to find your exact match.
The foundation claims to settle into a matte finish; however, it creates a dewy sheen. Although it is not a full-coverage shade, it helps conceal minor discolourations and acne scars. If you want a full-coverage look, you may need to pull out the big guns of colour correction and concealing n addition to the foundation.
This foundation also has some excellent hydrating agents. The foundation contains Aloe Vera Extracts can help quench the lack of moisture by adding hydration to the dermis. Aloe vera can also calm agitated skin and diminish itching and redness.
The foundation has Vitamin E and Glycerin that can anti-oxidize and moisture the skin to retain its lipid barrier and glow! Tocopherol acetate in the formulation can also suppress free radicals that can cause skin damage and cell death.
The foundation has an SPF 15; hence, it can also aid sun protection. If the shade is your match, you are set to go.
Another concern with this foundation is blending. It is quick-drying but thick; hence you need to be swift with your blending skills.
Highlights:
- 3 shades
- SPF 15
- Thick consistency
- Contain Vitamin E
- Intense moisturization
- Aloe vera extracts
- Dewy look
- Paraben-free
- 100% Vegan
- No alcohol
- Peta certified
- Cruelty-free
- Mild fragrance
Elle 18 Lasting Glow Foundation
Buy Now on Amazon
Overall Rating: 3.7/5
Looking for a foundation that is within INR 100? Yes, it is possible! Elle 18 Lasting Glow Foundations can be an affordable buy if you have a tight budget.
Although the foundation has a sheer finish, it can be layered up to provide medium coverage. There are just 4 shades available. On the other hand, the hues were created with Indian skin tones in mind, so the vast majority of Indians may wear them.
Vitamin E added to the formula can help reconstruct the skin’s lipid barrier, resulting in moisturization of the skin and preventing water loss.
Since the formula is water-based, it can work very effectively with dry skin. The foundation has a runny consistency, but it blends beautifully into the skin. The foundation has a pleasant aroma that disappears within minutes of application.
Highlights:
- 4 shades
- Sheer to medium coverage
- Moisturization
- Oil-free formulation
- Vitamin E present
- Pleasant fragrance
- Budget-friendly
What is a Foundation for Dry Skin?
If your skin is dry, choosing a hydrating base that will not strip your skin from its moisture is imperative. It is recommended to choose one with hydrating ingredients like Hyaluronic acid, essential oils, Tocopherols, etc. A water-based liquid or cream foundation will be an excellent choice if you have dehydrated and dull skin.
Takeaway:
The best foundation for dry skin is the SUGAR Cosmetics – Ace Of Face – Foundation Stick.
It comes with 22 shades that will cover every flaw on your skin and give you a perfect matte finish. The formula is very hydrating and will not steal moisture from your skin.
It lasts throughout the day without creasing or breaking out; hence, it is best for dry skin. If you have rough patches, this formula will blend smoothly over it without making your foundation look cakey.
If you couple this foundation with the best moisturizing agent for dry skin, you are in for a treat!
However, if you prefer a foundation with skincare ingredients, there are many options in the above list to choose from!
Let us know if you found this article helpful. Dont forget to tell us which foundation and shade work for you.
