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My top picks… MUFE Liquid Lift, MUFE Face & Body, MAC Face & Body, Guerlain Lingerie de Peau
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I love the revlon colorstay foundations because its hydrating, doesnt cling to my dry patches AND its affordable!
Out of all the ones I’ve tried, which isn’t a lot since I’ve only just been getting into foundations, Urban Decay NAKED Skin and MAC Face & Body (although that one broke me out so that was a sad day).
I have dry skin. These are my picks: Mac Face & Body, MUFE Face & Body, Bobbi Brown Tinted Balm, IT Cosmetics CC Cream, Garnier BB Cream (the original one), Smashbox CC Cream, Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream, Becca Luminous Skin, NARS Radiant Cream, NARS Sheer Glow. I know there are more that I like (I have a huge foundation collection) but can’t think of them at the moment! 🙂
I have dry skin and I love It Cosmetics CC cream- I haven’t tried the Smashbox Cc cream, but I did love their BB cream. I have NARS Sheer Glow too, but I haven’t ussed it in a long time- so, I might have to bust it out again. I have been thinking about the BB Tinted Balm, so I am happy to hear it has worked for you! I just ordered the Josie Maran Argan Match master foundation (the liquid one) and I am excited to see how that turns out! Another one that I like was L’Oreal Youth Code (?) BB cream- the one in the silver tube, I actually favor it over my much more expensive Guerlain Lingerie d’Peau BB cream.
MAC Face & body and Illamasqua Skinbase. They both glide on the skin so soft and never snag on dry patches.
This has been something I’ve been trying to figure out this winter. I have sampled several different brands and types within the brands. So far the winner is my current try, Hourglass, Veil Fluid Makeup Oil Free SPF 15. My goal was simply to find a formula that did not cause dryness but was moisturizing without looking greasy. So many foundations that advertise that it’s for dry skin really appear shinny and feel as though its a slimy mess. This one feels amazing on my skin and makes me look flawless. The verdict is still incomplete as I am going to be trying Estee Lauder’s Double Wear Foundation next.
Definitely Clinique’s Supermoisture makeup and also Mii Illuminating Face Base. That’s for proper, flaky dry days though. On less dry days, I can get away with Lancome’s Teint Miracle and MUFE F&B too.
Will be watching this post with great interest!
YSL Youth Liberator Foundation. It’ emollient, “humid” like in the F&B Foundation, it clinges to dry patches but a looot less than other foundations I tried. The skin looks satin-like, moist and beautiful, it conceals pore like anything. Lasting power is average, it’s not a long-lasting foundation but it feels more than hydrating not drying and moist, comfortable. Also B10 is quite light. It’s a mix between a F&B with some type of gel-like foundation with a little bit more of coverage, more pore-concealing power and more dense texture, kind of. It’s runny but a lot less compared to MAC’s F&B per example.
I can’t use Sheer Glow, Skin Base, Colorstay…those are way too “dry” (specially Skin Base, but Sheer Glow makes me look like a mummy too…), this foundation is a lot more emollient-like, I think is targeted to mature skin but because of this the results on dry-with-patches skin is beautiful, at least compared to others I used. After this the best one for me has been MAC F&B, since it clings to my patches but less than others and beautifies the skin, but the YSL’ one I think is suited to more dry skin than the MAC’s one.
Pigmentex, sheer glow makes me look like a mummy too!! It works wonderfully for my mother but it makes me look unhealthy. Glad to know I’m not alone in this 🙂
I thought I was crazy! Sheer Glow is neither sheer or glowy. It is more like a face mask, matte and flat looking. Its recommended in so many places that I thought there was something wrong with me. I like MAC Minerailize Moisturizing Foundation if you can find a color match. Clinique moisture surge tinted moisturizer. Clinique super moisture is super moistuizing, but again, not a large selection of shades. I just got the Ko Gen Do moisture makeup in the red tube. I’ll let you know.
Fro liquid: Illamasqua SkinBase,Face atelier Ultra Foundation (a medium build-able version of the SkinBase) and Amazonian clay 12-hour full coverage foundation. All are also long wearing!
For creme: Mehron Celebré Pro HD and Graftobian Hi Def Glamour Creme.
For Loose/Mineral: The All Natural Face Foundation Powder.
NARS Sheer Glow doesn’t seem to emphasize much and my skin is pretty damn dry
I really like the Illamasqua cream foundation.
Revlon Colorstay for Normal/Dry skin, MAC Face and Body, MAC Studio Sculpt
Bobbi Brown Moisture Rich Foundation SPF 15
Love that formula, can’t find a shade that is not too yellow for me. Very upsetting!
I’m still looking… So far, I’m pretty happy with Revlon ColorStay on top of Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream. Alone, neither product is ideal. The Olay BB Cream has absolutely no coverage, but the formula is HG. The ColorStay foundation provides the coverage, but is otherwise too matte in finish. Over the Olay, the Revlon appears more luminous & dewy, and the Olay provides a barrier that prevents my skin from soaking up any moisture from the foundation.
Although my skin is drier, I find MPFs to be my best option. My skin seems to just soak up any moisture from a liquid foundation, leaving the dry pigment & looking splotchy, and I don’t like wearing a primer all the time.
I’ve been doing some research, and my next purchase will likely be MAC Face & Body, or a gel-based foundation.
I love Bobbi Brown Moisture Rich foundation, but it is light coverage. It photographs really well and is hydrating on my skin!
I use Nars sheer glow when I want higher coverage and it works well with my dry skin if I moisturize well before applying.
Glad to see your picks, Christine! How different would you say Mac’s vs MUFE’s Face and Body?
MUFE has more coverage!
I keep reading about people breaking out from MUFE foundations etc. Have you experienced this? Thanks!
No, MUFE doesn’t make me break out.
The best foundation I have found for my dry skin is Naked Skin by Urban Decay.
Definitely Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua. Doesn’t highlight or worsen flakies, glides on smoothly — love it!
I have extremely dry skin, so I am very excited to see everyone’s recommendations. I’m also very fair with cool undertones and am sensitive to way too many things to list, but fragrance, sunscreen, and some silicones are at the top of the list. So, finding foundation is a challenge. Up until recently, Chantecaille Future Skin in Porcelain was my go-to. And, it’s still great, but the coverage is minimal to light. Since trying it over the past 3-4 months, I’ve been loving Dolce & Gabbana Perfect Finish Creamy Foundation in Classic 60. It reminds me very much of Future Skin, but the coverage is buildable to almost full. The texture is similar to Future Skin (maybe a little heavier) and in between a mousse or gel. I can’t say it’s incredibly hydrating, but I do think it is at least slightly hydrating and definitely not drying. It also applies like a dream. Classic 60 is very light and neutral and should work for anyone at least NC/NW05. In a perfect world, it would be a little lighter, but it’s close. Can’t wait to read other recommendations.
Have you tried Illamasqua in 115? It sounds like your skin tone is similar to mine. Illimasqua 115is very, very close to my skin colour, I just have to add a bit of MAC face and body in white for it to be perfect. You may want to consider mixing to get the best shade and finish. See my post below about the foundations I mix for my very dry skin.
I have the same skin that you do! Perhaps you should try Armani’s Maestro in the compact. It has wonderful coverage but doesn’t feel like you have anything on. It makes my skin look flawless and very natural. It’s my favorite.
Hi! I’m with hyperactive sensitive skin and trying to work through formulas to find which is best for me and I also tried the mia2 and got a reaction. I’m not sure if it’s now from foundations or that. I stopped using the Mia and am still searching for answers for my skin. Could you pleads maybe list all the ones you’ve tried but had negative responses to? If there are similarities with what I’m trying, it may help me to follow what you have found works for you. Thanks Eliz!
Mac Face and Body! My dry skin loves it but my wallet does not 🙁
I like Rimmel’s Match Perfection and Benefit’s Hellow Flawless Oxygen Wow. If you count BB creams, I also like Bobbi Brown’s BB cream and Hado Labo BB Moist Cream.
You really can’t go wrong with MAC Face & Body! And it also comes in pure white, which is a savior if you’re extremely fair like I am.
I think you convinced me. 🙂 will have to try it.
Would any of these be a good choice for acne-prone skin? I’m on accutane right now so it’s really drying me out, but I’m afraid to use a foundation that’ll break me out!
As long as I properly remove Revlon Colorstay (with an oil based remover), it has never given me a breakout!
Hi Dolce. I was on Accutane in high school 3 times. In the end it was worth it for me, but man the dryness, redness, and itchiness was awful. I used mineral powder foundations such as Bare Minerals and Sheer Cover (now I like one from Laura Mercier) and they actually work alright for dryness I think, and didn’t break me out. I’m still dry from Retin-A and have hormonal breakouts, but I’m also really sensitive to skin products and easily get clogged pores/small pimples.
– Works for me in summer (less dry) but not winter: Revlon Colorstay Whipped and Vita Lumiere Aqua
– Great for hydration but gives me minor comedogenic breakouts: IT Cosmetics CC cream and Mac Face and Body
– Accentuated dryness: Revlon Nearly Naked, Maybelline Instant Age Rewind, L’oreal Magic Nude Liquid Powder
Obviously I’m still looking! One thing that always helps my to keep the foundation looking better with dryness is using a setting spray. Also application with my hands or a damp sponge works better for me than a brush.
Hm, I haven’t tried many foundations, but my favourit brand so far is YSL. I get very dry patches on my cheeks, and the YSL pressed powder foundation and the YSL BB creme I have don’t dry me out or make dry patches look flaky! 😀
I really want to try Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, as I’ve heard good things about it, but we only get about 4 shades here (slight exaggeration, but not far off) and it costs like $89 😛 They don’t have samples in my (potential) colour either! *sigh*. I don’t wear a lot of foundation, so I’m not averse to an ‘investment’, but the process seems to be unnecessarily difficult…
I have dry skin and it sucks to find foundation because I find it makes my dry skin look even more dry, even with liquid base. With this polar vortex thing going on it’s even worse. So I mostly use a tinted moisturizer. One time in a Sephora order I chose a sample of Dr Perricone’s Photo Plasma and that stuff really helped with the foundation, but they don’t sell it on Sephora Canada. I wanted to try Mac’s face and body but the bottle looks huge, I’m not one who puts makeup on the body, seems odd to me.
So, this is counter-intuitive, but Cover FX Pressed Minerals Foundation (a powder, clearly).
When I first started my retinoid regimen, my skin dried out and big portions started peeling off in large chunks. It also gave me an allergic reaction to every moisturizer on the face of the planet (I eventually realized I could use beauty oils to moisturize). And it was a bitterly dry Michigan winter. My skin was actually flaking off in patches, and the rest of me was parched. I went and tried motherloving everything: tinted moisturizer (Laura Mercier), liquid foundations (Becca, MUFE, NARS, Tarte), cream foundations (Cover FX cream), BB cream (Smashbox). In the end, the only thing I could get workable results with was my Cover FX Pressed Minerals plus my Sephora Classic Mineral Powder Brush. Instead of brushing it on, I lightly patted the foundation on, and that minimized the amount of foundation that clung to dry, flaking spots and gave me smooth, even coverage. This pat-on technique also let me put concealer on some of the worst small red spots, then pat foundation on over it without disturbing the concealer or getting the concealer or powder clinging to dry patches.
If your skin is medically messed up? Cover FX.
This happened to me too due to skincare–my skin was oily AND dry. When it was drier, Graftobian HD Glamour Creme’s or Neutrogena Healthy Skin Foundation were my top choices. Now that my skin is more combo, Revlong Whipped Creme Foundation. I’ve also found that the Beautyblender is best for not accentuating any dryness.
I constantly slather moisturizers & oils on myndry skin, so I don’t get dry patches, but my skin just drinks up any liquid foundation, leaving justnthenpigment in my pores. I find powder foundations to be my best option for every day wear.
I think Revlon Nearly Naked is pretty hydrating. It doesn’t accentuate my dry patches at all and my eczema is killing me!
Urban Decay NAKED Skin and Smashbox CC Cream
Revlon Nearly Naked and MUFE Liquid Lift
my skin isn’t super dry right now, but it does get dry and flakey. lately, i’ve been loving dolce & gabbana perfect matte. i thought it would dry me out, but it doesn’t. it’s not moisturizing at all, but it doesn’t make me drier either. i also like their creamy foundation. it’s more hydrating, it just doesn’t last as long as the matte. i reach for it on shorter days. when my skin is flaky, i like guerlain lingerie de peau compact, hourglass tinted moisturizer, the d&g creamy, or guerlain bb cream.
forgot to mention that the beauty blender sponge has been the best thing for my drier skin. i can put a foundation on with a brush and will look dry and gross, then put the same thing on with the beauty blender and it looks great! i kept buying cheap “dupes” and couldn’t figure out why everyone loved using a sponge, because they did nothing for me. i finally broke down and bought the real thing and i’m sooooo glad i did. i got what everyone was talking about. it was money well spent!
Favorites- Revlon Colorstay for Normal/Dry skin, Revlon Colorstay Whipped (I have to use a damp BeautyBlender for this one, not a brush), Revlon Nearly Naked and Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum. With the help of Hourglass No28 primer/serum, I can also use Laura Mercier Silk Creme and MAC Studio Sculpt. A lot of foundations are too dark or pink for me so I haven’t tried many others but the Hourglass can REALLY help if you want fuller coverage but don’t want the product clinging to your drier spots. It feels like straight grease at first but once it’s absorbed, it’s super helpful.
I bought a small sample of that hourglass No.28. It does seem to help retain the moisture in my skin and doesn’t stay greasy for long. My only problem is it doesn’t get along with my moisturizer and “balls” up sometimes. Then I have to tissue off all the clumps or start over.
Some of the foundations that I LOVE with my dry skin is: Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation, NARS Sheer Glow, MUFE F&B, YSL Touche Eclat.
But the best foundation that I have ever tried that gives me that ‘glow’ and ‘lit from within’ look is Bobbi Brown EXTRA Repair Foundation SPF 25. It’s so moisturizing and gives me the most radiant finish! It never clings to dry patches and every single time I wear it someone compliments me on my skin. There’s not a lot of reviews on the foundation so when you get a chance to go to a Bobbi Brown counter try a sample!
I have VERY dry skin, especially in the winter. On normal days (for me), I can use Illamasqua rich liquid foundation and two shades of MAC face and body mixed with MAC studio sculpt foundation. I can also wear MAC studio fix powder plus foundation occasionally. On dry days (which is most of the winter at least), I wear MAC studio sculpt foundation on its own-it is the only foundation I have ever used that is actually moisturizing (it simply is not made in a shade light enough for my skin).
No matter what the foundation, it is layered over moisturizer and primer.
Hmm I have to say Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup! Not so much that it moisturizes, but it’s definitely one I use when my skin is drier and have no problems with!
I have dry skin and I use Amore Pacific Perfection Bloom. (It’s very expensive but I got mine in a Glossybox.)
And Etude House bb creams.
I have very dry skin, and I’ve had good luck with Dr. Jart Premium BB Cream, IT CC Cream, Lumene CC Cream, Studio Gear CC Cream, and Yaby Liquid Foundation. All are very hydrating, but I also apply hyaluronic acid and Hado Labo Tokyo Gel Cream first.
I have dry skin in the winter now (I used to be very oily but now that I’m in my mid-30s that has changed except for summer). I have been enjoying the Smashbox CC cream topped with Halo powder for weekends. For work, I am wearing Hourglass Mineral Veil primer with Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow foundation topped with Halo powder. My usual picks are Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H, Hourglass Immaculate, and Estee Lauder DoubleWear (both regular and light). They are far to drying at the moment.
I have extremely dry skin and nothing works better for me than Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua. The texture is so light yet so smooth and moisturizing. Looooove.
I have yet to find one I really like. I want something that covers my redness yet still keeps my skin moisturized and slightly dewey. Unfortunately those two things seem impossible to find in a foundation!!!
Mac face & body is the best but it’s sheer. Laura mercier creme silk is good. Urban Decay Naked skin is just to dry, but I think it might be good for summer. Revlon Nearly Naked is good too but still a little sheer. I wish MAC would have a more pigmented F&B!!
Has anyone tried MAC mineralize Moisture? The new Becca foundation looks interesting.
Yes, I’ve tried MAC’s mineralize moisture and I like it.
I’ve wanted to try this, but the MAC counter at Macy’s doesn’t do samples. How long does it wear? Does it transfer easily? I like my makeup to stay put all day and not get all over my clothes etc. Thanks!
I, too, like the MAC mineralize (liquid) . The colors are a little off– had to go a shade lighter than in their other formulas. I can’t wear foundation w/ fragrance– too irritating so it’s hard to find a foundation that doesn’t make me look like I’m wearing a mask. Also like NARS sheer glow– I mix it w/ my moisturizer and it’s perfect!
MAC mineralize moisture has a divine texture but has had color problems. It oxidizes, so even the lightest shade, NC15 turnred too dark and yellow on me despite looking very pale in swatches. It was the lightest shade available, but they have just introduced new shades, on both ends of the spectrum, so I guess its a hit. For cool pale skin, they have added NW 13,15,18! I haven’t gotten to a store to swatch yet and and I can’t find swathes online, I’ll let you know when I get my hands on some. But if you can find a shade the matches you several hours after you apply it, then its a great find for dry skin!
I like Skin79 BB cream when my skin is feeling a bit dry. Though, in terms of oiliness, I have very normal skin–things have just been slightly less smooth than normal and I’ve required a bit more moisturizer this month, and I’ve had to go out on ALL of the days with the subzero temps.
I have found several items that I like. In no particular order:
Foundations: Revlon Colorstay, Shisheido Dual Balancing Foundation under eyes and areas that I
want to pull forward but still have a matte finish, MAC Studio Sculpt (use more like a concealer and
contour)
Tinted Moisturizer: Laura Mercier (the one for all skin types)
CC Cream: It takes 20 min to fully meld in with my skin, but once it does the It Cosmetics CC
Cream creates a nice matte finish that lasts for hours.
Oh – I forgot Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua under the Foundations category. I reserve it for
special occasions and only for 4-6 hour stints. The finish is silk-like. It’s great for days when I’m experiencing no-light patchiness. On days when I’m particularly patchy, I stay away from this one. There’s just enough luminescence to this one that it slightly emphasizes the problems.
Dior skin Nude liquid foundation is awesome for my dry skin. It looks so natural and does not emphasize (or create) dry patches.
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, Lancome Photogenic Lumessence (the one I wear daily), Chanel Vitalumiere, Guerlain Parure Extreme (unfortunately discontinued), Mac Face & Body (mostly wear in the summer for lighter coverage.)
Cover FX CC Cream has been great for when my skin has felt dry. I’ve got sensitive, rosacea skin that’s combo (oily t-zone, normal to dry cheeks). I’m also a fan of the Silk Naturals HD Cream foundation.
Yves Saint Laurent Touché Éclat. It hardly settles into fine lines and wrinkles and doesn’t exacerbate flakies.
I have dry skin and my dryness varies from time to time. At the moment its not at its worst, but when it was, my top picks were Lancome Teint Miracle(deff #1 recommendation), Loreal Magic Lumi, Nars Radiant Cream Foundation, and recently I’ve been really liking the Smashbox Halo HD.
I’m very dry, and I really like wearing L’oreal True Match Lumi and Marc Jacobs Genius Gel foundation. I was totally surprised by how comfortable and hydrating the Marc felt on my skin. I also find Hourglass tinted moisturizer to have amazing coverage while being very hydrating, but it’s ridiculously expensive. When my skin feels really irritated, I use Maybelline Fit Me concealer under eyes and red areas and blend it out. Then I dust a little Hourglass Ambient Powder in Dim over shiny areas.
MAC Mineralize foundation and Rimmel Wake me Up is really amazing too.