Best Drugstore Foundations for Dry Skin in 2021

Does anyone else start having dryer skin as they got older? How about as wintertime rolls around? Each year, as the season changes, I find my skin to be a bit on the drier side and that’s when I tend to pick from the foundations made for dry skin. So what exactly makes a foundation formulated for dry skin? Well, it’s going to be on the dewy side, to bring back some life to skin that tends to be a bit duller. They will also be a bit more hydrating to help deal with some of those peskier dry patches. Here are some of the best drugstore foundations for dry skin.

Best Long-Wearing Foundation: Revlon ColorStay For Normal/Dry Skin

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This is an oldie, but a goodie. I remember this foundation being popular back when I first started getting into makeup for a few reasons. First, it lasts forever. All day if you need it to. Do you need to work a 12-hour shift? This stuff will probably be there by the end of it. They also have two different formulations: Combo/Oily with a matte finish and Normal/Dry with a more “Natural” (AKA dewy) finish. This foundation also has great coverage! A smaller amount can give you medium coverage. Build it up on more problem areas for fuller coverage. It also comes in 24 shades and has SPF packed inside to help protect your skin from the sun.

Best Light Weight Foundation: Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation

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This is another foundation that has had a cult following for years. When Maybelline first came out with this foundation, they only had one option, but have since expanded to two: Dewy + Smooth (which is what you’ll want to pick up) and Matte + Poreless. This foundation is really lightweight, which also translates into a lighter coverage. This one can only be built up to medium coverage, so keep that in mind. However, if you have days where you just don’t want a heavy layer of foundation on your skin, this one is a good choice. This one also gives off a pretty glow to your skin. Keep in mind, this foundation does contain fragrance, so if that’s an issue for you, this is one you might pass on.

Best Dewy Foundation: L’Oreal True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Foundation Makeup with SPF 20

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This one really lives up to its name with the “luminious” skin claim. I love this one on really dry skin days because it brings a lot of life back into my skin. It’s everything you can want in a luminous foundation: hydrating has SPF and brings a bit of glow back into your skin. This foundation is also on the sheer side but can be built up to a medium coverage where needed. The one drawback to picking up this product is that there is a really limited shade range. I’m talkin’ nine shades. So if you are a woman of color or just like having a perfect skin tone match, this is one we’d take a pass on.

Best for Anti-Aging: CoverGirl Simply Ageless 3-In-1 Liquid Foundation

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This foundation not only covers any imperfections in your skin, it also reduces wrinkles and hydrates to firm skin. This is another foundation that’s been around a long time and has had a band of loyal followers. As I get older, a foundation that not only gives me coverage but also has skincare benefits is really appealing to me and I thought this foundation worked pretty well! This is another foundation that is light coverage but can be built up to medium coverage. The one thing I find lacking in this product is SPF, so I like to start the day with an SPF underneath this foundation. Lastly, this one is cruelty-free, if that is something that resonates with you.

Best Fuller Coverage: Physician’s Formula Butter Believe It! Foundation and Concealer

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If you like your foundations to have more coverage, this one might be the pick for you! Since it is formulated as a foundation and a concealer, it tends to have more coverage on the get-go and is buildable to cover any imperfections you may want to hide. This one is also really hydrating, formulated with “a powerful blend of Murumuru Butter, Cupuaçu Butter, and Tucuma Butter”. This one has a natural satin finish that looks beautiful on the skin. Again, this one is pretty fragranced, so if that’s an issue for you, this one might be a pass.

Final Thoughts

That’s it for my list of best drugstore foundations for dry skin for 2021! If you aren’t sure how to find your perfect foundation shade at the drugstore, be sure to check out my post on 5 Tips to Finding Your Perfect Drugstore Foundation Shade.

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