12 best foundations for dry skin - as recommended by some of the best makeup artists around

Makeup artist Marcos loves Giorgio Armani's Luminous Silk. "This gives great coverage with that glow-from-within finish," he revealed. 

HELLO! Shopping Expert Hollie Brotherton agrees with the mua, saying: "It really is a dream for all skin types." 

Hollie continued: "The lightweight formula is infused with hydrating glycerin which gives a natural-looking glow and a dewy finish, but it’s also oil-free so you won’t be left with any shine. It always makes my skin look so much healthier and it’s buildable so you can choose exactly how much coverage you want. It's said to be a favourite of Meghan Markle, and if it's good enough for a Duchess..."

Charlotte thinks the Shiseido Revitalessence Foundation feels like the perfect step up from a tinted moisturiser - she praises it for being "light and hydrating" and "can be layered to create the desired level of coverage while maintaining a luminous finish".

I couldn't agree more, and this is a favourite of mine, especially when my skin is feeling really dry. It blurs and brightens my skin, but it's all about the hydration - it really feels like a makeup/skincare product hybrid. I apply using a brush or a beauty blender.

Makeup artists supporting makeup artists! Lisa Potter-Dixon, who you may follow on social media, is one of the most trusted makeup artists around. She works with celebrities (Cara Delevigne and Paris Jackson to name just two), she works on top editorial photo shoots, and she's a makeup obsessive. 

The Lisa Eldridge Skin Tint is top of the list for Lisa, telling me: "This still gives coverage but hydrates dryness on the skin whilst still giving amazing results." 

I must agree with Lisa after trying this foundation - it really is excellent and gives really good buildable coverage. This even made the list on our best ever skin tints to try feature. 

Stacey's kit is bulging with only the best products and it turns out that she has not one, but two foundations she reaches for when she's working with a client with dry skin. 

"I love Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation for a buildable medium coverage. It leaves a really healthy glow that conceals any redness from dehydration while lasting all day."

Stacey's second favourite? The Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Complexion Drops. "This is a hybrid formula which treats skin as well as being able to build a light coverage, soothing the skin and leaving it skin-like and radiant." 

"As a makeup artist in London, I’m really into the Maybelline Super Stay 30H Lumi-Matte Foundation, especially for clients with dry skin. It gives great medium-to-full coverage but still feels light and breathable. The formula’s got amino acids and Light Wear technology, so it won’t cake up or feel heavy. Plus, it’s super easy to blend and leaves the skin looking smooth and radiant, without any excess shine or added dryness.”

Joe Pickering-Taylor, the mua Zara McDermott has on speed dial, recommends the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint. "It's gorgeous and it's fragrance free. It's great if you have really dry sensitive skin." 

Makeup artist Grace Hatcher strongly believes that skin preparation is the most important step to make your foundation sit well on dry skin. "Load up with a rich moisturiser such as Skin Food by Weleda or Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream. Allow 5-10 minutes for this to settle into the skin before applying any complexion products." 

One of Grace's favourites has to be Sculpted by Aimee Hydra Tint. "This is a skincare/makeup hybrid, focusing on hydration. My tip would be to use your fingers to apply this for a dewy natural finish. On the whole, if you have dry skin, steer clear from swirling brushes around your face. This motion from the bristles tends to lift up any flakey areas." 

This is such a good tip! 

Helen Hand understands every skin type going, and when I asked her for her top foundation choices for dry skin types, she had plenty of suggestions. 

Helen is a big fan of Chanel makeup and often uses it on her celebrity clients, including Lorraine Kelly, Christine Lampard and Ranvir Singh. 

Chanel Sublimage L'essence De is one of her favourites, saying: "This is the ultimate luxury in a bottle, expensive but worth it. It goes on like silk, covers, feels light and looks radiant on the skin. This would be my number one foundation for photo shoots and red carpets."

She's also a big fan of Chanel Les Beiges Foundation, especially for morning TV and it works for all age ranges. 

If you're on a budget she also rates Beauty Pie Superluminous™ Skin Glow Filter. 

Makeup artist Lisa Little is a big fan of the NARs Light Reflecting Foundation. "This is a fantastic foundation for everyone, but especially for people with dry skin due to its combination of a natural finish, lightweight feel, buildable coverage, and skin-friendly formulation." 

Lisa says this product helps improve the skin’s appearance over time as it "combines antioxidants and hydration agents which lead to a healthier complexion."

“For dry skin I really look for anything that’s got a good glow and will detract from dry, flaky areas," Josephine Way tells me. "IT Cosmetics CC Nude Glow combines colour correcting and a lightweight glowy base, making it perfect for dry skin or if you’re looking for something more budget friendly, the Maybelline Anti-Age Perfect or Maybelline Instant Anti Age Perfector 4-in-1 Glow is a great option. It offers a sheer, natural glow to the skin and keeps it hydrated throughout the day.”

Dani Levi is a big Trish McEvoy fan. "The Gorgeous Foundation is super lightweight and buildable whilst also being super hydrating on the skin. You only need a small amount on your fingertips or on a foundation brush to achieve a radiant finish that will last all day." 

She continues: "It’s loved by myself and all of my makeup clients who have dry skin! Another love of mine is the L’Oréal Tinted Plumping Serum, this is an everyday hydrating serum that makes you glow! The serum has 1% of hyaluronic acid which blend skincare with makeup leaving the skin feeling hydrated and smooth, I suffer with super dry skin so I wear this everyday for a radiant and glowy finish."