Main content

How to Apply Foundation on Dry Skin – 8 Makeup Artist Tips


If you have dry skin your makeup concerns and foundation preferences likely aren’t the same as someone with oily skin. From dry skin concerns like dullness and uneven texture – special consideration is often required for foundation on dry skin. To learn the best techniques for foundation on dry skin we asked Ricardo Costales National Makeup Artist for Lancôme to share his foundation advice for dry skin.

Makeup for Dry Skin 101: A Guide to Foundation on Dry Skin

“How should you prepare dry skin for foundation?”

Properly preparing dry skin for foundation can make a world of difference in the way your foundation looks and feels on your skin. “The best way to prep your complexion for dry skin is very easy and you will love the level of luminosity and hydration you are creating” says Costales.

First start by cleansing skin with a creamy or gentle cleanser like Crème Mousse Confort Cleanser and follow with a hydrating toner like Tonique Confort. After freshening the skin Costales recommends using Advanced Génifique Face Serum “it’s the most amazing activator to create luminosity, strengthening of the skin moisture barrier”. You may like to layer this with Absolue The Serum “it will give you tons of hydration and that luminous and dewy glass skin we all want”. As the final step apply Absolue Soft Cream as your dry skin moisturizer which delivers 24 hours of hydration for a luminous, plump appearance.

If it’s daytime don’t forget to use a sunscreen like our UV Expert Defense SPF 50+ Primer & Moisturizer It’s a three-in-one primer, moisturizer, and SPF 50.

Another element which can be helpful in preparing dry skin for foundation is to exfoliate your skin. Exfoliating the skin can help to slough away dead skin cells and help with flaky texture on the skin. Try our Clarifique Exfoliating Facial Essence for gentle exfoliation.

Using a foundation primer for dry skin is also a smart move which can help to smooth over texture and dryness on the skin. Our Priming Serum is a solid, smoothing and blurring face primer formulated with 1% Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide and enhances skin with up to 24 hours of hydration. Learn how to apply a foundation primer for dry skin.




“How to choose a foundation for dry skin and which foundation type is best for dry skin?”

According to Costales when choosing a foundation for dry skin it’s important need to understand the level of dryness your skin has. “There are two different types of dry complexions a) dry complexion and b) combination to dry complexion. If you are a combination to dry complexion, you could choose Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care and Glow Foundation. I love this foundation so much because it has skin-loving ingredients to not only make your complexion feel super comfortable, but you also get skin benefits like Hyaluronic Acid and Mandelic Acid. Hyaluronic Acid will plump and hydrate your skin and the Mandelic Acid will smooth and refine your skin in addition of giving the most comfortable feeling of hydration and up to 24 hours of healthy glow.” - Costales.




“What is the best way to apply foundation on dry skin?”

There are no rules to the technique you use to apply your foundation – but proper preparation of makeup for your skin type is key. “I will say with any types of skin a well moisturized or prepared complexion is key because if your skin is well moisturized then I feel you don't need to apply as much foundation because your skin will look and feel more radiant”. Ricardo personally likes to apply foundation for dry skin with a purpose . “Apply foundation only in the areas where you need it . You can use a foundation brush , fluffy brush or a blender — but always remember apply where needed by using a circular and patting style of application”. A patting technique when applying foundation on dry skin can be especially helpful to avoid accentuating skin texture or flakiness.




"What are the most common issues people with dry skin experience with foundation?”

According to Costales the most common issues people with dry skin encounter which can alter the way foundation sits and looks on the skin are:

a) skin not prepped well before makeup application (which will give you a dull and dry look)

b) skin too stripped of natural oils or irritated by using the wrong skin care products which can cause uneven texture and give foundation a patchy look

c) using toners with alcohol or over exfoliating which can cause dehydrated and dull skin

D) not removing makeup at night which can cause your complexion to look dull and cause clogged pores and very unhealthy texture




Step Five

“What type of makeup finish is best for people with dry skin?”

Those with dry skin may like to opt for a dewy foundation or luminous foundation but even some people with dry skin may prefer a natural matte finish. Costales recommends Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care and Glow Foundation “I am loving these days to introduce an in-between type of finish neither too matte nor too luminous... The foundation leaves a beautiful glow that is neither too matte nor dewy... it is just perfection for my dry/combination to dry clients.”




Step Five

“What is the best way to touch up foundation on dry skin?”

Touching up your foundation if you have dry skin can be difficult. The key is to avoid caking on makeup and accentuating any dryness or dry flaky patches. To touch up your makeup during the day “Take a clean tissue and blot the T-zone area then use a pressed powder like Dual Finish Powder in the areas that need refreshing. Dual Finish Powder is a great pressed powder to keep in your purse for those quick picks me ups during the day and will not dry your complexion or cake” shares Costales.




Step Five

"What are some makeup tips and foundation tips for dry skin?”

“I love to use this makeup tip to make your complexion and foundation look youthful and luminous: if you want your foundation to have that glass finish foundation and luminous look during the day, apply a small amount of Advanced Génifique Face Serum onto your foundation with a pressing motion without rubbing and rather just pressing gently onto the skin. Your foundation will have a beautiful and healthy look all day.”




Step Five

Our Best Foundation for Dry Skin

If you have dry skin look no further than our Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care and Glow Serum Foundation. With an 82% hydrating serum base formula this skincare infused foundation is powered by hydrating Hyaluronic Acid and smoothing Mandelic Acid and works to hydrate and smooth skin for a natural glowing finish. Its skin loving ingredients is one of the main reasons why Costales loves this foundation – plus its natural glow finish is perfect for a drier skin type looking to add subtle luminosity and dewiness to skin.




Have oily skin? Read our guide on foundation for oily skin.

Shop makeup products and makeup for dry skin.



Shop the Selection


Orientation message
For the best experience, please turn your device