Best Makeup for Dry Skin

From flaky patches to foundation that clings in all the wrongs places, applying makeup to dry skin definitely comes with it's own challenges.

To make things a little easier for you, we've snooped through our reviews and picked out some of the best makeup for dry skin.

So, where’s the best place to start? First, working with products that won’t mess with your precious moisture barrier.

Second, finding a daily makeup routine that works well with dry skin. You might look into the best setting spray for dry skin, a mineral powder for dry skin, and many more formulas now full of hydrating benefits. Grab some of these fan favourites and upgrade to smooth, even skin.

Best Makeup for Dry Skin Best Makeup for Dry Skin


A refreshing and effective setting spray for dry skin.

A cruelty-free, vegan option that’s pretty effective for the price. Infused with teeny-tiny shimmer particles for added glow, this mist sets makeup as it hydrates and refreshes your skin. One of the best affordable setting sprays for dry skin, this formula will have you marvelling at how long your makeup lasts!

A refreshing and effective setting spray for dry skin.

If you have dry skin but lust after a glowy makeup look, you could revive your usual routine with a hydrating setting spray for dry skin. Does setting spray dry skin out? Well, use the right formula, and it’ll actually alleviate flaky skin. Designer Brands Mist Me Setting Spray in White Gold is a great makeup fixing spray for dry skin. This one also creates a glowy effect, so your complexion looks healthier after every spray. It’s a great product to use in a number of ways, whether or not you’re wearing a full face. Refresh your natural skin for a slightly illuminated effect. Or spritz onto your makeup brushes before you apply powder formulas to make the colours more vivid.


A good-looking and effective high-end product, Yves Saint Laurent Top Secrets Setting Spray is sure to bring you joy with every spray. Designed to refresh, set, and soothe dry skin, this formula keeps your complexion hydrated as your day goes on. If you’re looking for some of the best makeup tips for dry flaky skin, investing in a nourishing setting spray is something you might’ve overlooked. A couple spritzes of this formula in the morning could save you time later in the day by enhancing the longevity of your makeup. Plus, Top Secrets suits all skin types—not just dry!

Made with a unique blend of Hyaluronic Acid, Jojoba Seed Oil, and Walnut Leaf Extract, Yves Saint Laurent Top Secrets Setting Spray is one of the best makeup tips for dry skin. Once seen as a bit excessive, setting your makeup with a mist is something every beauty pro recommends. This refreshing formula is great to use either over makeup or to add a dewy look to your natural skin. It’s a great solution to pep yourself up when you find yourself zoning out in front of the laptop. One of the best dewy setting spray for dry skin, its’ a formula you can’t go too far wrong with.


Looking for makeup tips for dry flaky skin? Set your eyes on this spray.

A gorgeous, nourishing blend, Pixi Rose Glow Mist is a unique dual-phase elixir that draws on the protective properties of plants. Made with a powerful mix of 7 different flower oils, every little spritz soothes and hydrates your skin. Even skin that’s flaking out and looking dry will reap the benefits of the abundance of essential fatty acids and impressive antioxidants. The perfect product to spray on before or after makeup, this biphase mist delivers skincare benefits that help you achieve a dewy glow.

Looking for makeup tips for dry flaky skin? Set your eyes on this spray.

If you’re currently dealing with patchy makeup dry skin, nourish as you go with Pixi Rose Glow Mist. An essential for those with a dehydrated complexion, this formula can be used as a toning serum during your skincare routine or as a makeup mist to offset a powdery finish. One of the best face setting spray for dry skin, this nourishing mix contains Rose Oil, Olive Oil, and Safflower Oil to moisturise and restore a stubborn dry complexion. Argan Oil helps replenish skin that’s lacking lustre. And Avocado Oil provides essential fatty acids. The spray works to lock in hydration, leaving your dull skin looking a bit plumper whenever you use it.


Smooth your skin with this comfortable medium-coverage foundation.
Smooth your skin with this comfortable medium-coverage foundation.

Dry skin and liquid foundation aren’t always the best combination. Smith & Cult VEILED THREAT Weightless Micro Blurring Foundation is liquid makeup for dry skin that actually works the way you want it to. Giving you medium coverage and a soft, comfortable finish, this blurring formula covers your skin for a natural effect. Cruelty-free, artificial fragrance-free, and vegan, this highly recommended makeup is available in a seriously impressive selection of shades. Whether you have very deep skin with cool, reddish undertones or tan skin with warm, yellow undertones, there’s a shade in this range that suits.

Offering a natural matte finish, this comfortable mousse-to-cream texture smooths over the skin and won’t transfer onto your favourite tops. Smith & Cult VEILED THREAT Weightless Micro Blurring Foundation is made with skin-loving, hydrating ingredients such as Aloe Vera and Chlorophyll to comfort your dry skin. Working to brighten dullness and help blur the look of imperfections, the microsphere powders create a soft-focus, photo-ready effect. A good makeup for dry mature skin, it won’t sink into little lines or highlight your larger pores and blemishes. Gliding onto the skin with a silky feel, this formula stays put for up to 12 hours and remains impressively true to tone.


A buildable, lightweight formula that gives you the no-makeup makeup look so many of us crave. Possibly the best makeup for dry acne skin, this liquid foundation contains Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerine to keep the skin deeply hydrated. Your skin looks like nothing but healthy skin. Blending beautifully and easy to build up, this hybrid foundation gives skin an impressively fresh glow that lasts all day.

Some of the best makeup for dry mature skin, Giorgio Armani Neo Nude Foundation won’t sit heavily on your complexion. If you’re a fan of a dewy makeup look and you adore the iconic Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, you’re gonna be seriously impressed with this newer formula. Available in a shade to suit everyone, this formula can be worn over an illuminating primer to rock extra radiance. Ultra-light and super-breathable, this blend won’t make your dry skin feel claustrophobic. Love a quick and easy routine? This foundation blends in easily with your fingertips. Attached to your sponge? Dab this makeup on and blend, blend, blend away.


Looking for the best mineral powder for dry skin? This is a great option.
Looking for the best mineral powder for dry skin? This is a great option.

Designed to hydrate the skin and set your look in place, Youngblood Hi-Definition Hydrating Mineral Powder is a sheer powder that gives your complexion a radiant finish. Does mineral makeup dry out skin? Well, not if you pick a hydrating formula. Cruelty-free and artificial fragrance-free, this brightening formula leaves you looking Insta-ready any time of day. Designed to balance and hydrate dry skin, this powder keeps your makeup looking its best, even in high humidity.

Perfect for all ages and skin types, Youngblood Hi-Definition Hydrating Mineral Powder reduces the appearance of large pores and helps blur the look of imperfections. The ultra-fine powder feels cool and comfortable on the skin. Liquorice Root helps make this one of the best mineral makeup for dry skin options. Helping you achieve a silky-soft, natural look, your bare skin will look more even with just a dash of this powder. Remember: just because you have dry skin doesn’t mean you won’t experience shiny patches. Help even out your complexion with this hydrating and calming powder.


Achieve a luminous finish with this SPF-infused powder foundation.

Is mineral powder good for dry skin? The good news is yes, indeed, mineral powder is good for dry skin. Rather than zapping your dull complexion of the little moisture it has, a mineral foundation for dry skin actually helps keep your skin hydrated. Asap pure mineral foundation is a unique formula that offers dry skin a luminous finish. Cruelty-free, vegan, and made in Australia, this blend also contains an SPF to protect you from the sun’s harmful rays.

Achieve a luminous finish with this SPF-infused powder foundation.

Offering natural-looking coverage, asap pure mineral foundation - available in 5 shades helps minimise redness, so it’s also one of the best makeup for dry acne prone skin. The Hyaluronic Acid Microspheres in this light powder prevent it from looking chalky on your skin. Hyaluronic also helps retain moisture, so your complexion looks nourished and healthy. An effective mineral makeup for dry sensitive skin, this formula contains mineral pigments to help smooth fine lines and tackle any signs of dehydration. The Titanium Dioxide and Zinc in the blend provide UVA and UVB protection while also helping boost the skin’s natural barrier function.


A good mineral foundation is hydrating for dry skin rather than traditional liquid formulas, which are typically drying. Mineral foundation also boosts the look of your complexion, giving you a nice glow. If you’re on the hunt for mineral makeup for dry mature skin, let us introduce you to Inika Certified OrganicLiquid Mineral Foundation. An organic makeup blend that pampers dull skin, this formula contains protective antioxidants and a slew of skin-brightening ingredients. Soothing skin that’s looking a little flaky, this formula is packed full of anti-aging ingredients. This foundation delivers moisture where your skin needs it most, so you won’t see makeup slipping into your lines and wrinkles.

Inika Certified Organic Liquid Mineral Foundation is a buildable, non-clogging formula. This mineral makeup for dry skin also helps improve the skin’s elasticity. Hyaluronic Acid acts as a moisture magnet, and Argan Oil has skin-healing properties. Jojoba Seed Oil lightly moisturises the skin and also helps balance excess sebum production to cut back on the blackheads! Kakadu Plum Extract contains Vitamin C to fade the look of brown spots. Avocado Oil is rich in essential fatty acids, which soothe even the most dehydrated skin. The impressive antioxidants and vitamins in this unique blend make it an obvious mineral makeup for dry mature skin option.


Cover, hydrate, and help protect your skin with this mineral formula.

If you’re on the hunt for the best mineral foundation for dry sensitive skin, triple-action Youngblood Mineral Radiance Moisture Tint is a smashing option. This hydrating tint offers sheer coverage as it protects the skin. If you flit between foundation and BB cream, you’ll probably enjoy how comfortable this formula feels on your skin. Is mineral makeup good for dry skin? This nourishing formula definitely is! Plus, it blurs the look of imperfections. Gliding onto the skin and building a healthy glow, this is one of the best mineral foundation for dry sensitive skin.

Cover, hydrate, and help protect your skin with this mineral formula.

Youngblood Mineral Radiance Moisture Tint is a lightweight formula that won’t clog your pores or break you out. Helping you achieve a smooth and supple look, this moisture tint also contains a mix of calming and free radical-fighting ingredients. Kiwi Extract, Vitamin E, and Liquorice Root Extract help calm redness and inflammation. Menthol creates a cooling effect on the skin. And the brand’s signature minerals—Zincite, Hematite, Malachite, and Rhodolite—help protect precious skin cells.


Want your makeup to last? Prep your skin with this powerful primer.
Want your makeup to last? Prep your skin with this powerful primer.

Prepping your skin with Heir Atelier Face Primer creates a smooth canvas for the rest of your makeup routine. A luxury formula that’s packed with nourishing ingredients, this primer leaves your skin looking its best, with or without makeup. When you have dry skin, primer often balls up and creases on your skin. A soft, hydrating formula made with a loving blend of ingredients, this primer helps minimise the look of any skin quirks you aren’t keen on. Blurring the look of fine lines and pores, the formula dries to a semi-matte finish.

With a feather-light texture, nourishing Heir Atelier Face Primer 1oz. helps your makeup last longer by creating a smooth base. The Peptides in the formula help boost the skin’s regeneration process, so you can enjoy firm, glowy skin. Hyaluronic Acid (a dry-skin favourite) helps plump the skin. Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract keeps free radicals at bay. Dimethicone and Polysilicone-11 give the formula an impressive and noteworthy feel: smooth and slightly powdery. You can actually mix this primer with your foundation to up your glow and lock your look in place.


A full-coverage look without the full-face feel.

Thick foundation DOES cover every spot, scar, nook, and cranny. But if you have a dehydrated complexion, that same high-coverage makeup could end up catching on your dry patches. Jane Iredale Glow Time Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream blurs the look of your imperfections without the bulk. This caring, vegan, cruelty-free blend creates an Insta-ready finish with a blend of lightweight skin-nourishing ingredients. And the water-resistant, broad-spectrum SPF 25 protects your complexion from the sun for up to 40 minutes in a wet environment.

A full-coverage look without the full-face feel.

The Apple Fruit Extract in Jane Iredale Glow Time Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream soothes and hydrates dry skin that needs a little extra love. Apple also helps improve the clarity of the skin, so you look and feel refreshed. Grapefruit Extract is rich in antioxidants and vitamins to help minimise breakouts and keep your complexion looking dewy and glowy. And Tamarind Extract features naturally occurring Alpha-Hydroxy Acids. These AHAs sweep away dead skin cells and flakes to improve skin texture and help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Just a small amount of this easy-to-blend formula does the trick. Use your fingertips, a brush, or a sponge to get an even finish.

Need a Recap? Here's the Best Makeup for Dry Skin

Having dry skin doesn't mean you have to ditch your entire makeup bag. By making a few simple swaps and picking up a new formula or two, you’ll boost the look of your dry skin. Easy!



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