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These picks will give you radiant-looking skin.
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The formula covers everything from blemishes to discoloration and even tattoos.
People withdry skinknow finding a foundation that doesnt emphasize flakiness or texture can be tricky.
Marisa Garshick, M.D., FAAD, agrees.
PHOTO: Sephora
But which ones deliver hydration and other benefits, like coverage, longevity, and a skin-like finish?
To find out, wetestednearly 100 foundations, tapping editor favorites and expert recommendations.
What makes it really stand out though is the finishits radiant, yet natural-looking.
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It also wears well all day and comes in an extensive shade range.
Ami Cole was founded specifically with melanin-rich skin in mindso you’ll be able to find your perfect match.
While it does feel hydrating, it didn’t become shiny throughout the day.
PHOTO: Sephora
We also love the feel on the skinit doesn’t feel like we have foundation on at all.
It doesnt take much effort to apply to the skin.
It blends effortlessly and blends into my skin perfectly.
PHOTO: Byrdie
It was also hydrating and not at all drying to my skin.
I applied it directly to my skin using the tube and blended it with a sponge."
With a lightweight consistency and coverage, it looks and feels natural on the skin.
Lastly, we appreciate that its fragrance-free for those who may be sensitive to fragrance.
The formula is lightweight and easy to apply no matter your preferred app method.
It provides medium coverage and a radiant finish that gives dry skin a healthy-looking glow.
But, its still a high-quality formula that looks and feels incredible on dry skin.
It took some work to get rid of streaks, though, even with a great foundation brush."
If we could change anything about it, it would be the shade offering.
We did experience some transfer during our blotting test, so we recommend setting it in place with powder.
Diors Backstage Foundation impressed us in this way and beyond.
He reported that its buildable, medium-to-full-coverage formula blended effortlessly onto his skin and lasted all day.
PHOTO: Ami Cole
It’s a win-win all around.
Mikey, tester with combination skin: Obsessed is an understatement.
The Dior Backstage Foundation is my new love affair.
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program is an absolute breeze as the liquid foundation blends quite seamlessly onto the skin.
It offers buildable coverage as well, and it was applied effortlessly with my favorite foundation brush.
Make Up For Evers HD Skin Hydra Glow Hydrating Foundation fits this bill and more.
PHOTO: Sephora
It also layered exceptionally well underneath concealer, blush, and bronzer.
Its a super solid choice for those who want coverage without looking like theyre wearing much makeup at all.
Ashley, tester with combination skin:The finish and feel of this foundation are both exceptional.
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Most of the time, I forgot I was wearing any foundation at all!
Despite its matte finish, we found that our skin looked and felt more hydrated after applying it.
We appreciated that it set in place and didnt crease as we wore it.
PHOTO: Sephora
If youre sensitive to that, we recommend applying it in light layers using a damp sponge.
It did a great job of hiding my blemishes and hyperpigmentation.
As Vargas and Dr. Garshick explained, the best foundations for dry skin are those formulated with hydrating ingredients.
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Liquid and cream foundation formulas also tend to be more hydrating.
Before applying any foundation, prep your skin, says Vargas.
Start by cleansing and moisturizing your face so it’s well hydrated.
PHOTO: Sephora
I sometimes use aface steamerduring skin prep if theres time.
I then apply ahydrating primerto create a smooth base.
Using a brush, I then lightly apply foundation adding more coverage only where needed.
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To create an even more radiant finish, you might opt to use a dampmakeup spongeinstead of a brush.
Dr. Garshick also says that formulas containingsalicylic acidcan actually worsen dryness in someone with already dry or sensitive skin.
She has tested many foundations in various formulas, including several on this list.
2010 Feb;3(2):22-41.
PMID: 20725560; PMCID: PMC2921764.
PHOTO: Violet Grey
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