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The Best Foundations For Dry Skin

Dry skin can manifest itself in many ways: your face could feel tight and uncomfortable, look dull or red and flaky, or have pronounced fine lines. And the winter months can only exacerbate the problem (joy of joys...). So it’s a good idea to get savvy when it comes to picking the right foundation. Look for ingredients that help draw moisture into the skin - hyaluronic acid is always a winner for dehydrated complexions, while vitamin E and glycerin can also help to lock in moisture for a dewy glow.

Another key factor is prepping your skin beforehand. {Embryolisse Laboratories} {Lait-Crème Concentre} works as a fantastic moisturiser and primer in one (formerly the preserve of French pharmacies, this crème has gradually achieved beauty icon status) and will create a hydrated canvas for your base make up to blend smoothly and evenly. And then it's time for foundation - below are our top five to suit dry skin.

For a dewy finish… A tinted moisturiser is always a great option for those who crave hydration, hydration, hydration - with a little light coverage. {Jouer’s} {Luminizing Moisture Tint} is beloved by the team at CB Towers and our customers alike. The clever formula, with micro illuminating particles transforms a parched, drab pallor - imbuing skin with a radiant finish (while shielding with SPF 20). Plus, it’s enriched with minerals and free radical-fighting antioxidants too.

For full coverage… {By Terry} {Terrybly Densiliss Foundation} is one of the most hard-working foundations we’ve ever encountered (and believe us, we've run the gamut). A serum and base make up combined, it has the plate-spinning prowess of being able to deliver full coverage whilst being lightweight and hydrating to boot. Better still? You get a side of anti-ageing in there too (cheers Terry) - due to the innovative ‘mimetic factor’ that mimics the skin’s own collagen production for increased plumpness over time. Invest your pennies - or sell a kidney if you have to...

To combat redness … Originally developed for cosmetic surgery patients to disguise post-op skin redness whilst helping it heal at the same time, {Oxygenetix}’s supercharged {Oxygenating Foundation} is seriously clever stuff. It not only calms and conceals, but counteracts flare ups, scarring and dehydration with a special oxygen complex: ‘Ceravitae’. It’s ideal for damaged, stressed or rosecea-prone complexions.

For a velvety texture… When it comes to make up that is save-from-a-fire essential {Stila Cosmetics} {Stay All Day 10 in 1 HD Beauty Balm} is hard to beat. A multi-tasking miracle worker, its gorgeous velvety finish works like a real-life Instagram filter, while intensively hydrating and nourishing. It cocoons the skin in moisture with skin-protecting emollients, while micro-spheres work to ‘fill out’ lines and wrinkles. (Psst! Aside from transforming dry skin, it’s great for disguising a hangover too...)

For a matte finish… You’d be hard pushed to find a mattifying foundation that will suit dry skin, but if you’re really looking to avoid shine (especially if you’re planning to sweat it out on the dance floor) – a light dusting of {Laura Geller’s} ultra-fine milled {Balance-n-Brighten Baked Foundation} on areas like the nose and chin will create a matte complexion without looking chalky. What’s more it counterbalances any redness and even delivers a lit-from-within glow. *Applause*

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Verity Douglas
Verity Douglas Writer and expert

Cult Beauty’s Content Editor and a Cult Beauty OG, Verity loves nothing more than the marriage of language and lip balm. A quintessential Libran, she’s a self-professed magpie for luxury ‘must-haves' and always pursuing the new and the niche — from the boujee-est skin care to cutting-edge tech. Balancing an urge to stop the clock with her desire to embrace the ageing process (and set a positive example for her daughter), Verity's a retinol obsessive and will gladly share her thoughts about the time-defying gadgets, masks and treatments worth the splurge...

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