The Best Full Coverage Foundations For Dry Skin

Gone are the days when ‘full coverage’ was a synonym for ‘cakey’ and caused dry skin to become flaky. Nowadays, full coverage foundation is synonymous with flawless skin – no matter your skin type. With added moisture-boosting ingredients and silky-smooth formulas, there’s a whole host of full coverage foundations out there that can help improve your skin’s natural moisture levels, all whilst giving you the long lasting coverage you deserve.

If you’re on the hunt for the best full coverage foundations for dry skin, look no further – our guide has something for everyone. And for those ‘clean girl’ no makeup-makeup days, our guide to CC creams for dry skin is where you should head next.

Sometimes, only full coverage will do and on these days we thank the makeup gods for Clinique’s Beyond Perfection Foundation & Concealer. Specially formulated to cover unwanted blemishes, this foundation also doubles up as a concealer and it comes with a handy wand so you can precisely apply it to specific areas. When you need your makeup to last through from day to night, this foundation will stay put as long as you let it, providing a natural finish which lasts up to 24 hours. 

If glowy is your finish of choice, you’ll love the L.A. Girl PRO.Coverage HD Long Wear Illuminating Liquid Foundation. It’s lightweight, so you’ll barely feel it on your skin, but it still delivers the full coverage you’re looking for. Added antioxidants promote hydration and work to inject moisture into dry skin throughout the day, so when you’re taking your makeup off in the evening, don’t be surprised if your skin feels a little smoother.

Now a makeup classic, the Too Faced Born This Way Foundation has been raved about by beauty gurus for years. Whilst it is suitable for all skin types, dry skin will relish the extra moisture enhancing ingredients that this formula contains. From coconut water (which helps boost natural moisture levels), to alpine rose (which will restore your glow), this foundation is basically a refreshing drink for your skin.

What better way to protect yourself from UV rays than by wearing a foundation which includes SPF as part of the formula? Genius! Each shade of The Ordinary Coverage Foundation SPF 15 is conveniently labelled based on the undertone it’s most suitable for, meaning you can shop online with peace of mind that you’ll find your perfect match. When it comes to texture, this foundation by The Ordinary has a creamy consistency, so glides effortlessly over the skin, concealing and not aggravating any dry patches you may have.

A little goes a long way when it comes to the Jouer Cosmetics Essential High Coverage Creme Foundation, which means less repurchasing! The formula is surprisingly lightweight for a full coverage foundation, which is perfect if you don’t like that heavy feeling. For those who battle with dry skin, which is particularly common during the colder months, Jouer have infused this foundation’s formula with allantoin, an ingredient which softens skin and gives you a natural, radiant glow. Coupled with hyaluronic acid which helps skin retain its natural moisture, this foundation may as well be skincare.

Makeup Revolution’s Conceal & Define Foundation is the wallet-friendly answer to your full coverage needs. Its semi-matte finish provides just a little bit of satin shine, which is perfect for replicating the look of your natural skin. Whilst this foundation’s creamy consistency glides over dry skin like a dream, the oil free formula makes it suitable for oily skin too, so everyone’s a winner here.

A true multitasker, the Stila Stay All Day Foundation & Concealer is a two-in-one product – perfect for those who like to keep their makeup routine minimal. The foundation is in the main bottle and there’s a detachable head for the concealer – complete with a spatula to scoop it out. The formula glides over textured skin, large pores and fine lines, whilst also hydrating the skin. Thanks to its satin finish, you can expect to receive compliments on your new, healthy glow – which will take you all the way through from day to night.

An oldie but a goodie, the MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid SPF15 Foundation has been around in one form or another since we can remember. Whilst this foundation initially provides a more medium coverage, it’s designed to be completely buildable so you can layer it up to seamlessly cover blemishes without caking. If you’re on the hunt for a foundation which has skincare benefits too, you’ll be pleased to know that this product also contains SPF and is fully dermatologically tested.