I Have Dry, Flaky Skin & These Drugstore Foundations Saved My Skin

1 week ago 9

Shop Best Drugstore Foundations for Dry SkinE! News Illustration / Photos Courtesy of NYX Professional Makeup, e.l.f., Getty Images

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As someone who’s battled dry, flaky skin for what feels like forever, I know how tough it is to find a foundation that doesn’t cling to patches or look cakey by noon. Luxury brands have their appeal, but some of the best formulas I’ve tried come straight from the drugstore—and they’re absolute game-changers. These affordable foundations not only keep my skin hydrated but also deliver a smooth, radiant finish that lasts all day.

From lightweight, dewy options to full-coverage favorites, these picks lock in moisture without creasing or flaking. Think of ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to keep your skin quenched and glowing while still giving you that seamless, filtered finish. Plus, the price tags? Totally wallet-friendly, so you can experiment without regret.

If your dry skin struggles have you avoiding foundation altogether, these tried-and-true drugstore gems are about to change your routine—and your complexion.

Editor's Pick: Best for Dry Skin

Photos Courtesy of Camila Quimper - Wet N Wild Foundation

Wet n Wild Photo Focus Dewy Liquid Foundation

When cold winter days leave your skin dry and dull, Wet n Wild’s Photo Focus Dewy Foundation comes to the rescue. This hydrating, light-diffusing formula gives your skin a radiant, full-coverage finish that won’t cling to dry patches or flake. Even better, it keeps your complexion dewy and fresh all day—no matter how low the temps drop. Plus, with 20 shades and no flashback in sight (yes, it’s been tested in many lighting conditions), you’ll look as good in real life as you do in your iPhone photos.

Why We Love It:

  • Winter-Proof Glow: Keeps skin hydrated and radiant, even in chilly weather.
  • Dewy Full Coverage: Smooths and evens out skin without settling into dryness.
  • Selfie Approved: Tested for no flashback under seven lighting conditions.
  • Lightweight Feel: Hydrating without feeling heavy or greasy.
  • Wide Shade Range: 20 shades to keep your glow custom.

Best for Oily Skin:

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Can't Stop Won't Stop Foundation

Designed with inclusivity in mind, this waterproof formula comes in an impressive 45 shades, ensuring every skin tone and undertone is beautifully covered. The matte finish stays put all day, controlling shine without ever feeling heavy or drying. Enriched with vitamin E, it gives your skin a hydrated, smooth look—perfect for anyone who loves a polished, long-lasting makeup routine.

Why We Love It:

  • Inclusive Shade Range: 45 shades designed to match a variety of skin tones and undertones.
  • Full-Coverage Matte Finish: Provides a smooth, shine-free look that lasts all day.
  • Hydrating Formula: Enriched with vitamin E to keep skin feeling moisturized and comfortable.
  • Waterproof and Noncomedogenic: Perfect for humid days or long wear without clogging pores.
  • Shine Control: Keeps oil at bay without drying out your skin.

Best for Combination Skin:

e.l.f. Hydrating Camo CC Cream

Offering full coverage with a natural finish, this powerhouse product doesn’t stop at perfecting your complexion—it’s also infused with SPF 30, niacinamide, and peptides to boost your skin’s health while you wear it. The buildable formula makes it versatile, so you can go sheer or layer it up for extra coverage where you need it. Bonus: it doubles as a concealer, cutting down on steps in your routine. With 30 shades to choose from, you’ll have no trouble finding your match.

Why We Love It:

  • Full Coverage, Natural Finish: Corrects and evens out skin tone without looking cakey.
  • Built-In SPF 30: Protects your skin from harmful UV rays while you’re out and about.
  • Skin-Loving Ingredients: Niacinamide and peptides help brighten and hydrate.
  • Versatile Formula: Buildable coverage that works as both foundation and concealer.
  • Shade Inclusive: Available in 30 shades to suit a variety of skin tones.

Best Light Coverage:

Maybelline Super Stay Up to 24HR Skin Tint

Maybelline New York’s Super Stay 24H Skin Tint is your new secret weapon for dewy, radiant skin that looks and feels amazing. Packed with vitamin C, this lightweight formula brightens your complexion while offering buildable coverage that blends seamlessly for a skin-like finish. Whether you want to keep it sheer or go for a bit more coverage, it's perfect for achieving that fresh-faced glow. Bonus: Mix it with your favorite sunscreen or moisturizer to create a custom, all-in-one tinted formula that saves time and effort.

Why We Love It:

  • Radiant Skin-Like Finish: Leaves skin glowing and natural-looking, never heavy.
  • Buildable Coverage: Light to medium coverage that adjusts to your needs.
  • Vitamin C Boost: Brightens and nourishes for a healthier-looking complexion.
  • Multitasking Formula: Use alone or mix with sunscreen/moisturizer for a tinted, no-makeup makeup look.
  • Wide Shade Range: Available in 18 shades to match a variety of skin tones.

Best Medium Coverage:

e.l.f. Soft Glam Foundation

The E.L.F. Soft Glam Satin Foundation is here to check every box on your foundation wishlist. Need a breathable, buildable formula? Check. Want hydration and a soft satin finish that adapts to any look? Double check. Infused with skin-loving hibiscus, this long-wearing foundation keeps your complexion fresh and smooth without caking or clogging pores—making it a dream for acne-prone skin. Plus, with 36 inclusive shades, there’s a match for everyone.

Why We Love It:

  • Soft Satin Finish: Leaves skin looking smooth, hydrated, and natural.
  • Buildable Coverage: Perfect for everything from no-makeup makeup to full-glam transformations.
  • Hibiscus-Infused Hydration: Keeps your skin nourished and fresh all day.
  • Acne-Friendly Formula: Noncomedogenic, so it won’t clog pores or irritate acne-prone skin.
  • Inclusive Shade Range: Comes in 36 shades to suit a wide variety of skin tones.

Best Full Coverage:

Milani Conceal + Perfect Liquid Foundation

This thick, creamy formula pulls double duty as both foundation and concealer, offering full coverage that effortlessly hides blemishes, dark spots, and redness. Despite its rich texture, it’s breathable and comfortable enough for all-day wear. Plus, the pump bottle ensures a mess-free application every time. For the best results, apply one layer as foundation and add a second layer on problem areas for flawless coverage.

Why We Love It:

  • 2-in-1 Formula: Acts as both a foundation and concealer for seamless coverage.
  • Full-Coverage Finish: Hides imperfections without feeling heavy or cakey.
  • Breathable Texture: Thick and creamy yet lightweight for comfortable, long-lasting wear.
  • Mess-Free Pump Bottle: Makes application easy and precise.
  • Inclusive Shade Range: Available in 45 shades to match a variety of skin tones.

Best for Mature Skin:

Revolution Beauty Skin Silk Serum Foundation

Revolution Beauty’s Skin Silk Serum Foundation is the ultimate fusion of skincare and makeup. This lightweight formula gives your skin a dewy, radiant finish while delivering a boost of hydration and plumping power, thanks to hyaluronic acid and peptides. Whether you’re going for a fresh-faced tint or building up to fuller coverage, this foundation adjusts to your needs. With 18 inclusive shades, it’s a skin-loving essential that works just as hard as your favorite serum.

Why We Love It:

  • Skincare-Infused Formula: Packed with hyaluronic acid and peptides to hydrate and plump your skin.
  • Customizable Coverage: Use one layer for a tint-like glow or build up for more coverage.
  • Dewy Finish: Leaves your skin looking fresh, radiant, and naturally luminous.
  • Lightweight Feel: Breathable formula that won’t weigh you down.
  • Inclusive Shade Range: Available in 18 shades for a wide variety of skin tones.

How We Choose

The E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.

As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.

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