If you have dry skin, you know the struggle. Your makeup can look flaky or cakey by lunchtime, which is so frustrating.
You need products that hydrate your skin, not suck the moisture out. Cream-based formulas are your best friend because they blend like a dream and add a healthy glow.
We tested dozens of creams to find the top performers. We looked for lasting hydration, smooth application, and a natural finish that won’t settle into fine lines.
This review is based on our real testing. We’ll help you find a cream makeup that makes your dry skin look dewy and flawless all day.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced All in One Foundation | SPF 50 Protection | PRICES |
 |
No7 HydraLuminous+ Hydrating Whipped Day Cream | Intense Hydration | PRICES |
 |
IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream (Neutral Medium) | SPF 50+ Protection | PRICES |
 |
No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum Foundation | Hydrating Serum Texture | PRICES |
 |
IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream (Fair Light) | SPF 50+ Protection | PRICES |
 |
IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Travel (Light Neutral) | Travel-Friendly Size | PRICES |
 |
IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream (Neutral Tan) | SPF 50+ Sunscreen | PRICES |
No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced All in One Foundation
This foundation is a true multi-tasker, offering serious skincare benefits alongside a flawless finish.
It’s packed with SPF 50 to protect your skin from sun damage. The formula also works to reduce redness and blur the look of pores.
The cream texture feels hydrating and blends smoothly onto dry skin. It doesn’t settle into fine lines or feel heavy throughout the day.
Pros:
👍 High SPF 50 protection
👍 Helps reduce redness
👍 Blurs the appearance of pores
👍 Hydrating, non-drying formula
👍 Age-defying skincare benefits
Cons:
👎 Shade range could be more extensive
👎 Can feel slightly heavy if you apply too much
👎 Premium price point
My Honest Opinion:
I think this is a fantastic choice if you want your makeup to also care for your skin. The high SPF and hydrating feel make it a standout for dry skin types.
No7 HydraLuminous+ Hydrating Whipped Day Cream
This whipped cream delivers a serious hydration boost that lasts all day without feeling heavy.
It’s packed with hyaluronic acid to attract moisture and 2% niacinamide to strengthen your skin’s barrier. I found it really helps repair that dry, tight feeling.
The texture is light and airy, absorbing quickly so it’s perfect under makeup. You won’t be left with a greasy or sticky residue, which is a big win.
Pros:
👍 Intense, long-lasting hydration
👍 Light, whipped texture absorbs fast
👍 Contains barrier-repairing niacinamide
👍 Works beautifully under foundation
👍 Doesn’t feel heavy or greasy
Cons:
👎 The jar packaging isn’t the most hygienic
👎 Scent might be noticeable to some
👎 You may go through it quickly with daily use
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic daily moisturizer for dry skin that needs a moisture surge. It feels luxurious and actually works, making it a reliable staple in my routine.
IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream (Neutral Medium)
This cream is a true multi-tasker that hydrates while giving you flawless, full coverage.
It’s packed with skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and peptides. You get serious SPF 50+ protection and color correction in one step. It feels lightweight but still covers imperfections beautifully.
The formula is creamy and blends easily into dry skin. It doesn’t settle into fine lines or feel cakey. You’ll love the natural, radiant finish it gives you.
Pros:
👍 Excellent SPF 50+ sun protection
👍 Hydrating with hyaluronic acid and peptides
👍 Buildable, natural full coverage
👍 Lightweight, non-cakey feel
👍 Color-correcting and anti-aging benefits
Cons:
👎 Shade range can be tricky to match
👎 Premium price point
👎 Can transfer if not set properly
My Honest Opinion:
This is my go-to when my skin feels parched but I still want great coverage. It truly feels like skincare that also happens to be great makeup. If you want to simplify your routine, this all-in-one product is a fantastic choice.
No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum Foundation
This foundation is a true triple threat, offering a radiant glow, skincare benefits, and sun protection all in one bottle.
It’s a serum-foundation hybrid, so it feels incredibly lightweight and hydrating on dry skin. The formula is designed to lift and illuminate, giving you a dewy, fresh-faced look without settling into fine lines.
I found it blends out beautifully with a sponge or fingers for a natural, skin-like finish. The built-in SPF 15 is a nice bonus for daily wear, adding an extra layer of protection.
Pros:
👍 Incredibly hydrating and lightweight serum texture
👍 Provides a luminous, dewy glow that fights a dull complexion
👍 Contains SPF 15 for everyday sun protection
👍 Designed to be flattering on mature skin types
👍 Doesn’t cling to dry patches or settle into wrinkles
Cons:
👎 SPF 15 is quite low for dedicated sun protection
👎 The radiant finish might be too glowy for very oily areas
👎 Limited shade range compared to some brands
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic “your skin but better” foundation for dry skin. If you want hydration and a healthy glow without heavy coverage, you’ll love how this makes your skin look and feel.
IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream (Fair Light)
This cream is a true all-in-one miracle worker that hydrates while giving you flawless, full coverage.
It’s packed with skincare benefits like hyaluronic acid and peptides to plump dry skin. You also get serious sun protection with SPF 50+ built right in. It truly does the job of a serum, moisturizer, foundation, and sunscreen.
The texture is creamy and blends beautifully without clinging to dry patches. I find it gives a natural, dewy finish that doesn’t look cakey, even with its impressive coverage.
Pros:
👍 Incredible multi-tasking formula
👍 High SPF 50+ protection
👍 Hydrates with hyaluronic acid
👍 Buildable, natural-looking coverage
👍 Contains anti-aging peptides
Cons:
👎 Shade range can be tricky to match
👎 Higher price point than some options
👎 Can feel heavy if you apply too much
My Honest Opinion:
This is my top pick for dry skin days when I want my makeup to also care for my skin. It’s worth the investment if you want one product that does it all beautifully.
IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Travel (Light Neutral)
This travel-sized CC cream is a powerhouse for dry skin, packing serious hydration and SPF 50+ into a tiny tube.
It’s a true multi-tasker, working as a foundation, color corrector, and anti-aging serum all in one. The formula is infused with hyaluronic acid and peptides to plump and moisturize your skin throughout the day. You get natural-looking, full coverage that lasts for up to 24 hours.
The texture is creamy and blends beautifully without clinging to dry patches. I found the SPF 50+ to be a major bonus for daily protection, and the travel size is perfect for testing the formula or keeping in your purse.
Pros:
👍 Intensely hydrating with hyaluronic acid
👍 Built-in SPF 50+ sunscreen
👍 Multi-tasking formula (foundation, corrector, serum)
👍 Travel-friendly size
👍 Provides natural full coverage
Cons:
👎 Shade range can be tricky to match online
👎 Travel size runs out quickly with daily use
👎 Premium price point for the amount
My Honest Opinion:
This is my go-to for dry skin days when I want coverage that cares for my complexion. It feels more like skincare than makeup, and the high SPF gives me great peace of mind. Just be sure to check your shade carefully before you buy.
IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream (Neutral Tan)
This cream is a true all-in-one hero for dry skin, offering serious hydration alongside full coverage and sun protection.
It’s packed with skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and peptides. These work to plump your skin while you wear it. You also get SPF 50+ protection built right in.
The texture is creamy and blends beautifully without clinging to dry patches. It feels lightweight on the skin, which is surprising for a product with such good coverage.
Pros:
👍 Excellent hydration with hyaluronic acid
👍 High SPF 50+ sunscreen included
👍 Provides natural-looking full coverage
👍 Contains anti-aging peptides
👍 Doesn’t feel heavy or cakey
Cons:
👎 The shade range can be tricky to match
👎 It’s on the pricier side
👎 Can transfer if not set properly
My Honest Opinion:
If you want one product to do it all, this is a fantastic choice. It simplifies your routine by combining foundation, skincare, and sunscreen. I think it’s worth the splurge for the convenience and finish.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Hydration & Skincare Ingredients
Look for formulas with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and peptides. These ingredients actively hydrate and repair your skin barrier throughout the day, preventing your makeup from clinging to dry patches.
Coverage & Finish
Decide if you want a natural, dewy glow or a more perfected, full-coverage look. Cream foundations often offer buildable coverage, so you can start light and add more where needed without a cakey feel.
Sun Protection & Wear
SPF is a major bonus for daily wear. A good cream for dry skin should have a hydrating, long-wearing formula that doesn’t settle into fine lines or fade unevenly after a few hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cream makeup better for dry skin than liquid?
Generally, yes. Cream-based formulas are typically richer in moisturizing ingredients and have a more emollient texture that doesn’t emphasize dryness or flakiness like some matte liquids can.
Can I use cream foundation without moisturizer?
It’s not recommended. Always start with a hydrated base. Apply your regular moisturizer and let it absorb fully before applying your cream makeup for the smoothest, most even application.
How do I apply cream makeup for a natural look?
Use a damp makeup sponge or a dense foundation brush. Stipple and press the product into your skin rather than dragging it, which helps blend seamlessly and maintains the hydrating finish.
Will cream makeup make my skin look oily?
A dewy finish is different from oily. The best creams for dry skin provide a healthy, luminous glow. If you get shiny in certain areas, you can lightly set just those spots with a translucent powder.
How do I choose the right shade in cream formulas?
Test on your jawline in natural light. The shade should disappear into your skin. Since cream products can oxidize slightly, it’s often wise to select a shade that matches your skin exactly or is a hair lighter.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
After reviewing the top options, the IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream stands out as the best all-in-one solution for dry skin. It delivers serious hydration, buildable full coverage, and SPF 50 in a lightweight, skin-loving formula. For those seeking a more traditional foundation with anti-aging benefits, the No7 Lift & Luminate Serum Foundation offers a radiant, dewy finish. If your primary concern is intense hydration with lighter coverage, start with the No7 HydraLuminous+ Whipped Day Cream as your perfecting base.
Your skin’s needs will guide you, but each of these creams provides the essential moisture and finish that dry skin craves.