Finding a foundation for dry skin can feel like a constant battle. You want a flawless, matte finish, but you don’t want it to cling to dry patches or look cakey.
We know how frustrating it is when a product makes your skin look worse. That’s why we focused on cream to powder formulas, which can offer the best of both worlds.
Our team tested dozens of popular foundations on dry skin. We looked for formulas that provided buildable coverage without emphasizing texture or flakiness throughout the day.
We’re here to share our honest results. This review will help you find a foundation that truly works for your skin, so you can skip the guesswork.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
IT Cosmetics CC+ Airbrush Perfecting Powder Foundation (Light) | Blurring & Anti-Aging | PRICES |
 |
Cream To Powder Foundation by Flori Roberts | Deeper Skin Tones | PRICES |
 |
Cream To Powder Foundation by Flori Roberts | Full Coverage for Women of Color | PRICES |
 |
L.A. COLORS Cream to Powder Foundation, Nude | Budget-Friendly Option | PRICES |
 |
IT Cosmetics CC+ Airbrush Perfecting Powder Foundation (Fair) | Fair Skin with Anti-Aging | PRICES |
 |
QIUFSSE Airbrush Foundation Makeup Spray | Mature Skin & Airbrush Finish | PRICES |
 |
L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Creamy Powder Foundation | Mature & Dry Skin | PRICES |
IT Cosmetics CC+ Airbrush Perfecting Powder Foundation
This powder foundation is a game-changer for dry skin. It feels hydrating and never looks cakey or emphasizes flakes.
It blurs pores and dark spots like a filter in real life. The coverage builds beautifully from a light veil to a full, perfected finish. You get skincare benefits from the collagen and niacinamide, too.
It’s a true cream-to-powder formula that melts into your skin. The finish is radiant and natural, not flat or dusty. It sets your makeup without sucking the moisture out of your face.
Pros:
👍 Hydrating formula perfect for dry skin
👍 Blurs pores and imperfections effectively
👍 Buildable, natural-looking coverage
👍 Contains anti-aging skincare ingredients
👍 Never looks cakey or heavy
Cons:
👎 Limited shade range can be tricky to match
👎 The compact is small for the price
👎 Can kick up a lot of powder if you swirl your brush
My Honest Opinion:
If you have dry skin and have always been scared of powder, try this one. It genuinely feels like a cream and gives a flawless, skin-like finish. It’s one of the few powders that actually improves my skin’s look throughout the day.
Cream To Powder Foundation by Flori Roberts
The Flori Roberts foundation is a full-coverage hero for deeper skin tones. It provides a long-lasting, matte finish that truly covers imperfections.
This cream-to-powder formula glides on smoothly and sets to a beautiful matte finish. It’s specifically designed to cover uneven complexions and hide blemishes without looking cakey. The long-wearing formula means your makeup stays put all day.
It offers buildable coverage, allowing you to go from a natural look to full glam. The shade range is curated to flatter women of color, avoiding ashy or gray undertones.
Pros:
👍 Excellent full coverage for imperfections
👍 Long-lasting, matte finish
👍 Designed for deeper skin tones
👍 Buildable formula
👍 Smooth, blendable application
Cons:
👎 Matte finish may not suit very dry skin
👎 Limited shade range for very fair skin
👎 Compact size is smaller than some
My Honest Opinion:
If you have a deeper skin tone and need serious coverage, this foundation delivers. The matte finish is fantastic, but if your skin is extremely dry, you’ll need a heavy-duty moisturizer first to prevent it from feeling tight.
Cream To Powder Foundation by Flori Roberts
The Flori Roberts foundation is a full-coverage hero for deeper skin tones. It gives a smooth, matte finish that lasts all day.
This cream-to-powder formula glides on easily and sets to a beautiful matte look. It’s fantastic at covering uneven skin tone and hiding imperfections without looking cakey. The finish feels lightweight and comfortable for long wear.
It’s specifically designed to flatter women of color with a range of rich, deep shades. The product is long-lasting, so you don’t have to worry about constant touch-ups throughout your busy day.
Pros:
👍 Excellent full coverage
👍 Flattering shades for deeper skin tones
👍 Long-lasting, matte finish
👍 Lightweight feel
👍 Hides imperfections effectively
Cons:
👎 The matte finish may be too drying for some
👎 Compact size is smaller than expected
👎 Limited shade range for very fair skin
My Honest Opinion:
If you have dry skin, be cautious with the matte finish as it might emphasize flakes. However, for those with normal to combination skin seeking serious coverage in deep shades, this is a fantastic, long-wearing option that delivers on its promises.
L.A. COLORS Cream to Powder Foundation, Nude CCP324
The L.A. COLORS Cream to Powder Foundation is a fantastic budget-friendly find for dry skin.
It starts as a creamy, blendable formula that feels hydrating on the skin. The finish transforms to a soft, velvety powder that doesn’t cling to dry patches. You get buildable coverage that looks like skin, not a mask.
It’s incredibly easy to apply with your fingers or a sponge for a quick, polished look. The compact is slim and perfect for on-the-go touch-ups throughout your day. For the price, the quality and performance are seriously impressive.
Pros:
👍 Very affordable price point
👍 Hydrating cream formula doesn’t cake
👍 Soft, natural powder finish
👍 Buildable, skin-like coverage
👍 Compact and portable for travel
Cons:
👎 Limited shade range available
👎 Lasting power is average on oily areas
👎 Can emphasize texture if over-applied
My Honest Opinion:
Don’t let the low price fool you. This foundation delivers a smooth, hydrated finish that rivals many high-end brands. If you have dry skin and want an easy, no-fuss foundation, this is a steal you need to try.
IT Cosmetics CC+ Airbrush Perfecting Powder Foundation
This powder foundation is a game-changer for dry skin. It feels hydrating and never looks cakey or emphasizes flakes.
It blurs pores and dark spots with a buildable finish. You can go from a light, natural look to full coverage easily. The built-in skincare with collagen and niacinamide is a major bonus.
It wears comfortably all day without settling into fine lines. The finish is a soft, perfected matte that still lets your skin look like skin.
Pros:
👍 Hydrating formula perfect for dry skin
👍 Buildable coverage from sheer to full
👍 Blurs pores and imperfections effectively
👍 Contains anti-aging skincare ingredients
👍 Lightweight, non-cakey feel
Cons:
👎 Limited shade range can be tricky
👎 The compact contains a small amount of product
👎 Price is on the higher end for a powder
My Honest Opinion:
If you’ve always thought powder and dry skin don’t mix, this will change your mind. It’s the only powder I’ve used that truly hydrates while giving a flawless, airbrushed finish. It’s worth the splurge.
QIUFSSE Airbrush Foundation Makeup Spray
The QIUFSSE Airbrush Foundation gives a smooth, radiant finish that doesn’t settle into fine lines.
This spray foundation offers buildable full coverage with a lightweight feel. It is designed to be long-lasting and waterproof for all-day wear. The airbrush technology creates a flawless, second-skin effect.
It is specifically formulated to be kind to mature and dry skin types. The finish is smooth and radiant, not flat or cakey. You can easily control the coverage from natural to full glam.
Pros:
👍 Lightweight, airbrushed finish
👍 Buildable full coverage
👍 Long-lasting and waterproof formula
👍 Doesn’t emphasize dryness or lines
👍 Easy to apply and blend
Cons:
👎 Can require practice to apply evenly
👎 Shade range may be limited
👎 Might not be ideal for very sensitive skin
My Honest Opinion:
If you have dry skin and want a foundation that feels like nothing, try this. It gives a gorgeous, radiant finish that lasts. The spray application is unique but delivers a truly smooth, poreless look.
L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Creamy Powder Foundation
The L’Oréal Age Perfect foundation is a game-changer for dry skin. It feels creamy and hydrating, not chalky or drying like many powders.
This powder foundation is infused with caring ingredients. It glides over dry patches and fine lines instead of settling into them. You get a smooth, radiant finish that looks like real skin.
It provides buildable coverage from a natural look to a perfected finish. The compact is great for quick touch-ups throughout your day without caking up.
Pros:
👍 Hydrating, creamy powder formula
👍 Doesn’t settle into fine lines or dry patches
👍 Provides a radiant, skin-like finish
👍 Buildable coverage for flexibility
👍 Great for quick, non-cakey touch-ups
Cons:
👎 Limited shade range for deeper skin tones
👎 The compact contains a small amount of product
👎 Can be too dewy for very oily skin types
My Honest Opinion:
If you have dry or mature skin and have given up on powder foundations, try this one. It truly feels different—more like a cream that sets. It’s the easiest way to get a flawless, no-makeup look without the dryness.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Finish and Hydration
For dry skin, a matte finish can sometimes emphasize flakes. Look for foundations that offer a natural, satin, or radiant finish. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, collagen, and niacinamide can help provide a boost of moisture throughout the day.
Coverage and Application
Cream to powder formulas can build from medium to full coverage. Using a dense, flat-top brush will give you the most coverage, while a damp beauty sponge will provide a lighter, more skin-like finish. Always start with less product and build up.
Shade Range and Longevity
It’s crucial to find a brand with a shade that matches your undertones, especially for deeper complexions. A good cream to powder foundation should set itself without needing a separate powder, locking in your look for hours without feeling tight or cakey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cream to powder foundation good for mature, dry skin?
Yes, it can be an excellent choice. Formulas like the IT Cosmetics CC+ Powder and L’Oréal Age Perfect are specifically infused with anti-aging and hydrating ingredients that don’t settle into fine lines.
How do I apply cream to powder foundation?
Use a buffing brush for a flawless, airbrushed effect or your fingertips to warm the product for a more natural, skin-like application. Press and roll the product onto the skin rather than swiping.
Will cream to powder foundation look cakey?
If you apply too much, it can. The key is to start with a small amount and build coverage only where you need it. Proper skin prep with a good moisturizer is also essential to prevent cakiness.
Which cream to powder foundation is best for dark skin tones?
The Flori Roberts Cream to Powder Foundation is specifically designed for women of color, offering a range of deep, rich shades with reliable, full coverage.
Do I need to set a cream to powder foundation with powder?
Typically, no. The product is designed to transform from a cream to a powder finish, setting itself. You may only want to lightly powder the T-zone if you have combination skin.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
After reviewing the top options, the IT Cosmetics CC+ Airbrush Perfecting Powder Foundation is our top overall pick for its buildable coverage, skin-loving ingredients, and flattering, blurring finish on dry skin. For those seeking a dedicated cream to powder formula with an extensive shade range for deeper skin, the Flori Roberts Cream To Powder Foundation is unmatched. If you’re on a budget, L.A. COLORS Cream to Powder Foundation provides a surprisingly smooth and affordable option.
Your perfect match depends on your coverage needs and budget, but any of these selections will help you achieve a flawless complexion without drying out your skin.