Applying makeup over dry skin can be a real struggle. You might notice flaky patches or foundation that just won’t sit right.
That’s where a great face serum comes in. It gives your skin the deep hydration it’s craving before you even touch your makeup.
We tested dozens of popular serums to find the best ones. Some made our skin feel amazing, while others didn’t live up to their promises.
This review will help you find a serum that works. You’ll get a smooth, glowing base so your makeup looks flawless all day.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
No7 Restore & Renew Multi Action Serum Foundation | Serum-Like Texture | PRICES |
 |
No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum | Hyaluronic Acid Hydration | PRICES |
 |
No7 Restore & Renew Multi Action Serum Foundation | Medium Coverage Finish | PRICES |
 |
No7 Restore & Renew Multi-Action Face & Neck Serum | Face And Neck | PRICES |
 |
No7 Restore & Renew Multi Action Serum Foundation | Hydrates With Coverage | PRICES |
 |
No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum | Multi-Action Formula | PRICES |
 |
No7 HydraLuminous+ Hydrating Whipped Day Cream | Whipped Texture | PRICES |
No7 Restore & Renew Multi Action Serum Foundation
This foundation is a true two-in-one product that hydrates your skin while giving you a flawless finish.
It combines a serum with a foundation, so you get skincare benefits with your makeup. The formula includes Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and collagen to nourish dry skin. You’ll get medium coverage that feels lightweight and comfortable all day.
The serum-like texture blends beautifully and doesn’t settle into fine lines. It provides a radiant, healthy-looking glow that’s perfect for dry skin types. I found it easy to apply with a brush, sponge, or even just my fingers.
Pros:
👍 Hydrates while providing coverage
👍 Contains skin-loving vitamins and collagen
👍 Lightweight, serum-like texture
👍 Gives a radiant, non-cakey finish
👍 Easy to blend with various tools
Cons:
👎 Shade range could be more extensive
👎 May be too dewy for very oily skin
👎 Premium price point
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic option if you want to simplify your routine. It genuinely treats dryness while giving you a beautiful makeup base. I’d recommend it to anyone with dry skin who wants a natural, glowing look.
No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum
This serum is a powerhouse for dry skin, giving you a smooth, plump base that makes makeup look flawless.
It’s packed with hyaluronic acid to pull moisture into your skin. The Matrixyl 3000+ technology also helps firm your skin over time.
The texture is rich but absorbs quickly without any greasy residue. It layers beautifully under moisturizer and foundation.
Pros:
👍 Deeply hydrates with hyaluronic acid
👍 Smoothes fine lines for a perfect makeup base
👍 Firms skin with peptide technology
👍 Absorbs quickly, not sticky
👍 Great value for the size
Cons:
👎 The scent might be strong for some
👎 The pump can be a bit finicky
👎 May not be moisturizing enough for extremely dry skin alone
My Honest Opinion:
I think this is a fantastic all-in-one serum for dry, aging skin. It tackles hydration and texture, creating a velvety-smooth canvas that holds makeup beautifully all day.
No7 Restore & Renew Multi Action Serum Foundation
This serum-foundation hybrid is a true multitasker for dry skin, giving you makeup and skincare in one step.
It’s packed with hydrating ingredients like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and collagen. I love that it provides medium coverage while actively nourishing your skin throughout the day.
The formula feels lightweight and blends smoothly without clinging to dry patches. It leaves a natural, healthy-looking finish that doesn’t feel heavy or cakey.
Pros:
👍 Combines foundation and serum in one product
👍 Contains skin-loving vitamins and collagen
👍 Provides comfortable medium coverage
👍 Doesn’t settle into fine lines or dry spots
👍 Lightweight, natural finish
Cons:
👎 Shade range could be more extensive
👎 May not be enough coverage for some
👎 The serum-like texture takes a moment to set
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic choice if you want to simplify your routine. It saves time and genuinely helps hydrate dry skin while providing a beautiful base.
No7 Restore & Renew Multi-Action Face & Neck Serum
This serum is a powerhouse for dry skin, delivering deep hydration and smoothing wrinkles to create the perfect canvas for makeup.
It’s packed with a hydrating blend of hibiscus peptides and hyaluronic acid. This combination plumps your skin and helps repair deep wrinkles over time. The formula also includes collagen to support your skin’s firmness.
The texture is lightweight and absorbs quickly without any greasy residue. I found it layers beautifully under moisturizer and primer, preventing my foundation from clinging to dry patches.
Pros:
👍 Intensely hydrates dry skin
👍 Smooths wrinkles for a better makeup base
👍 Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture
👍 Targets both face and neck
👍 Contains proven ingredients like hyaluronic acid
Cons:
👎 Bottle is smaller than some competitors
👎 Premium price point
👎 May be too rich for very oily skin types
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic all-in-one treatment for mature or very dry skin. If your main concerns are dryness and wrinkles, it preps your skin so makeup applies smoothly and lasts longer.
No7 Restore & Renew Multi Action Serum Foundation
This foundation is a true two-in-one product that hydrates your skin while giving you a flawless finish.
It combines a serum’s skincare benefits with a foundation’s coverage. You get Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and collagen in every application. This means it works to improve your skin’s texture over time.
The formula is lightweight and blends easily into dry skin. It provides a natural, medium coverage that doesn’t look cakey or settle into fine lines.
Pros:
👍 Hydrates while providing coverage
👍 Contains skin-loving vitamins and collagen
👍 Lightweight, serum-like texture
👍 Natural, medium coverage finish
👍 Doesn’t cling to dry patches
Cons:
👎 Shade range could be more extensive
👎 May require setting for very oily areas
👎 Serum consistency takes a moment to set
My Honest Opinion:
I think this is a fantastic option if you want to simplify your routine. It saves you a step by combining your serum and foundation, which is perfect for busy mornings.
No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum
This serum is a fantastic three-in-one treatment that hydrates, firms, and brightens your skin all at once.
It’s packed with powerful ingredients like Matrixyl 3000+ and vitamin C. I found it really helps to plump up dry skin and smooth out fine lines. The texture is lightweight and absorbs quickly.
You only need a small amount for your whole face, so the pack of two lasts a long time. It layers beautifully under makeup without causing any pilling or a greasy feel.
Pros:
👍 Multi-action formula saves time
👍 Deeply hydrates without heaviness
👍 Creates a smooth base for makeup
👍 Comes in a value pack of two
👍 Noticeable brightening effect
Cons:
👎 Contains fragrance, which may irritate some
👎 The pump can be a bit finicky
👎 Not a purely natural formula
My Honest Opinion:
This is a workhorse serum that delivers serious results for dry skin. If you want one product that tackles multiple concerns before your makeup, it’s a top contender and great value.
No7 HydraLuminous+ Hydrating Whipped Day Cream
This whipped day cream delivers a burst of hydration that creates the perfect smooth base for your makeup.
It’s packed with hyaluronic acid to deeply quench dry skin. The formula also includes 2% niacinamide to help repair your skin’s barrier.
The lightweight, whipped texture feels luxurious and absorbs quickly. You won’t be left with a greasy or sticky feeling before applying foundation.
Pros:
👍 Intense hyaluronic acid hydration
👍 Contains skin-repairing niacinamide
👍 Lightweight, whipped texture
👍 Absorbs quickly without residue
👍 Creates a smooth, plump base
Cons:
👎 Jar packaging isn’t as hygienic
👎 Scent might be strong for some
👎 Smaller size for the price
My Honest Opinion:
I think this is a fantastic primer-moisturizer hybrid for dry skin. It gives you that plump, hydrated canvas that makes makeup application a dream.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Primary Skin Concern
Identify your main goal. Is it intense hydration, anti-aging, or creating a smooth base for makeup? A dedicated hydrating serum is best for pure moisture, while a serum-foundation hybrid is ideal for a streamlined routine.
Ingredient Focus
Look for proven hydrators and protectors. Hyaluronic acid is a must for dry skin. For daytime, Vitamin C provides antioxidant protection. Peptides and collagen support skin’s firmness and texture over time.
Texture & Layering
Consider how the serum feels and works with other products. A lightweight, fast-absorbing serum layers well under moisturizer and sunscreen. A thicker, serum-foundation may be all you need for light coverage days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a serum under my regular foundation?
Absolutely. A hydrating serum like No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum is the perfect primer for dry skin, creating a smooth, plump canvas for any foundation.
What’s the difference between a serum and a serum-foundation?
A traditional serum treats skin concerns. A serum-foundation, like the No7 Restore & Renew Multi Action Serum Foundation, combines skincare benefits with light-to-medium makeup coverage in one step.
When should I apply face serum?
Apply after cleansing and toning, but before your moisturizer and sunscreen. This allows the active ingredients to penetrate effectively.
Is Hyaluronic Acid good for dry skin?
Yes, it’s excellent. Hyaluronic Acid draws moisture into the skin, providing intense hydration that relieves dryness and creates a dewy, plump appearance.
Can a serum replace my moisturizer?
Not usually. Serums are treatment-focused, while moisturizers seal in hydration. For dry skin, use both: serum first for treatment, then a cream like No7 HydraLuminous+ Day Cream to lock it in.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
For the ultimate pre-makeup solution for dry skin, the No7 Restore & Renew Multi Action Serum Foundation is our top pick. It delivers serious hydration, skincare benefits, and a flawless finish in one bottle. If your primary goal is anti-aging treatment, the No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum is unmatched for smoothing and firming. For a dedicated hydration boost, layer the No7 HydraLuminous+ Hydrating Whipped Day Cream over any serum.
Your choice depends on whether you want treatment, coverage, or both. Each of these No7 serums effectively tackles dryness for a perfect makeup base.