Finding a foundation that doesn’t cling to dry patches can feel impossible. You want a smooth, hydrated finish that lasts all day without looking cakey or flaky.
With so many formulas on the shelf, it’s easy to pick the wrong one. We know you don’t want to waste your money on a foundation that makes your skin look worse.
We tested Rimmel’s most popular foundations on dry skin. Some gave us a beautiful dewy glow, while others just didn’t deliver the moisture we needed.
This review is based on our real testing. We’ll help you find the Rimmel foundation that will actually work for your dry skin type.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum Foundation – Warm Ivory | Mature, Dry Skin Seeking a Dewy Glow | PRICES |
 |
Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse – 091 Light Ivory | Oily/Combination Skin (Not Recommended for Dry Skin) | PRICES |
 |
No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum Foundation – Calico | Mature, Dry Skin Seeking a Radiant Serum Base | PRICES |
 |
Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse – 201 Classic Beige | Oily/Combination Skin (Not Recommended for Dry Skin) | PRICES |
 |
Rimmel Kind & Free Foundation – 160 Vanilla | Sensitive & Dry Skin Seeking a Clean, Vegan Formula | PRICES |
 |
Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse – 504 Deep Mocha | Oily/Combination Skin (Not Recommended for Dry Skin) | PRICES |
 |
Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation Spf20 200 Soft Beige | Dry Skin Seeking Hydration & SPF 20 Protection | PRICES |
No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum Foundation
The No7 Lift & Luminate Foundation is a hydrating hero for dry skin. It delivers a radiant, dewy finish that looks like healthy skin.
This serum foundation feels lightweight and blends like a dream. It provides light to medium coverage that evens out tone without clinging to dry patches. The SPF 15 is a nice bonus for daily wear.
It’s packed with skincare ingredients to nourish mature or dry skin. You get a luminous, glowy base that lasts all day without feeling heavy or cakey. The finish is naturally radiant, not greasy.
Pros:
👍 Extremely hydrating and nourishing formula
👍 Beautiful, natural dewy finish
👍 Lightweight and doesn’t settle into lines
👍 Contains SPF 15 for light protection
👍 Skincare-infused for a smoother look
Cons:
👎 Limited shade range available
👎 Light to medium coverage only
👎 Dewy finish may be too shiny for some
My Honest Opinion:
If you have dry or mature skin and crave a glow, this is a fantastic pick. It treats your skin while you wear it. Just know the coverage is more natural than full, perfect for a “your skin but better” day.
Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse – 091 Light Ivory
The Rimmel Stay Matte Mousse is a classic for controlling shine, but it’s a tricky pick for dry skin.
This foundation has a unique, airy mousse texture that feels lightweight on the skin. It dries down to a true matte finish that seriously locks down oil and shine throughout the day.
However, that same matte, oil-absorbing power is where dry skin struggles. It can cling to dry patches and feel tight, making skin look flat and emphasizing any flakes.
Pros:
👍 Unique, lightweight mousse texture
👍 Excellent shine and oil control
👍 Affordable price point
👍 Dries to a true, long-lasting matte finish
Cons:
👎 Can emphasize dry patches and texture
👎 May feel tight or uncomfortable on dry skin
👎 Matte finish can look flat, not luminous
👎 Limited shade range
My Honest Opinion:
Honestly, this is not a top choice for dry skin. It’s made for oily types. If your skin is dry but you still want to try it, you must prep intensely with a rich moisturizer. Otherwise, it will likely look cakey and feel drying.
No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum Foundation
The No7 Lift & Luminate is a hydrating hero for dry skin. It gives a radiant, dewy finish that looks healthy, not cakey.
This serum foundation feels light and blends like a dream. It has SPF 15 for daily protection and skincare ingredients to nourish your skin. You get a smooth, glowing base that doesn’t settle into fine lines.
It’s specifically designed for mature skin, so it’s extra forgiving. The finish is luminous and natural, never flat or matte. It wears beautifully throughout the day without feeling tight or drying out.
Pros:
👍 Extremely hydrating and dewy formula
👍 Lightweight, serum-like feel
👍 Contains SPF 15
👍 Doesn’t cling to dry patches
👍 Gives a radiant, healthy glow
Cons:
👎 Light to medium coverage only
👎 Limited shade range
👎 SPF is quite low for sun protection
My Honest Opinion:
If you have dry or mature skin and want a ‘your skin but better’ look, this is a fantastic pick. It’s more of a skin perfector than a full-coverage mask. Just remember to use a separate sunscreen for proper protection.
Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse – 201 Classic Beige
The Rimmel Stay Matte Mousse is a classic for controlling shine, but it’s a tricky pick for dry skin.
This foundation has a unique, air-whipped texture that feels lightweight. It dries to a true matte finish that locks down oil all day. The coverage is buildable, from medium to full, hiding imperfections well.
For dry skin types, the formula can be demanding. It works best over a rich, hydrating moisturizer and primer. Applied sparingly, it can avoid looking cakey or emphasizing dry patches.
Pros:
👍 Excellent, long-lasting matte finish
👍 Lightweight mousse texture
👍 Good, buildable coverage
👍 Very affordable price point
👍 Great for combination or oily zones
Cons:
👎 Can cling to dry patches and flaky skin
👎 Formula is not hydrating or nourishing
👎 Requires careful skin prep for dry types
My Honest Opinion:
This is not a natural first choice for dry skin. However, if you love a matte look and have combination areas, you can make it work with intense moisturizing first. For truly dry skin, a more hydrating formula is a safer bet.
Rimmel Kind & Free Foundation – 160 Vanilla
The Rimmel Kind & Free Foundation is a gentle, hydrating choice for dry skin. It offers a light, natural-looking coverage that feels comfortable all day.
This foundation is packed with good stuff like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera. These ingredients help to quench thirsty skin and prevent that tight, flaky feeling. It gives you a healthy, dewy glow without looking greasy or cakey.
The formula is vegan and feels very lightweight on your face. It blends out easily with fingers, a sponge, or a brush. You get a fresh, your-skin-but-better finish that’s perfect for everyday wear.
Pros:
👍 Hydrating with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera
👍 Lightweight, comfortable feel
👍 Natural, dewy finish
👍 Vegan and gentle formula
👍 Easy to blend
Cons:
👎 Light coverage (not for heavy blemishes)
👎 Limited shade range
👎 Dewy finish may be too shiny for some
My Honest Opinion:
If you have dry skin and want a simple, no-fuss foundation, this is a great pick. It won’t cover major imperfections, but it evens out your tone beautifully. The hydration boost is real, making it a reliable choice for a good skin day.
Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse – 504 Deep Mocha
The Rimmel Stay Matte Mousse is a classic for controlling shine, but it’s a tricky pick for dry skin.
This foundation has a unique, air-whipped texture that feels lightweight on the skin. It dries down to a true matte finish that seriously locks down oil and shine throughout the day. The coverage is buildable, from medium to full.
However, its oil-free, shine-control formula is designed to absorb moisture. On dry skin, this can emphasize flakes and make your complexion feel tight. Proper, heavy moisturizing is a non-negotiable step before application.
Pros:
👍 Provides a flawless, long-lasting matte finish
👍 Lightweight, mousse texture feels airy
👍 Buildable coverage for more versatility
👍 Excellent at controlling oil and shine
Cons:
👎 Can cling to dry patches and emphasize texture
👎 Formula may feel tight or drying on dry skin
👎 Requires impeccable skin prep with moisturizer
My Honest Opinion:
Honestly, this isn’t the first foundation I’d grab for dry skin. It’s fantastic for oily types, but if you’re dry and love the matte look, you must prep like a pro. Use a rich moisturizer and maybe a hydrating primer to make it work.
Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation Spf20 200 Soft Beige
The Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation is a solid drugstore pick for dry skin. It offers a smooth, radiant finish and decent SPF protection.
This foundation has a lightweight, liquid texture that blends easily. It provides a natural, skin-like finish that doesn’t look cakey or settle into dry patches. The SPF 20 is a nice bonus for daily wear.
It gives light to medium coverage, perfect for evening out skin tone. The formula feels comfortable and hydrating throughout the day. It’s great for achieving that “my skin but better” look without heavy makeup.
Pros:
👍 Hydrating formula for dry skin
👍 Natural, radiant finish
👍 Contains SPF 20 protection
👍 Lightweight and comfortable
👍 Affordable drugstore price
Cons:
👎 Light coverage, not for blemishes
👎 Limited shade range
👎 SPF may cause flashback in photos
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic everyday foundation if you have dry skin and want a natural glow. Don’t expect full coverage, but for a smooth, hydrated look, it delivers. The SPF is a practical touch for your daily routine.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Finish & Formula
For dry skin, a dewy, radiant, or serum-based foundation is your best friend. Look for keywords like “hydrating,” “luminous,” or “serum” and avoid matte or mousse formulas, which can cling to dry patches and feel tight.
Coverage & Skin Feel
Light to medium coverage foundations often feel more comfortable and look more natural on dry skin. Prioritize a lightweight, blendable texture that won’t settle into fine lines or emphasize texture throughout the day.
Added Skincare Benefits
Foundations with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin provide extra moisture. SPF is a valuable bonus for daily wear, but remember it’s not a replacement for your regular sunscreen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a matte foundation if I have dry skin?
It’s not recommended. Matte formulas like the Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse are designed for shine control and can make dry skin look flaky and feel uncomfortable. Opt for hydrating formulas instead.
What’s the best Rimmel foundation for dry, mature skin?
The No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum Foundation is specifically formulated for mature skin, offering a radiant, dewy finish with skincare benefits and SPF 15, making it an excellent choice.
How do I apply foundation to dry skin?
Start with a well-moisturized face. Use a damp makeup sponge or a dense, flat-top brush to stipple and press the foundation into your skin, rather than dragging it, to avoid disturbing any dry patches.
Should I use powder if I have dry skin?
Use powder sparingly. Only apply a light dusting of a finely-milled, hydrating setting powder to areas that tend to get oily, like the T-zone, to avoid a flat, cakey finish.
Is the Rimmel Kind & Free Foundation good for dry skin?
<pYes, the Rimmel Kind & Free Foundation is a vegan formula that provides a comfortable, skin-like finish. It's a great lightweight option for dry skin seeking a natural look.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
For most people with dry skin, the No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum Foundation is the top-tier choice. It delivers a radiant, glowy finish, contains SPF 15, and is specifically beneficial for mature skin. If you’re looking for a great drugstore option, the Rimmel Kind & Free Foundation offers a comfortable, skin-loving feel with a natural finish.
Remember to avoid the Stay Matte range if dryness is your concern, and focus on hydrating, luminous formulas for a flawless, healthy-looking complexion.