Winter has a way of changing how makeup behaves on the skin. What once seemed so seamless can suddenly cling to dry patches, settle into fine lines or leave your complexion feeling tight by midday. As temperatures drop and humidity disappears, hydration stops being a nice-to-have and becomes essential.
Part of the problem is everything happening around your foundation. Cold air outside, heaters and hot showers inside all chip away at your moisture barrier. Skin loses water faster, feels rougher to the touch and any little bit of texture you normally ignore suddenly becomes visible under makeup. If you’re still using the same gel moisturiser, mattifying primer and long-wear base you loved in October, your face is probably telling you it’s time for a change.
A few tweaks go a long way: switch to a richer moisturiser, give it a few minutes to sink in and layer a hydrating primer or serum underneath your base. Look for foundations with humectants (like hyaluronic acid and glycerin) and barrier-supporting ingredients (like squalane and ceramides), and go easy on powder; just set the centre of the face instead of mattifying everything. Gentle exfoliation once or twice a week can help makeup glide on more smoothly, but the real goal is comfort: a base that moves with your skin instead of cracking against it.
That is where hydrating foundations come in. These formulas are designed to sit comfortably on dry skin, offering moisture, flexibility and a natural finish that lasts. We’re going for skin that looks fresh, smooth and healthy, even on the coldest days with the help of makeup that works with your skin rather than against it.
Below, our favourite ultra-hydrating base discoveries worth adding to your routine:
Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Serum Foundation SPF 20
A fluid, soothing formula that gives you light coverage and luminosity, while keeping the skin cushioned underneath. It’s breathable, blends effortlessly and stays comfortable through cold weather. A dependable base.
IT COSMETICS CC+ Cream Full-Coverage Foundation SPF 50+
This skincare-led CC cream delivers full coverage while keeping dry winter skin supple, thanks to its nourishing formula and broad-spectrum sun protection. The finish remains smooth and radiant; never heavy or cakey.
PAT McGRATH LABS Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation
Designed to mimic the look of perfected skin, this foundation offers a second-skin finish that sits beautifully on drier complexions. It enhances radiance while maintaining a hydrated appearance throughout the day.
Dior Forever Skin Glow 24H Hydrating Radiant Foundation
For skin that leans dry in winter, this foundation delivers long-lasting, slightly creamy hydration with a naturally radiant finish. It smooths over texture without settling into dry patches, leaving skin looking fresh and comfortable from morning to night. The glow feels healthy and natural.
SHISEIDO Revitalessence Skin Glow Foundation
Lightweight yet deeply hydrating, this medium coverage formulation helps improve skin texture over time while giving a soft, lit-from-within finish. Ideal for winter days when skin needs moisture without heaviness.
Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Foundation Luminous Matte
A rare balance of matte and comfort. While it holds up through long days, the formula keeps skin hydrated and supple, making it a reliable choice for dry skin that may not warrant a dewy finish in colder weather. The finish stays smooth and refined, never tight.
Kylie Cosmetics Skin Tint Blurring Elixir
Perfect for the minimalists, this fluid texture sinks into skin, offering hydration and gentle blurring rather than full coverage. Skin looks even, soft and naturally fresh with no emphasis on dryness and a barely-there feel.
PIXI On-the-Glow Moisture Stick
A nourishing, sheer coverage base for days when skin feels parched. The creamy stick glides on effortlessly, adding moisture and a glowing radiance that revives winter dullness. Best worn for a healthy, skin-like finish and on-the-go touch ups.
