The 11 Best Foundations For Winter, As Per A Makeup Artist – 2024
Let your skin glow with these non-greasy, lightweight, and hydrating foundations.
Anastasiia TomchenkoProfessional Makeup Artist & Hairstylist 
Anastasiia is a highly accomplished makeup artist and hairstylist with a career spanning over 15 years. She has worked on photoshoots for international magazines and as a makeup artist on television. She has also prepared celebrities for va... more
baishali bhattacharyaMA (English) Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior ... more
srijani roy chowdhuryMA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a ce... more
srijita deMA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in ... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Winter is one of the best seasons, and it brings in the holidays as well. Along with the cold and festivities comes the dryness. To beat the cold and look your best, you need to get your hands on the best foundation for winter. These specially formulated foundations enriched with vitamin E and minerals help moisturize your skin and give it a radiant glow. Suitable for covering your blemishes and dark spots, special winter foundations are a must-have for exceptional results. To know how you can get the best foundation for winter, scroll down to our list now!
In This Article
11 Best Hydrating Foundations To Combat Dry Skin In Winter
1. Best Overall: Maybelline New York Fit Me Dewy + Smooth
The Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation by Maybelline New York forms a protective layer on the skin to prevent sun damage and dry patches. The non-comedogenic formula is perfect for normal to dry skin and in cold weather. Joy Fennell, a famous makeup artist, swears by this product for her clients Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors, and Vera Wang to name a few. The 220 Natural Beige shade is suitable for light skin and gives a natural-looking finish. It blends well and leaves the skin with a rich and luminous, glowy finish. The makeup artist-approved foundation is enriched with vitamin E that hydrates and nourishes your skin during the winters. It reduces skin darkening, blemishes, dark circles, and spots. If you are an absolute beginner, this video review featuring the reviewer’s experience with the product might be useful.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Adds a healthy glow
- Fragrance-free
- All-day wear
- Breathable
- Blends well
- Allergy tested
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Light coverage
Quick Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 24,130 reviews claiming its efficacy.
2. Best For Dark Circles: Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-In-1 Foundation + Concealer
Milani offers a 2-in-1 foundation that conceals open pores and hides blemishes and dark spots. This celebrity-favorite foundation blends well and provides light coverage for picture-perfect skin. It is water-resistant and has a creamy formula that forms a hydrating layer over the skin’s surface and prevents any dryness or flaky patch without being cakey. This non-greasy foundation lasts all day without fading, and provides full coverage and a silky-smooth, natural finish. This foundation is Cardi B’s go-to for her red-carpet looks. Moreover, you can use this clean formula guilt-free as it has not been tested on animals. Check out this review for a detailed understanding of the product and the reviewer’s experience of using it.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Non-greasy
- Lightweight
- Cruelty-free
- Oil-free
- Blends well
Cons
- None
"This foundation provides great coverage and masks dark spots and skin discoloration. The matte finish is not harsh on any dry patches, and the product works well with my moisturizer. It's a versatile addition to my routine and works for both everyday and occasional wear."
3. Best For Full Coverage: L.A Girl Pro. Coverage Foundation
The L.A Girl Pro. Coverage is a high-definition long-lasting foundation that adds a dewy glow to your skin. It provides full coverage and feels light on the skin without settling down in the fine lines. This foundation for dry skin is formulated with antioxidants that nourish and hydrate it. It blends easily with the help of a brush and leaves the skin with a flawless, natural look and a subtle glow. The lightweight formula offers intense color payoff keeping in mind the makeup needs of women. This video review will help you understand more about this product and how you too can use it as a perfect base for daily wear.
Pros
- Does not crease
- Easy to blend
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting
- Not cakey or chalky
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Makes your skin look oily
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 1,299 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
Maybelline New York Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Best Overall | Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-In-1 Foundation + Concealer Best For Dark Circles | L.A Girl Pro. Coverage Foundation Best For Full Coverage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Dry; NormalColor | DryColor | AllColor |
| Dimensions | 103 x 32 x 32 inches | 1.19 x 1.19 x 4.44 inches | 1.44 x 1.44 x 4.5 inches |
| Weight | 1 Ounces | 1 Ounces | 0.95 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 24,130 | 18,231 | 1,299 |
| Price | $3.65 | - | $7.19 |
4. Best Pigmented Formula: Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick
Hourglass offers a foundation stick that has an innovative lightweight formula. The waterproof stick foundation glides easily and provides full coverage for 12 hours. This amazing foundation smoothens the skin, making it look softer and silky to the touch. It contains more pigments than the regular foundations, which adjust according to the body temperature to blend effortlessly.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Vegan
- Non-comedogenic
- Long-lasting
- Lightweight
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Phthalate-free
- Triclosan-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Expensive
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 489 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
5. Best HD Formula: Graftobian Cosmetics Foundation
This foundation from Graftobian Cosmetics has a professional HD formula that feels light and looks natural. The long-lasting foundation is ideal for print ads, and professional photoshoots. It is weightless, perfect for everyday use, and provides light coverage by hiding imperfections. This foundation gives a flawless finish while brightening your complexion. This skin-friendly formula is soft, silky, and gentle even for sensitive skin. The reviewers mention that the product hides imperfections flawlessly for complexion perfection and does not transfer.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting
- Light coverage
- Offers photo-ready look
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- Transfers a bit
"This foundation doesn't oxidize or settle into any fine lines. I like how well this creamy, satin-finish product has come through. It has good blendability, buildable coverage, and lasting wear time. It makes my makeup routine easier and more enjoyable."
6. Best Rejuvenating Foundation: Vasanti Liquid Coverup Foundation & Concealer In 1
The Liquid Coverup Foundation & Concealer by Vasanti Cosmetics offers excellent coverage by concealing blemishes, scars, and other imperfections. The V4 shade of this multifunctional formula has a medium golden hue, which is ideal for tanned skin tones. The formula has a special undertone along with skin-loving ingredients that hydrate and brighten your skin to match. The chemical-free foundation evens out your skin tone instantly and rejuvenates your skin. The lightweight formula is gentle and suitable for sensitive skin as well.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Vegan
- Oil-free
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Creases
7. Best Sun Protection:Illuminare Moisturizing Mineral Foundation
The Illuminare Moisturizing Mineral Foundation comes with a broad spectrum SPF 20 formula that offers intense protection against the harmful UV rays. Its oil-free formula might seem a bit on the dry side, but it contains effective moisturizing and skin-nourishing ingredients that not only protect your skin during winter, but also minimize the appearance of dark spots and wrinkles in one go! This makes it extremely suitable for mature skin types. It also provides light to medium coverage that leaves you with an even skin tone and a dewy finish. The breathable, illuminating formula locks in moisture and keeps your skin soft and healthy.
Pros
- Breathable formula
- Hypoallergenic
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Dye-free
- Talc-free
- Petroleum-free
- Dermatologically-tested
Cons
- Thick consistency
8. Best For Deep Hydration: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint
Image: Neutrogena The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint contains hyaluronic acid, which helps plump the skin by keeping it hydrated all day. The oil-free foundation is formulated with a long-lasting water-gel formula to deeply hydrate your skin. It is weightless, oil-free, and non-comedogenic. This foundation reduces breakouts and is suitable for everyday use during the winters. The rave reviews of the makeup product mention that it offers buildable coverage and a natural finish.
Pros
- Blends easily
- Fade-proof
- Long-lasting
- Lightweight
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Not easy to remove
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 8,502 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
9. Best Pocket-Friendly Foundation: Revlon Photo Ready Candid Foundation
The Revlon Photo Ready Candid Foundation feels light and comfortable on the skin and imparts a natural look. The creamy foundation blends well and provides smooth coverage for enhanced beauty. It is enriched with antioxidants and vitamin E, which soothe sunburn and deeply nourish the skin. The celebrity makeup artist-approved foundation contains natural ingredients that form a thick shield over the skin to protect it from environmental damage.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Phthalate-free
- Dye-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Thick consistency
10. Best Anti-Aging: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Foundation Stick
Image: Neutrogena The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Foundation Stick can be used for contouring and concealing the imperfections on your skin. It blends flawlessly and offers full coverage to blur all dark spots and blemishes. The weightless foundation has a creamy formula that softens your skin without settling into fine lines and leaves you with a natural look. It is infused with purified hyaluronic acid that deeply penetrates the skin pores and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The foundation is tested to be safe for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to blend
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Oil-free
Cons
- None
"I've tried numerous makeup sticks and this foundation stands out for its true-to-skin hue and smooth application with a damp sponge. It offers a customizable coverage as per my needs. It does not crease or settle into any lines through the day."
11. Best Buildable Coverage:Dermablend Professional Foundation
The Dermablend Professional Foundation is one of the best formulas for dry skin. This transfer-proof foundation is infused with SPF 25 to prevent your skin from getting tanned. The lightweight foundation spreads evenly and offers buildable coverage and 24- hour hydration to the skin.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Allergy tested
- Transfer-resistant
- Lightweight
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Expensive
"This foundation is perfect for long wear for its staying power and full coverage. It applies smoothly and makes the skin appear even and polished. It offers deep hydration and I love that it has added SPF."
Consider the following points while purchasing a full-coverage foundation for dry skin to get maximum benefits.
How To Choose The Best Full-Coverage Foundation For Dry Skin
- Formula
Go for a liquid or cream foundation with a snow-proof formula to be ready for the harshest weather conditions and ensure the formula hydrates the skin without being cakey. Such foundations fill in fine lines and wrinkles, making the skin look smooth and nourished. They are versatile and offer light coverage for even skin tone, medium coverage to hide blemishes, and heavy coverage to cover dark scars, open pores, and pigmentation.
Anastasiia Tomchenko, a professional makeup artist & hairstylist, opines, “When choosing a foundation for winter, look for moisture-retaining properties. Hydrating components and oils nourish dry and dehydrated skin, while antioxidants enhance the skin’s natural defenses. Formulas with silicones impart smooth finish and fill in skin imperfections, while those with SPF filters provide sun protection. Therefore, pick a foundation type according to your skin needs.”
- Choose A Product With Hyaluronic Acid
Opt for a foundation with hyaluronic acid since it binds with water to help retain moisture. It restores the lost moisture and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and redness to give your skin a firm and youthful look.
- Skip The Chemicals
Foundations with chemicals might irritate your skin and over-dry it. Thus, avoid ingredients like parabens, phthalates, silicones, and mineral oils.
- Longevity
A foundation is worn to hide imperfections and give you a flawless complexion. Hence, it should stay on your skin for longer without smudging, caking, feeling patchy, and requiring touch-ups. Check whether the foundation is formulated for extended wear.
- Skin Tone
Those with fair skin tones can pick the pale, peachy, and lighter shades. In contrast, the darker shade foundations are suitable for those with medium to darker skin tones.
Infographic: Tips To Choose A Foundation For Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, regular foundations won’t cut it. Your skin will look flaky and messy after a few hours. Therefore, a foundation specially formulated to combat dryness is what you need. Go through the infographic below to understand what factors to consider when buying a foundation for dry skin.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
To make your skin feel healthy and avoid dullness during winter, you should use foundations that can nourish the deeper layers of your face while covering dark spots, patches, and blemishes. The Maybelline New York Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation achieves a natural and radiant finish with buildable coverage, catering to diverse skin tones. The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint combines deep hydration and lightweight coverage for a dewy and fresh complexion, ideal for dry or dehydrated skin. The Illuminare Moisturizing Mineral Foundation offers nourishing ingredients and long-lasting coverage, giving a luminous appearance while promoting skin health. Some special winter foundations are formulated with vitamin E that helps in keeping your skin supple during the cold season. It is important to choose foundations that are easily blendable. For people with oily skin, there are various oil-free winter foundations that have non-greasy formulations. You should choose foundations that are long-lasting, lightweight, and gentle even on sensitive skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should the foundation be lighter or darker in winter?
In winter, your skin tends to go a shade lighter. So, you’ll need to invest in a hydrating foundation that is one shade lighter than your usual shade.
Is liquid foundation good in winter?
The ideal option for winter is a liquid or creamy foundation. During this season, the skin tends to be drier, and liquid foundation can retain moisture better.
Should you change your foundation in winter?
Yes. Alter your foundation in the winter if your skin type changes from oily to dry or if your skin tone shifts from darker to lighter.
Does concealer or foundation go on first?
The foundation always goes on first before your concealer. The foundation is supposed to set a base for the makeup and even out your skin. Then, the concealer is used to conceal specific areas of your skin such as the under eyes, nose, etc.
Should you match the foundation to your neck or face?
For the best results, match the foundation to your jawline which is between the neck and face.
Why does my makeup look cakey in winter?
Your makeup will look cakey if you have dry/flaky skin in the winter. It could be because of a lack of moisture. Look for liquid formulas in your makeup to avoid this. Also, moisturize your skin before applying makeup.
Is matte foundation good for winter?
No. Unless you have extremely oily skin, a matte foundation is not recommended during the winter.
Should the foundation be lighter or darker than your skin?
Since foundations can oxidize during the day and you use bronzer/contour, the foundation should be lighter than your skin tone.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Baishali Bhattacharya, is certified in makeup artistry. She conducted in-depth research on high-quality foundations that can combat dry skin. As a result, she curated the list of the best foundation for winter that provides long-lasting coverage and makes you look flawless. The given list of products is non-greasy, lightweight, and covers fine lines and wrinkles.
