It’s no secret that winter can wreak havoc on your skin, drying it out and making it look listless and dull, who’s got time for that? Blotchiness, oily patches, and flaky skin are all common signs of ‘dry face (insert eye-roll!)’, and applying foundation to cover the damage can often accentuate things. Thankfully, we’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide (skin prep if you will) to getting to a flawless finish and of course, our top hydrating foundations that will keep your skin moisturised and glowing all winter long. Say goodbye to flaky patches and hello to the luminous, juicy skin you know you have.
Looking At Hydration
When it comes to finding the best foundation to keep your skin hydrated during the colder months, you want to look for products that your skin loves, these are hyaluronic acid or glycerin. These ingredients help to attract and retain moisture in the skin, which is essential for keeping your complexion looking plump and healthy. If you have dry skin, you may also want to consider foundations that contain oils or emollients, as these can help to create a barrier on the skin that prevents moisture escape – in other words check the label for glow-giving ingredients. But ultimately it’s important to choose a product that feels comfortable on your skin and leaves it looking luminous.
READ MORE: Why Bentonite Clay Is The Clear Skin Solution You Need To Try ASAP
Skin Prep Guide For Foundation
Assuming you have your foundation, primer, and tools ready to go, follow these steps for the perfect hydrating foundation application.
- Start with a clean face. Be sure to wash your face and apply toner before starting your makeup routine. This will help create a smooth canvas for your foundation and ensure that your makeup goes on evenly.
- Apply primer before foundation. Primer creates a barrier between your skin and makeup, helping your foundation to stay in place and preventing it from absorbing too much moisture from your skin. This step is especially important if you have dry skin, as it will help to keep your foundation from looking patchy or cakey throughout the day.
- Use a damp blender to apply foundation evenly across your face. Dab the sponge into the foundation and then bounce it across your skin, using light pressure, until the coverage is even. Be sure to blend well around the edges of your face, such as along your hairline and jawline. Opt for a brush or even your fingertips if you want a skin-like, natural finish.
- Set with powder (optional). If you’re concerned about your makeup lasting throughout the day, you can set it with a translucent powder.
12 Best Foundations For Winter
We’ve rounded up our top picks below. From full-coverage options to tinted moisturisers, there’s something for everyone.
1. Chanel Les Beiges Eau De Teint Foundation
What we find special about this lightweight, hydrating formula is that it’s composed of 75% water, and pigment beads to deliver coverage to the skin. Created with micro-fluidic technology, micro-droplets of encapsulated pigments melt into the skin on contact creating a radiant bare-skin effect. The included ergonomic brush blends the tint effortlessly into skin for an even and natural-looking result. Therefore, this one is on our #wishlist.
2. L’Oreal True Match Plumping Tinted Serum
Everyone is talking about this plumping tinted serum with the power of 1% pure hyaluronic acid. This innovative formula combines the benefits of a skincare serum with the radiance and coverage of a foundation. This sheer formula is able to easily blend, in other words, your skin is going to have a naturally luminous finish.
3. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector
Looking for a dewy finish? In addition to something posh? This should be your luxe go-to foundation. It not only protects the skin from sun damage with an SPF of 30, but it also adds hydration with macadamia, tamarind seed extract, and kukui seed oil. Plus a power blend of antioxidant vitamins C and E help protect skin from the damaging effects of the environment. Worth the price.
4. Catrice True Skin Hydrating Foundation
The name on this bottle doesn’t lie. This is a nourishing, long-lasting make-up with medium to high, buildable coverage that sits lightly on the skin, as a matter of fact, it delivers a naturally matte finish. Don’t think dry… It contains hyaluronic acid and watermelon seed oil to help inject moisture. This vegan formula provides additional intensive moisture.
5. Dior Forever
Yes, it’s definitely the pricier side, despite that, it remains a cult fave, and rightfully so. This no-transfer foundation offers a high-perfection complexion with 24h wear. This fluid foundation also provides the skin long-lasting comfort and lets it breathe, while lastingly improving skin quality. It’s a non-comedogenic and helps protect against UVA, UVB and blue light exposure.
6. Benefit Hello Happy Flawless Brightening Foundation
How cute is this packaging!? This medium-coverage liquid foundation offers a lightweight and natural looking feel, making it virtually undetectable on skin. This is thanks to pigments that instantly adapt to brighten skin under natural or artificial lighting. Also, flower acids help boost radiance and hyaluronic acid attract and retain moisture in the skin’s superficial levels for constant hydration.
7. Fenty Pro Filt’r Hydrating Longwear Foundation
Recognizing the need for a Pro Filt’r formula that all skin types will love, our girl Riri created this foundation with grape seed oil and sodium hyaluronate to give skin what it needs to look and feel fresh and comfortable all day. We’re talking natural—not dewy—like your skin just had a much-needed drink of water.
8. Lancôme Skin Feels Good Nourishing Foundation
Sold on juuust the name. Hydrating and oil-free foundation with SPF 23 that is infused with antioxidants, is lightweight, and ideal for that “no makeup” look. This lightweight foundation is enriched with skin-loving ingredients such as vegetable glycerin, hyaluronic acid and moringa tree extracts to actively improve and protect your skin.
9. Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation SPF20
This foundation has a weightless, smooth texture and soft focus which helps reduce imperfections. Featuring a 24-hour moisture complex and soft-focus powders to glide over pores, dark circles and imperfections. Did someone say ‘flawless’?
10. Clinique Moisture Surge Sheertint Hydrator SPF
A tinted hydrator that provides 12 hours of hydration, complexion perfection and protection all in one. It’s packed with hyaluronic acid and aloe water for maximum skin health and dewiness. SPF coverage protects skin from environmental aggressors as well.
11. Revlon PhotoReady Candid Foundation
This looks like your best skin! This creamy foundation blends well and provides smooth coverage. It is enriched with antioxidants and vitamin E, which soothe sunburn and deeply nourish the skin. Delivers a flawless finish—all day long—as it hydrates.
12. Wet n Wild Bare Focus Tinted Hydrator
Feels light on the skin while moisturizing and nourishing it. The formula can build sheer-to-medium coverage, to give your skin a semi-matte finish and a natural-looking glow. Suitable for normal and dry skin.
