The 6 Best Moisturizing Foundations for Dry Winter Skin

The best foundations are a bit like the perfect winter sweater: They add comfort without weight; they cover flawlessly, smoothing as they go; and no matter how we layer them, they refuse to shed or wear thin. What more could one ask for?

Moisture. And lots of it. With December’s frosty arrival hitting especially hard—sneaking in, as it did, on the heels of a blissfully mild November—our skin is even tighter than usual at this time of year. So beyond upgrading to a richer face cream, we’ve begun seeking hydration in the form of foundation—because, as it turns out, those with ingredients like ceramides, oils, antioxidants, and humectants “can actually improve dry skin over time by keeping the skin’s barrier healthy and intact so it better retains water in the long-term,” says New York City dermatologist Amy Wechsler, who’s loyal to Chanel Vitalumière Aqua for its hefty dose of hyaluronic acid and natural-looking light reflection. A creamy base can also act as a shield, explains dermatologist Whitney Bowe, saving skin from parching winds and lipid-depleting pollutants. Her go-to, Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk UV Foundation SPF 20, softens with squalane while delivering medium coverage and sun protection.

According to makeup artist Nick Barose, who works regularly with Lupita Nyong’o and Rachel Weisz, a key consideration when selecting foundation for dry skin is the finish it imparts. “A liquid foundation is your best bet, as anything thicker can crack as it sets, making skin look flakier,” he says. The most indispensable dry-skin formulas in Barose’s kit include Koh Gen Do Aqua, a water-drenched mineral makeup that he says “turns skin luscious”; Lancôme’s “ultra-hydrating and easy-to-build” Miracle Cushion; and Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Fluid, which is “thin but gives good coverage and an authentic radiance.”

And as with most makeup techniques, an impeccable winter-skin finish is best achieved with a bit of prep work, particularly on the most parched days. “I put a drop of Weleda Skin Food on a cotton swab and gently roll it over dry spots—it’s kind of magical the way it erases flakes,” says makeup artist Romy Soleimani, who praises RMS Beauty’s “Un” Cover-Up Foundation for its nourishing coconut-oil base and easy blending. To keep the color looking fresh, she mists Caudalíe’s oil-infused Beauty Elixir over the top, lightly pressing it in with a dampened Beautyblender. In lieu of ordinary moisturizer, Barose uses Sisley Express Flower Gel Hydrating Mask as a luxuriously intensive foundation primer, massaging it in for five minutes, then blotting off residue before smoothing on base to seamless effect.

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