If your skin tends to get dry in winter, you’re not alone. And while switching to a winter skin care routine will work wonders, your makeup choices can make a difference too. That’s why we’ve gone ahead and found the best hydrating foundations for winter, so you can continue to glow through the cold.
Whether you’re battling dry patches or looking to camouflage redness, there’s a formula to suit your skin concerns and your budget. The best hydrating foundations don’t just make dry skin look good but contain ingredients to help heal and protect your skin in winter, too.
So if your current base product isn’t cutting the mustard, you can rely on these reviews to steer you in the right direction…
The best hydrating foundations for winter
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream
Best for: Full coverage
Review: “At the moment I wear a lot of tinted moisturisers and bb creams as I prefer a lighter coverage but for days where I need more coverage this is my go to! It does the same job as a full coverage foundation for me, without feeling to heavy on the skin! it evens out your skin tone and provides for a really good base. My favourite from this range is the illuminate one as it adds some glow to the skin, I love that it has spf 50 and it doesn’t dry out my skin. Highly recommend!” – lizziiexx
$71 at Adore Beauty
Read more IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream reviews
Maybelline FIT Me! Dewy + Smooth
Best for: Budget
Review: “As a dry skin gal, I’ve been through numerous ‘dewy’ foundations before I gave up and went to a BB cream. Then Fit Me came into my life and I haven’t looked back! Aside from the fact it doesn’t come with a pump it goes on smooth (both brush & sponge) and is buildable.” – Hoots
$12.99 (down from $25.99) at Chemist Warehouse
Read more Maybelline FIT Me! Dewy + Smooth reviews
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow
Best for: Long-lasting wear
Review: “This is my go to foundation! i have super dry skin and this is hydrating and last all day and night. Easy to find a color match and the packing is sleek. Doesnt irritate my skin at all. There is many different shades and it was extremely easy to find mine. You can add color drops to it to make it darker if need be. goes on creamy and doesnt look splotchy by the end of the day. Lancome has done a great job at making this inclusive for every skin tone and type. I recommend this to everyone. It is buildable yet sheer. its medium coverage but you can definitely make it full coverage easily.” – chelsey_gunn
$71 at The Iconic
Read more Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow reviews
Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation SPF20
Best for: A natural, semi-matte finish
Review: “The serum foundation makes my skin look plump, hydrated and dewy. It creates a more even looking complexion. I love the satin finish as it is not too shiny or too matte, it is just the perfect glowy in between. Best thing about this foundation is how light weight it is. It feels very nice on your skin.” – Beautybabe140194
$66 at Myer
Read more Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation SPF20 reviews
Eau Thermale Avène Day Protector Tinted
Best for: Sensitive skin
Review: “I love Avene because it is perfect for my dry and sensitive skin. This BB Cream has a light tint to it and matches my light skin tone. It has SPF in it and is perfect for days when I go to University. I find that it gives my face a nice glow to it, and it doesn’t break up. I do find that I need to use a fair bit of it on my face, but I do tend to overuse products.” – makeupwithcortney
$35.99 at Adore Beauty
Read more Eau Thermale Avène Day Protector Tinted reviews
Rimmel London Kind & Free™ Moisturising Skin Tint
Best for: Fragrance free
Review: “I have extremely dehydrated skin and most foundations look dry/cakey or feel uncomfortable on my skin. This is one of the very few drugstore foundations that leaves my skin glowing, and gives a decent amount of coverage for a skin tint (light to medium)! I didn’t need to use any concealer for scars or pigmentation marks. The product also has wonderful longevity, lasting all day, and I noticed minimal mask transfer.” – Sue177
$12.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Read more Rimmel London Kind & Free™ Moisturising Skin Tint reviews
Main image credit: Getty
Have you tried any of these foundations? What’s your favourite winter foundation?
I do like that IT one and it's great for days when I plan to be in the sun a lot as it has high SPF. I haven't worn it regularly enough to notice any effects on my brown spots. I should give that a go.
Interested about this Bobbi brown foundation. Personally not a fan of IT cosmetics as it's too thick too much coverage for me.
My winter skin really needs help with hydration. I'll have to change up my routine with one of these foundations.
I was disappointed in the IT CC cream. I expected wonders and got less than wonderful, way less in fact unfortunately. Thankfully I started with the small deluxe sample size, not the full tube so it wasn't an expensive mistake.
I haven't tried any of these, just stick to what I know and like and works for me.
I've tried many foundations and find it difficult to get one for my skin tone. I like the La Mav one I'm using at present.
The last time that I tried Maybelline FIT Me! Dewy + Smooth was probably around the time I joined beautyheaven. I read that they have introduced new shades so I’d be tempted to try it again to see if I could get a paler shade. I’d also be curious to see how it performs now that I’m older.
LOVE LIVE LOVE THE IT CC CREAM
Definitely coveting the IT CC cream.
Covergirl is in my price range and works for me.
That is the one I would try first as I am mature
I have tried the Maybelline Fit Me and would like to try the Clinique next.
The hybrid one sounds interesting
I dont wear foundation very often, but some of these look lovely and worth a try?
None from above , I use other brands, I wear foundation most weekdays.
The Clinique and It Cosmetics ones sound great.
Haven’t tried any of those.
The IT didn’t live up to the hype for me. I was very pleased I’d gone with a trial size and not paid for the full size as it was not something I could keep using.
I’d heard great things about it so I’m glad to read your opinion Trish!
I love it too Trish! Especially great with SPF50 – rare in a foundation these days. I do find I need to mix two colours together to get my perfect shade is all with this one for me.
That’s really interesting Trish because I’ve been wanting to try the IT CC cream for a while. I’ll be trying to try a sample if possible before buying.
It has great reviews but may not suit me.
When I heard that it’s full thick coverage, that was a no for me. I know many love it, but it’s not for all of us
No, want to try BB one. HAve just received the new loreal’s hyaluronic serum foundation to try though. So will give it a go.
havent tried any of these – they all look good
I have tried some of these and others I would like to, fantastic suggestions and helpful information, thank you.
I don’t wear foundation and instead opt for tinted physical sunscreens. I do like the sound of the Ilia serum!
I have a love for foundations and have a few of them! They especially get big ticks from me if they don’t rub off onto clothes, have good SPF (more than SPF15!!) and have skin loving ingredients/anti-ageing benefits.
I haven’t tried any of these but i do moisturize well prior to applying make up
Clinique Moisture Surge is sensational!
My skin is s dry right now. I really need a hydrating foundation.
Was hoping to get something like this in the rewards room. Hint hint beautyheaven lol
Ha Ha -Hope the hint works for you
I’ve been hearing a lot about The Ordinary’s serum foundation – at just under $13 it’s pretty inexpensive! Just have to find some.
The IT Cosmetics CC Cream is way too thick for me. I’ve also used the Covergirl but moved on from that one.
Some products for me to try!
Some great choices, I do want to try IT but am nervous about selecting shades
I’m curious about Covergirl x Olay collab foundation.
I am really loving Loreal’s tinted foundation with the serum dropper! Highly recommend as well as these foundations
Haven’t tried any of these.
In the morning I moisturise and apply mineral foundation works for me
Super informative.
Really happy with CeraVe at the moment for a budget pick!
I have not tried any of these! Thanks for the tips. I’ve has my eye on the IT cosmetics one for a while.
Time to restock!
I’ve got three foundations on the go at the moment. No need for me.
Interested in trying the Bobbi Brown serum foundation! The bottle looks luxurious!
Sometimes when I’m feeling really dry, I moisturise, and then layer a tinted moisturiser over that.
I love the Maybelline FIt me and Covergirl Olay foundation.
I’ve not tried any of these foundations. A hydrating one would be great for winter.
My skin’s always at its best in winter, so I just wear mineral powder over sunscreen.
I’ve been wanting to try the It Cosmetics CC cream for such a long time
I’m still wearing masks, so I haven’t worn foundation in a while.
Haven’t tried, but would like to try the Clinique.
Thanks for sharing this information.
The Bobbi Brown foundation looks boujee.
I’ve been wanting to try fit me foundation and it cc cream for a while now. I’m just waiting to finishing my current foundation before I buy anything new.