The most moisturizing foundations for dry cold-weather skin

We're constantly bombarded by new matte foundations, which is particularly great if you have oily skin. But for dry or even combination skin, you need a foundation that helps lock in moisture and creates a more dewy look, especially during the winter months when our skin tends to be on the dull side. The wrong foundation can leave you looking like a patchy mess. With dry skin it's also advisable that you apply makeup on clean, moisturised and primed skin. A foundation won't ever replace a good moisturizer, but you want one that won't aggravate your already parched skin.

Take a peek at these shade-inclusive foundations that will hydrate your skin and give your complexion a healthy fresh look.

L'OREAL Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation

If you're looking for an affordable all day glow this foundation is a major contender. It's lightweight, creamy and does a good job of not sinking into fine lines (more visible on dry skin) even after extended wear. This is what we'd call a goldilocks foundation. The coverage is not too light, but also not too heavy. It's a good medium coverage that blends seamlessly into your skin.

L'OREAL Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation, $15.98, walmart.ca

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation

This foundation is what satin skin dreams are made of. Ideal if you want that moisture boost but you still like a bit of a matte finish.It's that versatility that makes this a highly coveted foundation. Your dry skin will love that this foundation not only hydrates, but also evens and brightens your complexion, thanks to vitamin c and turmeric extracts. You'll also find this foundation goes a long way because it's not thick and goopy.

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation, $59, sephora.ca

MAC Studio Face And Body Foundation

A naturally flawless foundation that smoothes out dry patches and adds a healthy glow. Definitely a fan favourite when it comes to dry sensitive skin. This water based foundation gives a dewy sheer finish. The coverage and consistency is similar to a tinted moisturizer, but it is buildable. If you do want a slightly matte look you can use a finishing powder to lessen the dewy effect.

MAC Studio Face And Body Foundation, $35, maccosmetics.ca

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation

When identifying a good foundation for dry skin, you want to look for descriptive words like "hydrating" or "dewy", and ingredients like hyaluronic acid and even coconut water. This foundation has all of those things in addition to alpine rose. These ingredients increase moisture levels and condition your skin. It's also super comfortable and boasts mega staying power.

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation, $49, toofaced.com

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

Whether you use a brush or blender, this foundation glides on smoothly leaving a radiant silky glow. It's a water based foundation that won't give you that chalky look after application. Also if you're not a fan of heavy makeup, the lightweight formula will win you over. What's more is that this summer more shades were added to its lineup. It is, however the priciest foundation on this list!

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, $72, armani-beauty.ca

Maybelline Fit Me Hydrate + Smooth Foundation

Get fresh-faced with this Maybelline foundation that is light enough for everyday use. It will even out your skin tone with a buttery natural looking finish. If you're prone to acne in addition to having dry sensitive skin, not to worry because it's also non-comedogenic and fragrance-free. But you do need to watch out for makeup transfer onto your clothing; so setting powder is a good idea.

Maybelline Fit Me Hydrate + Smooth Foundation, $10.99 (on sale for $8.99), shoppersdrugmart.ca

tarte Rainforest Of The Sea Water Foundation

A great choice if you want a foundation that can cover up imperfections but also lock in moisture. It's formulated with tarte's hypoallergenic ingredients that hydrates and brightens dry dull skin. This medium coverage foundation promises to last 12 hours. It does have a drop applicator, though, which some people find tricky to use.

tarte Rainforest Of The Sea Water Foundation, $51, sephora.ca

Flesh Firm Flesh Thickstick Foundation

This product is creamy goodness in the cutest portable packaging. The cream formulation vows to give your skin hydration boosting coverage with a second-skin finish. Their phenomenal shade range will make it easy to find your match.This silicone free foundation also offers lots of versatility, you can use it to contour or as a concealer. It may be a bit small to be a realistic everyday foundation, but it's awesome for travel.

Flesh Firm Flesh Thickstick Foundation, $23.57, global.ulta.com

Cover FX Dewy Finish Setting Spray

While this isn't a foundation, it's a good compliment to your foundation.You can use this spray before and after your foundation for a dewy and hydrated look. Some setting sprays contain alcohol which can be drying. But this one is alcohol free making it perfect for aging and dry skin. It also helps your makeup last longer.

Cover FX Dewy Finish Setting Spray, $39, coverfx.ca

Nneka Elliott (@nnekaelliott) is a lifestyle blogger, host and actor. She shares her adventures with fashion and beauty in her pursuit of a gutsy life. nnekaelliott.com