Autumn and winter in the UK often come with biting winds and an uncomfortable dryness in the air that can leave your skin—and especially your makeup—struggling. What frustrates me most during this season isn’t what to wear or which shoes to match, but the fact that a perfectly polished face in the morning can turn into a flaky mess by lunchtime. My nose would get patchy, my smile lines creased, and the under-eye area dry and cracked. It felt like seasonal makeup meltdown was inevitable.
I used to dread putting on makeup during these months. Despite my efforts to create a flawless base, my makeup would start to break down within hours—and touching up with frozen fingers wasn’t an option. But over the past two years, I’ve become deeply invested in finding solutions. I experimented with skincare routines, foundations, application methods, setting tricks, and even emergency touch-up strategies.
Today, I’m sharing my personal tried-and-true makeup survival guide for windy, dry autumn and winter days, so you don’t have to watch your confidence flake away with your foundation. These are all battle-tested on real London days—wet, windy, or both.
Step One: The Real Logic Behind Long-Lasting Makeup
Before I jump into product recommendations, let me debunk some of the biggest myths I used to believe:
- Myth #1: Layering Moisturizer Keeps Makeup On
I used to slather on hydrating essences, creams, even facial oils before applying makeup, thinking it would keep my skin from drying out. Wrong. That thick, greasy base actually prevented foundation from sticking and caused pilling and sliding almost immediately. - Myth #2: Thicker Foundation = Better Coverage & Wear
Heavier formulas may seem more secure, but they’re a recipe for disaster in colder weather. They tend to crack, especially around the nose and smile lines, and make flaky areas stand out more.
The truth is, anti-fade makeup isn’t about applying more—it’s about applying right. A sheer but well-adhered base, precise concealing, and strategic setting will give you the durability you’re looking for, without the dreaded patchiness.
Step Two: Pre-Makeup Skincare That Hydrates Without the Grease
1. Balance Water and Oil
My pre-makeup routine is simple but effective: hydrating toner → serum → lightweight cream. If my skin is extra dry, I’ll add a tiny bit of lotion—but no rich night creams or facial oils before makeup. That’s how you end up with a slippery mess.
2. Don’t Skip Pre-Makeup Mist—It’s a Game-Changer
Before setting, I always spritz a hydrating mist and press it into my skin. This step helps the foundation melt in more naturally and reduces flaking.
Product Picks:
- Avène Eau Thermale Spray – Soothing, hydrating, and suitable all year round. Available on Boots and Amazon.
- Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré – My go-to autumn/winter base, smoothes skin without pilling.
Step Three: My Top Foundations for Windproof, Dry-Proof Staying Power
These are the foundations I’ve tested in the brutal wind and dryness of London streets—and they’ve all held up beautifully during errands, meetings, and even outdoor shoots.
1. Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
This is the heavyweight champion of staying power. It forms a flexible film over the skin without feeling heavy. The coverage is excellent, and it lasts well beyond eight hours. Since it leans matte, I prep my skin thoroughly beforehand.
Available via Selfridges and Amazon.
2. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
My favorite for a soft, creamy finish in cold months. It delivers that perfect lit-from-within glow and looks effortlessly polished. Not the longest-wearing, but paired with a good setting spray, it lasts long enough for any day out.
Available on Harrods and Cult Beauty.
3. Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation
Reliable, adaptable, and forgiving—this is my go-to when the weather’s unpredictable. It offers solid coverage, a natural finish, and doesn’t dry out my skin. A little goes a long way and blends beautifully.
Step Four: Concealing & Contouring That Doesn’t Crack
Flaky skin and thick concealer don’t mix. I opt for hydrating but high-coverage concealers, using minimal amounts and tapping in with a damp beauty sponge or my ring finger.
Favorites:
- NARS Soft Matte Concealer – Creamy yet matte, covers dark spots and under-eyes effortlessly.
- Maybelline Age Rewind – A budget staple with built-in sponge applicator. Available on Boots and Amazon.
As for contour, I prefer cream-based sticks in winter—they blend better on dry skin and are less prone to patchiness than powders.
Step Five: The Two-Step Setting Method That Locks It All In
1. Targeted Setting Beats Full-Face Powder
Instead of dusting powder all over (which can dry out your look), I lightly press it into the T-zone, under-eyes, and smile lines only.
2. Mist Is the Final Lock-In
I carry a setting spray in my bag daily. It adds hydration, keeps makeup from cracking, and helps everything fuse together again during touch-ups.
Go-To Sprays:
- Urban Decay All Nighter – A true makeup survivor; your look won’t budge through wind or humidity.
- MAC Fix+ – Great for dry skin, both before and after makeup.
Step Six: Smudge-Free Eyes & Flake-Free Lips
1. Windproof Eye Makeup = Primed Lids + Pencil Liners
My lids get oily even in the cold, and my eyes water from the wind. To avoid raccoon eyes, I use a primer base plus waterproof pencil liner, not liquid.
Top Picks:
- NARS Eye Primer – Prevents creasing and enhances pigment.
- KIKO Waterproof Eye Pencil – Glides on smooth, budget-friendly, and stays put.
2. Cold-Proof Lips = Balm Base + Velvet Tint
I layer a lip balm first, blot with a tissue, then apply a velvet or matte lip color. This combo prevents cracking and fading. When lips are peeling, I treat them with lip masks overnight for a smoother morning application.
Step Seven: My Emergency Touch-Up Kit—3 Essentials That Save the Day
I always carry this mini trio, which has saved my look more times than I can count:
- Setting Spray – To refresh and rehydrate mid-day.
- Mini Sponge or Puff – For pressing away creases and absorbing oil without caking.
- Concealer Stick – Quick fixes around the nose and mouth without the need for full foundation.
When Your Makeup Holds, So Does Your Mood
The right products and techniques make windproof, dry-weather-proof makeup absolutely possible. With this routine, I no longer worry about walking the streets of London with cracking foundation or dry patches. Even after a full day of shooting or meetings, I look in the mirror and still feel polished.
A face that holds up through the day isn’t about perfection—it’s about control. It’s about feeling like yourself, even when the wind bites and the air dries you out. If you’re struggling with seasonal makeup challenges, I hope this tried-and-tested lineup gives you a little more confidence and a lot more staying power.
