As soon as autumn and winter roll in, I get asked this question all the time: “I have oily skin, so why is it both greasy and flaky in the winter—and why does my makeup melt off so fast?”
If you’re like me—shiny in the T-zone by noon, but flaky and tight around the cheeks—then welcome to the “Oily Skin Winter Survival Club.”
I’ve gone through it all: foundation separating the moment it hits my skin, layering too many products only to end up oilier, and even breaking out more when the weather gets colder. After trial and error, I finally developed a skincare and makeup routine specifically tailored for oily skin in the fall and winter. From skincare prep to priming and setting, it’s practical, affordable, and has saved me from countless makeup meltdowns. Let me walk you through how I make it through the colder months—without losing my glow or my sanity.
1. Winter Oil Isn’t the Same as Summer Oil
Many people assume oily skin means you’re just a year-round oil machine. But the truth is, winter oiliness often stems from dehydrated skin and a weakened barrier. Your skin overproduces oil as a defense mechanism. If you try to strip it aggressively, you’re just making things worse.
For example, I often get small bumps on my forehead and uneven sebum around my chin in early November. At first, I thought my skincare was too rich. But I later realized I hadn’t adjusted my cleansing and moisturizing routine for the season.
What oily skin truly needs in winter is gentle cleansing, deep hydration, and balanced oil control.
2. It’s Not About Scrubbing—It’s About Cleaning Properly
Gentle Cleansing Is Key
I swap out my summer foaming cleansers for amino acid-based or low-foam gentle cleansers in the colder months. One of my go-tos is the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, which you can find on Amazon. It foams softly, doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight, and works well both morning and night.
On days I wear makeup, I always double cleanse—oil cleanser followed by face wash. This ensures every trace of foundation and city grime is gone without over-stripping my skin.
Don’t Overdo It
I exfoliate just once a week using gentle acid toning pads instead of gritty scrubs. Anything too abrasive damages your skin barrier and ironically causes more oil.
3. Streamlined But Effective Skincare: Hydration Comes First
Go for Serums That Repair and Hydrate
I love serums that include hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide. One budget-friendly favorite is The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, which balances oil while providing hydration. It’s available on Amazon and works wonders if used correctly.
If you’re new to niacinamide, I recommend starting at 5%—higher concentrations can sting, especially during seasonal transitions.
Moisturizer Balance Is Everything
Oily skin doesn’t need a heavy cream, but it still needs protection. I use a lightweight moisturizer with lipids, like the La Roche-Posay Toleriane range, which keeps my skin barrier calm and strong.
At night, I add a thin layer of Avene Cicalfate or a similar recovery cream to lock in moisture and soothe irritation.
Just because your face is oily doesn’t mean it’s hydrated—never forget that!
4. Primer: The Secret to Long-Lasting Makeup
Winter is the worst time for base makeup—especially for someone like me with visible pores and excess oil. Without a good base prep, even the best foundation will let you down.
Hydrating and Mattifying Primer Combo
I spritz a hydrating mist first, then follow with a mattifying primer on key areas. One I highly recommend is Smashbox Photo Finish Oil & Shine Control Primer. It has a silky texture, doesn’t ball up, and dramatically slows down oil production on my nose. You can find it on Feelunique.
Target Problem Areas, Not the Whole Face
Don’t go in with matte foundation or powder all over. That’ll just make your skin feel dry in some spots and greasy in others. I use the strategy of mattify the T-zone, hydrate the U-zone, focusing on my nose and forehead to avoid breakdown.
5. Foundation: Lightweight and Skin-Adhering Is Key
Choose Base Products That Stick and Stay
In winter, I prefer foundations that are lightweight but offer good coverage. Estée Lauder Double Wear is a classic—it gives a matte finish, but paired with the right primer, it doesn’t cake or crack. Perfect for my oily skin that starts glowing by lunch.
For a more natural finish, I love the new YSL All Hours Foundation. It gives a semi-matte look without emphasizing lines or pores.
Brushes > Beauty Sponges in Cold Weather
In colder months, I find beauty sponges soak up too much water and ruin my base. I switch to a dense foundation brush to buff and press the product in. It gives me better coverage and saves on product.
6. Setting Isn’t About Overloading
Setting your makeup is essential, but piling it on will only make your skin oilier in the long run.
Setting Spray + Targeted Powder Combo
I dust a light layer of Laura Mercier translucent powder over my nose and chin, then set everything with Urban Decay All Nighter Spray. This locks everything in without caking up.
Always Carry Blotting Sheets and a Mini Mist
I always keep oil blotting sheets and a small mist in my bag. Around midday, I gently press away excess oil, spritz a little hydration, and tap the skin with my fingers. It revives the look without needing to reapply foundation—way more natural than a midday touch-up.
7. Lifestyle and Weather Adjustments Matter Too
Skin is always a reflection of what’s happening on the inside. During winter, I pay extra attention to sleep, hydration, and nutrition. Living in the UK means dry, cold air—and if I don’t drink at least two liters of water a day, my skin feels tight and dull.
I also cut back on spicy, greasy, and high-sugar foods. Instead, I up my intake of vitamin B-rich foods like oats, spinach, and nuts. They make a real difference in regulating sebum production.
After several winters, I’ve come to understand that oily skin isn’t rebellious—it’s just misunderstood. Instead of fighting it, I’ve learned to listen to it. With the right steps and mindset, you can go from a greasy, flaky mess to a glowing, stable canvas—even in the harshest weather.
If your makeup routine has been giving you grief this season, maybe it’s time to shake things up. Adjust your cleansing habits, simplify your skincare, and rethink your foundation game. You might be surprised how quickly your skin responds.
Remember, every shiny patch is your skin’s way of trying to protect you. Instead of punishing it, find your balance—and this winter, may you and your makeup both stay calm, confident, and completely unbothered.
