You Should Change Your Foundation Between Seasons—Here’s How to Do It

7 Reasons Why Your Foundation Looks Different as Seasons Change

1. Sun Exposure

The difference in sun exposure between summer and winter can affect your complexion. “You deepen in summer and lose warmth in winter,” says celebrity makeup artist Dion Xu.

2. Tanning

As noted above, our complexions change with the seasons, and so do our tans. Beyond tanning more in the summer, we often use a different self-tanner for each season. Our winter shade is a bit lighter than our summer shade, which is why our foundation needs to change, says JOUER COSMETICS founder Christina Zilber.

3. Texture Changes

Your skin texture changes throughout the year, with many often experiencing oily skin in the summer heat and dry skin in the winter. This means that not only do you need to update your foundation shade, but you may also need to adjust your foundation type. This could look like using a matte or powder foundation formula on your oily summer skin, and using a hydrating foundation on your dry winter skin to achieve a dewy finish.

4. Oxidation Shifts

“Humidity can make foundation oxidize faster,” says Xu. This means that what you thought was your perfect shade could end up darker or discolored due to weather changes. So, you may need to get a new foundation shade that works with the changes in your skin tone. There are a handful of other ways to avoid your foundation oxidizing, including opting for talc-free and iron oxide-free formulas.

5. Skincare Modifications

Your skincare can impact how your foundation sits, says Xu, who notes that “using heavier creams versus lighter gels can impact foundation application.” His pro tip is to “create a dual-finish cocktail by mixing matte and glowy formulas to adapt to the climate.”

6. Lighting

Indoor and outdoor lighting can change how your foundation color is seen. “Winter lighting exposes mismatch more easily,” says Xu. This is why you should always test your foundation out first in various lighting before committing to a pigment that may be off.

7. Heating

“Indoor heating can affect how your foundation sits and looks,” says Zilber. This is similar to the oxidation shifts you can experience in summer weather.

How to Adjust Your Foundation Shades for Each Season

To best match your foundation to your complexion during any given season, it all comes down to using the rest of your body as a guide. Both Zilber and Xu say to look to your jawline and chest area for more accurate shade matching. “Use your jawline as a guide for your overall tone and your chest to get a precise undertone foundation,” says Xu.

In the winter months, opt for a slightly lighter or cooler shade. In the summer months, as you start to tan a bit more, use a deeper or warmer foundation shade. “Your foundation should follow your skin, not fight it,” says Xu.

“In transition months, keep two shades on hand to adjust as needed,” Zilber recommends. Yes, that means you have permission to snag your favorite foundation in a shade darker and lighter so you constantly have it on hand.

When Should You Switch Your Foundation Shade Versus Mix It?

You should switch your foundation when your skin is one tone. "This would be like in the deep winter or peak summer,” says Xu of deciding the best foundation for the season. Zilber says you can do this between tanning appointments as well, when you know your complexion will become a darker shade.

When you’re in between seasons, which would be most of fall and spring, you should mix shades. You do this “to create a custom match that reflects your real skin tone as it shifts. No one stays the same color year-round, so cocktails keep the base harmonious,” Xu explains.

Should you notice the finish changing, adjust the type of foundation you use. Dry skin types will benefit from dewy foundations or serum-infused tinted moisturizers to keep skin hydrated. Oily skin types will notice that mattifying foundations are their perfect match to keep oil at bay, especially during the summer.

7 Cocktailing Techniques for Seasonal Changes

1. Lighten With Moisturizers

Zilber notes this hack creates a “winter-friendly finish.” Xu is also a fan of this technique, sharing, “Mix foundation with your day cream for winter luminosity.”

2. Deepen With Bronzing Drops

“Add warmth without changing undertone,” says Xu. To do this, you can use the GLOSSMETICS Bronzing Drops for a sun-kissed glow. Zilber recommends pairing your foundation with the “JOUER COSMETICS Luminizing Glow Serum in Sun Glow to warm things up.”

3. Split Foundation Shades

To achieve the perfect foundation mix, Xu says to “apply a lighter shade in the center of your face, and a deeper shade around the perimeter.” This will help ensure your foundation matches seamlessly.

4. Work on Undertone Correction

If you need a little help nailing a foundation that works for your undertone, Xu says to “mix a tiny amount of golden or olive adjuster to rebalance dull winter skin.” The KIMCHI CHIC BEAUTY Undercover Hoe in Universal Corrector can help with this.

5. Tint Your Base

“Add a drop of liquid highlighter in winter or mattifying fluid in summer” to perfect your base, recommends Xu. We love the DRUNK ELEPHANT B-Goldi™ Bright Drops for winter, and the DR. BRANDT SKINCARE Pores No More® Mattifying Hydrator Pore Minimizing Gel Duo for summer.

6. Layer Strategically

Layering is always the best strategy, especially if you want to get your foundation shade just right. “Start sheer, then spot-build coverage only where needed,” says Xu. This works across seasons, so it’s not specific to any one season.

7. Adapt to the Climate

Xu recommends creating a “dual-finish cocktail by mixing matte and radiant formulas to adapt to the climate.” Test out a few to find what works best for your skin type.

Adjusting Your Application Technique During the Seasons

Weather changes your skin texture, which means you should update your application techniques as well. “Application should follow your skin’s needs, so the finish stays smooth, hydrated, and natural,” says Zilber.

Winter Months

In the winter, opt for a damp beauty sponge. “Dry winter skin needs pressing and bouncing with a damp sponge,” notes Xu. Zilber says this will help “foundation melt into dry skin.”

Summer Months

“Humid summer skin benefits from lighter layers and more buffing for longevity,” says Xu. Use a foundation brush to work in layers and “set the T-zone in summer to keep your base smooth,” encourages Zilber.

Spring/Fall Months

The spring and fall months will be a combination of the above. In the fall, you’ll still focus on hydration, though you can benefit from layering as well. In the spring, layering will take center stage, but hydration prep also helps.

A Quick Guide on Undertones

Don’t forget: While your skin tone changes, your undertones do not. “Keeping it consistent prevents you from looking ashy, orange, or too golden when adjusting depth,” says Xu. To find your undertone, use Zilber’s trick: “Look at your veins, jewelry preference, and how your skin reacts to the sun. You can also compare how you look in warm versus cool neutrals to see what harmonizes best.”

Xu shares a similar recommendation: “Check the neutral zone of your chest and neck, notice how gold versus silver jewelry looks on you, and pay attention to whether your skin leans warm (golden), cool (pink/rose), or neutral/olive in natural daylight.”

Check out our complete undertones guide to discover yours.

Final Tips: The Right Foundation Shade Complements Your Skin Tone

Finding the right foundation shade may feel like it takes some extra effort, but it’s well worth the payoff. Plus, when you update your shades for the seasons, your skin looks all the more flawless. To find the foundation shades you need to keep up with your ever-changing complexion, the IPSY Shop is open 24/7 to help you stock your makeup kit.