13 Sweatproof Foundations If Your Face Wants to Melt Into a Puddle Right Now
*Successfully* wearing makeup in the hot, sweat-inducing months of summer isn't an easy feat. If you pick the wrong product formulas, it can end in disaster, and even the formulas touting 10-, 12-, or 24-hour wear still beg for a careful tread. (Sorry, but many formulas are overly ambitious with their claims.)
As someone who currently lives in L.A. and who grew up in Minnesota (where winters are cold and bone-dry while summers are hot and disgustingly humid), I feel pretty well-versed when it comes to finding the best sweat- and weather-proof makeup formulas. I also love to be outside, love to work out, and have an unfortunate habit of sweating buckets when I'm nervous. I should also mention that as a beauty editor, I'm sent about a bazillion products per week stating they'll stay on my face through all of the above. (Lies, so many lies!)
To clear the air and because summer will soon arrive with hot-and-heavy momentum, I'm sharing 13 sweatproof foundation formulas that have yet to let me down in terms of their finish and staying power. And because I know everyone has different budgets and formula preferences when it comes to foundation, I've handpicked the best formula in a multitude of categories to keep your summer foundation shopping as efficient and sweat-free as possible. Keep scrolling!
Best Sweatproof Foundations, Listed
- Best Overall: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
- The Makeup-Artist Fave: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
- Best Mineral Foundation: Youngblood Liquid Mineral Foundation
- Best Nontoxic Foundation: Kosas Tinted Face Oil
- Best Stick Foundation: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Longwear Foundation Stick
- My Personal Fave: Laura Mercier Flawless Lumière Radiance-Perfecting Foundation
- Best BB Cream: Tarte BB Tinted Treatment Primer
- Best Drugstore Foundation: Nyx Can't Stop Won't Stop Foundation
- Best Airbrush Spray: Luminess Silk Airbrush Spray Foundation
- Best Luxury Foundation: Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Moisture
- Best Cushion Foundation: La Mer The Luminous Lifting Cushion Foundation
- Best Powder Foundation: BareMinerals BarePro 16-Hr Skin-Perfecting Powder Foundation
- Best Foundation With SPF: It Cosmetics CC+ Cream Natural Matte Foundation with SPF 40
Best Overall: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Shades: 40
Pros: Exceptionally long wear, oil-free formula (so won't pill over water-based moisturizers)
Cons: Expensive
This foundation is an icon. I already had it in my kit, and I'm not sure why (literally every makeup artist uses it), but I never reached for it. However, after I was battling some breakouts, my go-to facialist at Vanessa Hernandez Skincare said this is one of the best foundations you can wear. Not only does it make your face look flawless, but it's also long-wearing and won't clog your pores like some heavier-duty foundation formulas.
Customer review: "Researched and tried several foundations at both lower and higher price points for mature, combination skin. Armani is by far the best. Well worth the cost because coverage takes small amount. Color match worked out using online choices."
The Makeup-Artist Fave: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
Shades: 56
Pros: Has incredible staying power, great for oily skin looking to mattify
Cons: Has a matte finish, if you're looking for something dewier
This OG foundation from Estée Lauder isn't new or flashy, but there's a reason it consistently wins awards and remains in makeup artists' kits: It can't be beaten. I personally swear by its 24-hour-long wear (um, it got me through many a night out while studying abroad during college), and celebrity makeup artist Tobi Henney has said she especially loves it for her oil-prone clientele.
Customer review: "This foundation is the best I've ever used, and I've tried so many foundations. Stays in place all day and has great coverage. A little goes a long way."
Best Mineral Foundation: Youngblood Liquid Mineral Foundation
Shades: 19
Pros: Lightweight and airy, great for acne-prone skin
Cons: Mineral formulas can sometimes feel chalky
This luminous, medium-coverage foundation isn't necessarily touted as long-wearing (most mineral formulas aren't), but I've had surprising luck with it staying on my face through sweaty high-speed walks in L.A., workouts, and deadline-induced stress sweat. I love this foundation because it doesn't look or feel like you're wearing anything on your face, and the colors are so, so good. I'm obsessed.
Customer review: "Because of different products I use for acne, I tend to have dry skin. This foundation is great because it is moisturizing and blends really well. It has about medium coverage but looks really really natural. I will definitely be buying more."
Best Nontoxic Foundation: Kosas Tinted Face Oil
Shades: 16
Pros: Fuses to the skin instantly, flexible shades
Cons: Not the best for acne-prone skin
This foundation from Kosas is one of a kind. Since it applies smoothly and absorbs into your skin almost instantaneously, there's really no way for your application to get messed up down the line—even if you're pushing through a hike or challenging workout. It boasts three different types of mineral pigments, delivered to the skin via six active botanical oils, which help even your skin tone, improve luminosity, lessen the look of pores, and everything else you want from a foundation. As far as natural foundations go, this is the best formula I've found to ensure my skin looks like my skin (not a beige-hued puddle) at the end of a long summer day or night.
Customer review: "I love this product! I use it in place of foundation and it gives me a lovely light coverage. I feel put together without feeling like I have heavy makeup on my face."
Best Stick Foundation: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Longwear Foundation Stick
Shades: 18
Pros: Precise applicator, oil-free formula
Cons: Has a thicker consistency than other cream or liquid formulas
One of the great things about stick foundation formulas is their malleable, concealer-like coverage. They offer a more customized approach—allowing you to target and buff out the areas where you want or need more camouflage. Oh, and they're also lifesavers if you're constantly on the go. Alas, sometimes they're too malleable and can have the tendency to keep moving across your face throughout the day. Not good. This long-lasting formula from Lancôme, however, is the exception. It has an impressive 4.5-star rating on Ulta's website and is commended for bulletproof wear in addition to its high-coverage and lightweight texture. It's also oil-free for those who are more blemish-prone.
Customer review: "This foundation has become my go-to for that natural makeup look that lasts all day. It goes on very smoothly, blends extremely well, and sets without leaving a cakey or oily look. My favorite part is that it won't break me out or irritate my sensitive skin!"
My Personal Fave: Laura Mercier Flawless Lumière Radiance-Perfecting Foundation
Shades: 30
Pros: Oil-free, transfer-resistant
Cons: Has a luminous finish, if you're looking for something more matte
No matter how many foundation formulas I try (and that's a lot, 21 Savage style), I just can't quit this long-wearing, sweatproof foundation from Laura Mercier. There aren't too many foundation formulas out there that look exactly the same when I apply them at 7 a.m. and later at 9:30 p.m. when I get home from work and a workout, but this one does just that. The finish is matte, but not too matte, and I also appreciate that it's transfer-resistant and oil-free. It gives you porcelain-finish skin.
Customer review: "Wears beautifully! Definitely longwearing. Dries down quickly, so working fast is a must. Love the application with a brush, the finish with that is gorgeous. I love it so much, I ordered a second bottle right away."
Best BB Cream: Tarte BB Tinted Treatment Primer
Shades: 15
Pros: Streamlines your makeup routine, Contains SPF
Cons: Not the best for those wanting fuller coverage
Both BB and CC creams are worn and loved for their lighter, multitasking perks. That said, long, sweatproof wear historically isn't a key talking point of the category. But this 12-hour pick from Tarte is here to change your mind. Sephora shoppers love it (it currently has a 4.5 rating and 3000 reviews), and it's touted for its medium coverage that makes your skin glow, its five-in-one formula, and the fact that it's vegan.
Customer review: "Umm.. where has this product been my whole life?! As an oily girl this product is amazing, I have tried so many foundation and skin tint products and I'm always disappointed when they separate on my skin through the day. This looks like my skin and feels amazing without separating."
Best Drugstore Foundation: Nyx Can't Stop Won't Stop Foundation
Shades: 37
Pros: Lightweight yet has impressive shine control, noncomedogenic
Cons: Has fuller coverage, so isn't the best for those wanting something more sheer
This sweatproof foundation from Nyx is one of the best for anyone who's in need of a hardworking foundation formula but doesn't want to pay a fortune. This foundation does exactly what its name suggests, boasting 24-hour wear, tons of shade options (37!), and creamy, matte coverage designed to effortlessly navigate sweat, heat, humidity, and water.
Customer review: "I've had a really hard time finding a foundation that both matches my skin tone (neutral fair), provided buildable coverage and doesn't exacerbate my acne-prone combo skin. This is like the holy grail foundation for me. Highly recommend!"
Best Airbrush Spray: Luminess Silk Airbrush Spray Foundation
Shades: 17
Pros: Easily blurs texture and pores
Cons: Less control over the application
Spray foundations were all the rage a few years back, but they've since fallen a bit out of vogue. That said, they still have their benefits, and the handful of formulas that have weathered the storm are great for delivering a long-lasting, airbrushed finish. This formula from Luminess is a fabulous option, as it's easy to layer and customize depending on your ultimate goal. It also scores extra credit for the handy buffing brush, which helps make the pigment look incredibly natural—like you just woke up with airbrushed, impeccable skin.
Customer review: "I have combination skin but get oily in my T-zone so I’m pretty particular about my foundation. I have a hard time finding one that’s not heavy, doesn’t require multiple layers/lightweight, applies evenly and stays on. And of course matching my skin tone is always the hardest as I have olive skin, so I need foundation with a grey undertone. I’m truly amazed by this foundation."
Best Luxury Foundation: Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Moisture
Shades: 12
Pros: Doesn't flake or pill on the skin, lasts all day
Cons: Has a sheer finish, so may need additional coats for fuller coverage
This cult-loved (albeit very spendy) foundation from Koh Gen Do is a celebrity staple and an industry trade secret for resilient and flawless wear. (It's been used on Hollywood film sets since its inception.) Not only does it enhance the look of your natural skin with zero crease or cake factor, but it also keeps skin supple and stocked with hydration.
Customer review: "As a fair-skinned gal, I found the Pearl White shade of this product to be an excellent primer when dealing with a too-dark or oxidizing shade of foundation... I don't currently require the use of this item on a daily basis, but it's nice to know that I have this lightening and brightening remedy in my makeup bag when the need arises."
Best Cushion Foundation: La Mer The Luminous Lifting Cushion Foundation
Shades: 6
Pros: Refillable, Contains SPF, Brightens skin instantly and over time
Cons: Might feel too heavy for some
If a celebrity makeup artist uses a specific foundation on her A-list clientele, you know by default it has to have sweatproof stamina. (Events, red carpets, and award shows are no joke.) So when Mary Phillips recommended this cushion compact for creating the most believable and durable glows, our ears perked. This formula from La Mer has more shade options than most cushion formulas on the market, and it also has added skin-blessing ingredients like sea kelp and the brand's signature Miracle Broth.
Customer review: "I absolutely love this cushion foundation! The foundation applies like a second skin and has a beautiful finish. The smell is fresh and light but noticeable. I found a perfect color match! I love how it feels on my skin. I like how sleek the packaging is. Bonus points for a refill that comes with the product!"
Best Powder Foundation: BareMinerals BarePro 16-Hr Skin-Perfecting Powder Foundation
Shades: 35
Pros: Powder mattifies excess oil, great to layer after skin tints or BB creams
Cons: May need a lot of product for all-over full coverage
BareMinerals has been the queen bee of powder foundations for as long as we can remember, and it keeps upping the ante as far as its formulations are concerned. The latest? A 12-hour, sweatproof pressed powder foundation that comes in over 30 shades. The finish is matte thanks to the oil-sopping star ingredient, silica, and its ingredient roster is also spiked with a host of beneficial vitamins and minerals for optimal smoothness and glow—despite even the sweatiest of summer horizons.
Customer review: "I use this powder foundation on top of my tinted moisturizer to provide more coverage and when I don't want to wear heavy makeup. I am surprised to see that it does stay on for more than eight hours."
Best Foundation With SPF: It Cosmetics CC+ Cream Natural Matte Foundation With SPF 40
Shades: 30
Pros: Oil-free formula that mattifies, neutralizes discoloration without looking heavy
Cons: Some reviewers say it can feel dry
First things first: Please don't use an SPF-spiked foundation (or moisturizer for that matter) as your one and only means of sun protection. Studies have shown that, while helpful, they absolutely can't replace the efficacy of a true sunscreen. Capisce?That said, if you're looking for all the extra protection you can get this summer, this iteration from It Cosmetics is undoubtedly the best. Inspired by the brand's original best seller (which also has SPF), this formula is better suited for the summer months when things get extra sticky and heated. It's oil-free, matte, infused with SPF 40, and plays nice for up to 12 hours. Although, we've had luck even past that!
Customer review: "This CC+ cream is fantastic! I love how it's full coverage, but still really lightweight. I wore it recently to an outdoor wedding and it held up wonderfully. This is my new go-to face makeup!"
And a few more sweatproof wonders:
Customer review: "This will likely be the only foundation I use for the rest of my life. There just is no comparison to the quality and durability. It lasts all day and leaves a flawless finish."
The best long-wear SPF-spiked primer.
Customer review: "This was an excellent moisturizer. It was comfortable and not oily on my skin, did not irritate, and protected it well from the sun—no burn or uncomfortable redness. Would highly recommend."
A long-lasting waterproof setting spray so your foundation stays put.
Customer review: "Absolutely love this setting spray! It’s more of a mist than a harsh spray, which leaves my face looking hydrated and not wet and sticky like other setting sprays. It kept my makeup on throughout the day, even after I worked out for two hours, which was shocking!"
Complete your stay-put look with this Terminator-strength waterproof eyeliner.
Customer review: "My absolute favorite liquid eyeliner! The thin tip makes it easier to get crisp lines and the color is really deep and stunning. Even if you accidentally rub your eye, the eyeliner doesn't smudge. At the same time, it is not incredibly difficult to remove either."
A moisturizing highlighter in balm form that stays put.
Customer review: "My new go-to for those no-makeup makeup days. I have dry skin so this really gives me that dewy wet look I strive for when I am on a casual bare-face type day. I was not expecting this to be so long-lasting!"
This mascara would stay on during a heat wave and not smear or flake at all.
Customer review: "I absolutely love the brush on this mascara wand. It gives me that perfect fanned-out look while lifting my lashes. Thin formula which is great as I am someone who like to do a couple coats."
When in doubt, liquid blush is always the best option when dealing with heat.
Customer review: "I bought this blush over a year ago and wow it is still my go-to blush. Super natural and really beginner friendly. I enjoy the light way feeling and is super easy to blend also while being very pigmented."
This piece was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Erin has been writing a mix of beauty and wellness content forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing for over four years. Prior to that, she spent two and half years writing for Byrdie. She now calls Santa Monica home but grew up in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and studied writing, rhetoric, and communication at University of Wisconsin, La Crosse. She studied abroad in Galway, Ireland, and spent a summer in L.A. interning with the Byrdie andBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing family. After graduating from UW, she spent one year in San Francisco, where she worked as a writer for Pottery Barn Kids and PBteen before moving down to L.A. to begin her career as a beauty editor. She considers her day-to-day beauty aesthetic very low-maintenance and relies on staples like clear brow serum (from Kimiko!), Lawless's Lip Plumping Mask in Cherry Vanilla, and an eyelash curler. For special occasions or days when she's taking more meetings or has an event, she'll wear anything and everything from Charlotte Tilbury (the foundations are game-changing), some shimmer on her lids (Stila and Róen do it best), and a few coats of the best mascara-type product on earth, Surratt's Noir Lash Tint.
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