Our favourite sweat-proof foundations for summer

Here's the thing: we know how easy it is to have a small meltdown every time summer sun melts away your foundation. That's why it is so important to invest in the right sweat-proof formula that can withstand heat and humidity, refusing to budge even in boiling temperatures. To stay fresh-faced from brunch to late-night beach parties, look for formulas that are water-resistant and transfer-proof, ensuring they stay put through all your sunny escapades. A matte or satin finish helps control that midday shine, while buildable coverage lets you customise your look.

Safe to say that summer heat can turn your face into a proverbial slip ‘n slide, but fear not. A good skincare routine that includes a lightweight, non-greasy moisturiser is crucial to keep your foundation locked in place. Next, prep your face with a mattifying primer to create a smooth, oil-free canvas before you apply your sweat-proof foundation in thin, buildable layers. The finishing touches? Set everything with a translucent powder and spritz on some setting spray built for endurance. Blotting papers can also be handy for managing excess oil throughout the day without disturbing your makeup​.

In some ways, choosing a summer foundation is like picking the perfect poolside cocktail – it needs the right ingredients that will help keep you feeling fresh. Silicones are excellent for creating a long-lasting, smooth finish that resists water and sweat while oil-absorbing agents like kaolin clay or silica can help control shine. Look for non-comedogenic formulations to avoid clogging pores, especially in hot weather, and hydrating skincare heroes like hyaluronic acid can help maintain moisture without adding oil. Finally, steer clear of heavy oils and fragrances that can invite breakouts and irritation​.

Sun-kissed without the sunburn – that’s the dream, right? Many modern foundations have built-in SPF, making them perfect multitaskers in your summer beauty arsenal. Foundations with broad-spectrum SPF are especially useful as they shield against both UVA and UVB rays. But remember, while these foundations add a layer of protection, they shouldn’t replace your daily sunscreen. Think of them more like a summer hat – great for extra coverage but not your only defense.

For a natural-looking, glowing summer skin, the key is to keep things thin and breezy. Use a damp beauty sponge to apply your foundation in light, even layers. This method helps blend the product seamlessly into your skin, achieving sheer coverage. The magic lies in the choice of products: opt for lightweight, buildable formulas that let your natural beauty shine through. Tinted moisturisers or BB creams are perfect for that dewy, no-makeup makeup look. Avoid heavy powders, and instead, use a setting spray to lock in your makeup while maintaining a fresh and radiant look.

To keep your foundation cake-free when reapplying throughout the day, start by removing any excess oil with blotting papers. A quick spritz of hydrating mist refreshes your skin and preps it for touch-ups. Next, apply a small amount of foundation or concealer on areas that need it, blending well with a damp beauty sponge or your fingers. Focus on blending rather than piling on product – less is more when it comes to touch-ups.

For those sun-kissed days when you crave “my skin but better” results, Hourglass' ‘Veil’ Hydrating Skin Tint is best described as an oasis in the desert of dry skin. With a thirst-quenching formula this foundation boasts an ingredient list rich in hyaluronic acid, squalene, and meadowfoam seed oil, offering a nourishing hydration boost that pledges all-day comfort and a dewy glow, without skimping on coverage. Really, it has kept our beauty editor's parched skin looking plump all day long, all while withstanding summer heat.

For those battling shine during summer's heatwaves, Rihanna's Fenty Beauty ‘Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation’ is a mattifying game-changer. Lauded for its lightweight formula, this foundation promises blurred-out medium-to-full coverage that remains breathable while being buildable, ideal for oily skin types looking to avoid the dreaded midday shine. The oil-free formula, fortified with climate-adaptive technology, is sweat and humidity-resistant, making it a standout choice for those humid summer days. The only thing we will say is that some oxidisation may occur, so consider opting for a slightly lighter shade than usual.

Navigating the maze of foundations to find one that doesn't aggravate acne-prone skin while providing a radiant, natural-looking finish can be a daunting task. That said, Sisley Paris' Phyto-Teint Ultra Eclat is a great option for those seeking impeccable coverage with skincare benefits. Boosted by radiance-activating ingredients and boasting an ultra-velvety finish, this oil-free, non-comedogenic formulation (designed to prevent clogged pores) promises a blurring effect that smooths over imperfections and delivers a luminous finish that lasts, even in hot, humid weather​.

There is a reason why Pat McGrath's feather-light formula with buildable coverage is considered cult for those with sensitive skin. After all, it is oil- and fragrance-free, designed to minimise the risk of irritation while blurring imperfections and enhancing your complexion's natural glow​. Acting more like a serum than a thick paste, its sublime satin finish offers ‘lit-from-within’ glow while being barely detectable on the skin. Even in high humidity and temperatures, it adapts beautifully, maintaining a luminous finish without becoming oily or causing makeup to separate​.

For those with mature skin, finding the right foundation that can enhance your complexion while addressing common skin concerns is crucial. Giorgio Armani's Luminous Silk Foundation is a game-changer in this regard. The foundation is designed to combat common skin issues like dryness, fine lines, and uneven texture, while also sculpting, brightening, and improving texture. Thanks to its light, silky texture, the foundation glides effortlessly onto the skin, leaving it looking flawless and radiant with a comfortable and hydrating feel that lasts all day.

For those aiming for that elusive matte-but-not-flat finish this summer, may we suggest the Tom Ford's Traceless Soft Matte Foundation. This (somehow hydrating) matte marvel laughs in the face of midday shine, offering medium to full coverage that blurs away imperfections like a photo filter in a bottle – all thanks to the sorcery of soft-focus microsphere powders. And for those dreading the cakey aftermath of most mattes, fear not. This formula is designed to meld with your skin, promising a smoother look over time.

Somehow delivering that coveted ‘just back from vacation‘ radiance without the need for pesky jet lag, Chanel's Les Beiges Healthy Glow is the type of foundation with a ‘lit-from-within’ finish that has people asking if you’ve fallen in love or just had a facial. Long-wear? Check. Comfortable? You bet. And cakey? Not on its watch. In summary? It is hydrating your skin to the brim while keeping you looking like you're permanently in golden hour.

For the marathoners of the makeup world seeking a foundation that sticks around longer than the party does, Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Foundation is the true Ironman. Your skin’s best ally in the heated battle against the summer melt, this promising stay-all-day formula ensures you keep looking fresh without needing to bolt to the nearest mirror for a touch-up. Perfect for those who want their makeup to clock in extra hours without clocking out on comfort, this foundation is the secret weapon for a flawless finish from dawn till dusk.

Everyone should keep a bearly-there base on hand, and our lightweight formula of choice falls on Caia's Dewy Drops. With the type of flawless results we've only ever seen on vacation, the Dewy Drops sets out to enhance your natural beauty without masking it. A whisper of colour, it provides a luminous finish that makes skin look healthy and vibrant, not made up – traits which make this foundation ideal for those sweltering summer days when heavy makeup is a deal-breaker.

Switching up your routine for summer doesn't always necessitate deep pockets. L'Oréal Paris' True Match Super-Blendable Foundation is the perfect option for those on a budget. Lauded for its lightweight feel – a crucial feature when the temperatures rise – it promises a seamless finish that won't cake or flake, ensuring your summer skin looks effortlessly flawless. Bonuses like SPF protection and hydration make it a smart pick for those long days spent in the sun.