My job as a beauty editor means that I’m constantly testing new products, including face creams, concealers, blushes—you name it. But what excites me most is when I get to try foundations during the summertime. For me, it’s like a science experiment, examining if a long-wearing foundation really lasts all day, or if a sweat-proof formula really holds up in the sweltering Texas heat (where I live).
According to my findings, there are a few foundations that do it all—giving me a fresh, airbrush-like finish, while offering buildable coverage and outlasting everything from 112-degree heat to outdoor workouts. Even better? I don’t need to use powder, primer, or a setting spray for these foundations to stay put.
Shop my favorite lightweight skin tint, a luminous foundation from a Martha Stewart-used brand, and more of my go-to picks, below.
6 Editor-Loved Sweat-Proof Foundations
Make Up For Ever HD Skin Hydra Glow Foundation
Nordstrom
I’m a fan of Make Up For Ever’s foundations, including the skin tint Martha Stewart uses. But what I love about this hyaluronic acid-infused foundation is that it provides enough coverage to conceal my acne breakouts, yet it still feels like second skin and gives me a fresh, glowy finish. Better yet? It outlasted 112-degree heat during my recent Vegas trip.
Glossier Stretch Fluid Foundation
Sephora
Another skin-like finish? This Glossier Stretch Fluid Foundation. It features lightweight, buildable coverage and is jam-packed with skin care ingredients, including squalane and glycerin, which helps to plump, nourish, and protect the skin barrier. After a full day of wearing this, I can attest that my skin looks luminous and hydrated.
Prada Reveal Skin Optimizing Soft Matte Foundation
Nordstrom
The price tag on this refillable Prada foundation might seem hefty, but hear me out—it’s worth its weight in gold. The flexible, soft matte finish and long-lasting formula keeps my T-zone from looking oily and caking up in the hot summer months. It also means that I can skip two steps in my routine: setting powder and setting spray, which, if you think about it, it’s saving me from spending money on those two items in the long-run.
Beautyblender Bounce Always On Radiant Skin Tint
Amazon
I’ve purchased this Beautyblender skin tint multiple times and have sung its praises so much that I’m sure my friends and family are tired of hearing me talk about it. But it’s that good—it blurs, brightens, and stays put for 10-plus hours. I’ve worn it to Disneyland, in 100-degree weather, and during cardio workouts, and it’s never once budged.
Benefit the Porefessional Blurring and Smoothing Foundation
Nordstrom
I recently added this Benefit foundation to my lineup and instantly loved the smooth, airbrush-like finish it gave me—sans primer or a finishing powder, might I add. But what blew me away was how well it held up during my 30-minute walk in 90-degree weather. While some redness peeked through, overall my skin looked fresh and radiant, as if I wasn’t just sweating in the sweltering heat.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation
Sephora
This Charlotte Tilbury foundation has been my holy grail for years because it offers a full coverage finish that feels as weightless as a skin tint. And like the name suggests, it leaves behind a radiant, soft-focus glow that almost looks like your skin is an IRL filter. It’s no wonder this foundation has also earned the stamp of approval from celebrities like Demi Moore, Penélope Cruz, and Zendaya.
