16 Foundations That Hold Strong Even on the Hottest, Sweatiest Days

Best Overall

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation

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What do buyers say? 200+ Nordstrom reviewers rated this product 4.1 stars or above.

This foundation lasted through a three-day work stint in Las Vegas where temperatures peaked over 100 degrees each and every day, Plus, not to sound vain, but I've never received so many compliments on my skin in such a small amount of time. This is my new favorite foundation, point-blank.

Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 8 | Finish: Demi-matte | Size: 1 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Budget

Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation

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For this price, you won't find a better matte foundation. The mousse texture is easy to work in and can either deliver either a sheer effect or layered up for heavier coverage. Use less than you think you'll need—just a teensy amount will cover your whole face.

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 12 | Finish: Matte | Size: 1 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Drugstore

Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation

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An all-star recommendation from celebrity MUA Tobi Henney, this drugstore favorite has actually earned a permanent spot on my vanity. Not only is the coverage great, but it's also buildable, long-wearing, and looks like it should be about five times the price when it's sitting on (or rather, pristinely melted into) your face. I've worn it outside and during workouts, and it's stayed on without making me break out—a total success. 

Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 40 | Finish: Matte | Size: 1 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Waterproof

MAC Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation

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This waterproof formula actually started off as a concealer prototype, with MAC's product development team setting out to create "a new dimensional effect" in the category. Instead, it came up with a base that can be worn both sheer and full coverage, meaning it can take the place of concealer and foundation in your makeup bag.

Coverage: Medium to full | Shade Range: 24 | Finish: Satin | Size: 1 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Medium-Coverage

Clinique Stay-Matte Oil-Free Makeup

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Another fragrance-free winner, this formula is light and silky (not chalky or difficult to blend), but it still manages to keep your skin matte. It delivers medium coverage and is best-suited to normal and oily skin types. If you have a really oily complexion, you should definitely give it a go—the staying power is impressive. Bonus: It's so absorbent that you won't even need setting powder.

Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 20 | Finish: Matte | Size: 1 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Natural Finish

Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Full Coverage Foundation

4

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Like all foundations from Make Up For Ever, this shine-zapping formula does what it's supposed to (conceals blemishes and uneven texture), but it still looks believable. The fluid texture is easy to blend, feels light on the skin, and lasts for ages. Want your skin to look perfectly naturally matte? This is the foundation for you.

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 40 | Finish: Matte | Size: 1 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation

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Great for oily, blemish-prone skins, this Hourglass option gets rid of shine without turning your complexion dull. Expect medium to full coverage; it really delivers on that coveted airbrushed effect. If you have dry to normal skin, you can still use it, but moisturize well before application to avoid flaky patches. You'll need to work quickly to blend it in, as the formula sets quickly.

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 22 | Finish: Matte | Size: 1 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Oily Skin

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Liquid Foundation

4.8

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I was actually thrilled when Henney credited this classic, long-wearing foundation as one of the best for oil-prone clientele who crave fuller coverage. Why? Well, this foundation is one of my OG four! Not only does it impart a gorgeous finish but it has also taken me from work to the gym to cocktails in one fell swoop. The only reason it doesn't get five stars is that it can feel a little heavy at times—so, if you don't like to feel your foundation on your face whatsoever, this one might not be the best. 

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 56 | Finish: Matte | Size: 1 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Hydrating

Chantecaille Future Skin Oil-Free Gel Foundation

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This luxurious, gel-based foundation actively hydrates skin while providing unbeatable coverage, preventing moisture loss with its oil-free, non-drying formula.

Coverage: Medium to full | Shade Range: 15 | Finish: Natural | Size: 1 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Matte Finish

Smashbox Studio Skin 24 Hour Oil-Free Hydra Foundation

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When you want a matte finish that won’t settle into creases or crack, reach for this formula from Smashbox. The breathable formula delivers a natural-looking matte finish with medium coverage and works to help to control oil and shine. In addition to lasting you through a sweaty workout, it’s also transfer- and humidity-resistant. Not to mention, its 40-shade offering is pretty impressive.

Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 40 | Finish: Natural | Size: 1 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Long-Wearing

Armani Beauty Power Fabric Full-Coverage Liquid Foundation with SPF 25

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Any foundation by Giorgio Armani has, and will probably always have, a legacy as one of the best foundations you can slather on your face for a red carpet–approved glow. Usually, it's this foundation's sister formula, Luminous Silk ($64), that tends to get all the love, but if you're looking for play-hard endurance, this one's the better bet. "Armani's Power Fabric has lasted through many nights out and summer days for me," says Sarah Wu, a contributor to Forbes and Teen Vogue. Also, celebrity makeup artist Nikki DeRoest routinely uses it on A-list clientele like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 30 | Finish: Matte | Size: 1 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Tinted Moisturizer

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30

4.7

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I'm not typically a fan of tinted moisturizers, but if so inclined, this is the only one I'll wear. It recently stood up to a 15-minute walk (followed by an hourlong meeting) outside in 90-plus L.A. heat and sun. The true miracle? The sweatproof (and SPF-infused!) formula still managed to garner me a skin compliment after the fact. (Don't believe me? Just ask our lovely social editor, Aimee Jefferson, who was responsible.)

Coverage: Light | Shade Range: 16 | Finish: Radiant | Size: 1.9 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Natural Formula

Rituel de Fille The Ethereal Veil Conceal And Cover

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I struggle with most natural foundation formulas, but I've finally discovered one that actually overperforms when it comes to staying power—at least, that is, compared to most other natural options. Made with 99% all-natural ingredients, this one is really easy to build, feels weightless on top of the skin, and surprisingly stood its ground during an afternoon hot-yoga session. Impressive, right? You can buff it in with a brush, but I just use my fingertips.

Coverage: Medium to full | Shade Range: 12 | Finish: Natural | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Water-Based

Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Foundation

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I used to live and die by Laura Mercier's foundations in high school, but fast-forward to this one, and I'm obsessed. According to Glamsquad makeup artist Alyna Ajere, its water-based formula promises at least eight hours of wear. When I tested it, lasted even longer, through a busy workday as well as a night out. Plus, I just really love the somehow lightweight full coverage and the way it effortlessly blends and melts into my skin. It's also great if you want a matte but not too matte finish.

Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 10 | Finish: Matte | Size: 1 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Powder

Wander Beauty Wanderlust Powder Foundation

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This pick is a favorite of Jessica Chia, a contributing beauty editor at Allure. "This formula doesn't look cakey at all, but because it's a powder versus a liquid, it tends to sop up sweat instead of letting it run everywhere," she explained. I'll still favor my liquid formulas, but this is a great alternative if you love powder or are just looking for a sweat-nixing switch-up this summer.

Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 11 | Finish: Matte | Size: 0.3 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes