Can I use foundation everyday?

If you want to, you can. To avoid potential breakouts, make sure you cleanse (or double cleanse) to remove any and all excess residue.

Is it better to use a sponge or brush for foundation?

Either works for applying foundation. Brushes provide more concentrated coverage and generally absorb less makeup than sponges, while a damp sponge will provide the most natural finish. Ultimately, it depends on the formula of the foundation and the finish and coverage level you're after.

How often do you buy foundation?

How often you purchase foundation depends on how frequently you use it, and how much you use per application. Generally speaking, you'll need to buy foundation at least once a year. After a year, the color, consistency, and texture may begin to change.

The 10 Best Sweat-Proof Foundations for Summer of 2022

Everyone falls into a foundation rut sometimes (see: photos of me with a ghost-white face and tan neck circa 2010—kidding, they’re nowhere to be found). Foundation, the meat and potatoes of any makeup routine, creates an even and uniform complexion, covers blemishes and hyperpigmentation, sometimes acts as a sunscreen or moisturizer, and can even give you a tan (yes for me, please). Foundation has always been my favorite product, even though most people would say I never look like I’m wearing any. And that’s how I like it: My skin, but better.

Summer is especially devious when it comes to a foundation. I’m bi-coastal, meaning I spend about a week or two per month in New York City, but otherwise, I’m home in Los Angeles. LA is dry and really hot. NYC, meanwhile, can be as sweaty and humid as a Moroccan hammam spa (I’m normally into that, but not when I’m outside or wearing clothes). The sweat-resistant foundation that worked for me in NYC would get dry and patchy when I was in LA; a dreaded phenomenon that J.Lo’s makeup artist, Scott Barnes, calls ‘skipping.’ The dewy coverage formulas I reserved for LA would leave me looking like a BP oil slick in New York City’s humidity. Then, it occurred to me: Why not just find a base that looks flawless in both places?

Enter sweat-proof foundation. "If you wear a great sweat-proof base you won’t need to worry about carrying around so many touch-up products," explains Tobi Henney, a celebrity makeup artist. "Although I do love Tatcha's Japanese Blotting Papers ($12) for on-the-go if you’re looking at an easy way to take away shine in the T-zone."

For an optimum, sweat- and fool-proof look this summer, try any of these tried and tested foundations.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Hourglass Cosmetics Vanish Foundation Stick

Jump to Review

Best Light Coverage:

Chatecaille Just Skin at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Matte:

VDL Perfect Lasting Foundation at Ulta

Jump to Review

Best Full Coverage:

Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Long-Lasting:

Marc Jacobs Shameless Foundation at Marcjacobs.com

Jump to Review

Best Stick:

Westman Atelier Vital Skin at Violet Grey

Jump to Review

Best Hydrating:

Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation at Sephora

Jump to Review

Best Natural:

Tarte Babassu Foundcealer at Sephora

Jump to Review

Best SPF:

IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream With SPF 50+ at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Combination Skin:

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation

Jump to Review

4.8

Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick

Nordstrom

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Nordstrom

What We Like

Very wide shade range
Weightless
Provides up to 12 hours of coverage

What We Don't Like

Doesn't blend easily

This product is a pro at concealing annoying redness without catching any dry patches. I use a shade darker than my skin tone as a contour—I also love how mess-free and travel-friendly the packaging is.

Price at time of publish: $48

Chatecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer

Nordstrom

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Dermstore

What We Like

Infused with SPF 15 for UV protection
Made from botanical compounds
3-in-1: Smooths, protects, and enhances
Seals in skin's moisture

What We Don't Like

Pricey

Holy pickle shoots, this thing is dewy. It couldn’t be more aptly named because it looks just like skin (but better). It’s kind of crazy how well this wears through heat and humidity. Even people of the lowest maintenance can attest to this tinted moisturizer’s supremacy. I apply it with my fingers or with a rounded concealer brush shaped like a cat’s paw for all-day, even coverage with a controlled level of glow.

Price at time of publish: $70

View On Ulta

What We Like

Wallet-friendly
Buildable
Prevents product oxidation
Crease-proof

What We Don't Like

Limited shade range

According to Henney, anything matte is definitely going to help when it comes to warding off sweat in the summer. I don’t normally lean towards foundations labeled matte coverage, which is why I think this brand should rename their formula “perfect porcelain coverage." Made in Korea, this is one of my new ride-or-die favorites, and from any beauty provenance (not just those starting with a “K”).

Price at time of publish: $35

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Dermstore

What We Like

Little goes a long way
Good for all skin types
Very breathable

What We Don't Like

May create some flashback

This Little-Known Foundation Is Insanely Good at Covering Redness

I have literally been to a hot yoga class with this foundation on, and I didn’t look sweaty—nothing budged, nor did any of my pores get clogged. Formulated specifically for skin to breathe through makeup, this highly pigmented formula gives amazing coverage you can wear literally anywhere. As an added bonus, it’s also insanely good at covering redness.

Price at time of publish: $66

View On Marcjacobs.com

What We Like

Weightless
Buildable
Infused with SPF 25 for UV protection
24-hour wear

What We Don't Like

Tad pricey

The Medium R300 is a perfect color match for me. Make sure you shake this foundation (like a Polaroid picture!) before applying it. It’s medium coverage with a velvety matte, clean finish. The added flashback-free SPF benefit is a great perk. It dries so well; I can barely feel it on my skin. I’ve given this a solid 12-hour wear test and did not need to touch up. I’ve grown out of all-nighters (mostly) but if anyone wants to test the full 24 hours, please let me know.

Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick

View On Violet Grey

What We Like

Targets redness and inflammation
Full of only natural ingredients
Calms irritation

What We Don't Like

Minimal deep shades

This foundation stick is definitely a desert island product. For summer makeup, I really love a cream formula, mostly because of how nicely it blends with skin while managing oils and without catching dry patches. This foundation glides on so easily and literally never looks heavy. The warmth of your skin marries the product with your face quickly and it conceals spots without looking oily or like you’re wearing product. Also worth mentioning: this baby is TSA-friendly and so easy to travel with.

Price at time of publish: $68

Courtesy of Sephora

View On Sephora

What We Like

Long-lasting
Weightless
Buildable for great makeup layering

What We Don't Like

Color swatch not accurate online

Koh Gen Do recently changed the formula and packaging on this best-selling blend, and oh boy, does it deliver. It’s so silky and hydrating, but doesn’t slip off the face in the summertime. This brand is one of my favorites for all things—what can I say, I’m obsessed with Japan.

Price at time of publish: $96

View On Sephora

What We Like

Wide shade range
Infused with sunflower seed to regenerate skin
Pumps out every drop of product

What We Don't Like

Doesn't blend well
Very greasy

Category is: buttered honey pancake realness. Score? 10s across the board. The newest foundation/skincare product from Tarte Cosmetics shook me to my foundation core (pun intended). It comes in 30 shades and gives medium-full coverage, meaning I can wear less of this while still looking even.

Price at time of publish: $39

4.1

Sephora

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What We Like

SPF 50+ for maximum UV protection
Infused with collagen, hyaluronic acid, niacin, peptides and antioxidants
Works on all skin types

What We Don't Like

Might feel a bit heavy

I love this foundation. It never looks dry, it doesn’t transfer, and it has a high SPF+, making it ideal for summer application without any pilling from sun protection. Don’t be fooled by the CC cream name—this base has coverage. I also trust the skincare aspect of this, mainly because its second ingredient is snail serum. This is one of the only formulas I wouldn’t be afraid to fall asleep in accidentally (I actually have before).

Price at time of publish: $44

4.3

Courtesy of Sephora

View on Ulta View On Sephora

What We Like

Buildable
Lasts up to 12 hours
Creates no camera flashback

What We Don't Like

Dries too fast
Hard to apply

Reviewed: Too Faced's Born This Way Foundation Makes Full Coverage Look Natural

A favorite among beauty insiders and fans alike, I haven’t found a climate that this foundation doesn’t look amazing in. I think this is especially good for girls prone to dry patches on their cheeks but have an oily T-zone. It’s oil-free, and the finish allows for light to hit in all the right places—aka it photographs so well.

Price at time of publish: $45

What Our Testers Say

"I found Too Faced's Born This Way Foundation to be really impressive: it didn’t take much to achieve even coverage, the product felt comfortable on, and my skin had a natural finish that mimicked its best days." — Khera Alexander, Product Tester

What to Look For in a Sweat-Proof Foundation

Long-Wearing or Waterproof

If you want your foundation to last through the hottest of days, opt for a formula that is long-wearing or waterproof. This will help it hold, and prevent as much of the product from sliding off of your face as possible. It'll also be handy for any outdoor activities you have planned.

Oil-Free

Opt for an oil-free formula, if possible. Oil-based makeup tends to come off easier than other formulas, which is what we're trying to avoid. Try more lightweight or matte formulas, like many of the selections seen here, as they'll last through whatever sweaty activities you put your foundation through.

Coverage Level

Foundations are available in a multitude of coverage levels, ranging from light to full. Select a coverage level based on what you prefer. Lighter coverage will conceal or blur redness and other slight imperfections whereas full coverage has the potential to cover it all. Either way, it's truly about personal preference.

FAQ

Can I use foundation everyday?

If you want to, you can. To avoid potential breakouts, make sure you cleanse (or double cleanse) to remove any and all excess residue.
Is it better to use a sponge or brush for foundation?

Either works for applying foundation. Brushes provide more concentrated coverage and generally absorb less makeup than sponges, while a damp sponge will provide the most natural finish. Ultimately, it depends on the formula of the foundation and the finish and coverage level you're after.
How often do you buy foundation?

How often you purchase foundation depends on how frequently you use it, and how much you use per application. Generally speaking, you'll need to buy foundation at least once a year. After a year, the color, consistency, and texture may begin to change.

How We Researched & Tested

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. Our team also incorporated their own personal experiences testing products in their own lives. We then used these insights from our research and testing to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.

Why Trust Byrdie?

Meet the Expert

Tobi Henney is a bi-coastal makeup artist known for creating flawless, glowing skin. Her celebrity clientele includes the likes of Megan Fox and Ashley Graham and her work can be seen across the ad campaigns of major brands and in the editorials of the top fashion magazines. She originally hails from Sydney, where she was previously the L’Oréal Paris Makeup Director for Australia.

How Naomi Osaka Practices Self-Care Before and After a Tennis Match

Best Overall

Hourglass Cosmetics Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick

Best Light Coverage

Chatecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer

Best Matte

VDL Perfect Lasting Foundation

Best Full Coverage

Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation

Best Long-Lasting

Marc Jacobs Shameless Youthful-Look 24H Foundation

Best Stick

Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick

Best Hydrating

Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation

Best Natural

Tarte Babassu Foundcealer Skincare Foundation

Best SPF

IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream With SPF 50+

Best for Combination Skin

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation

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