Foundations That Stand Up to the Heat

 

Summer has always been one of my favorite seasons, sun drenched long days, golden hour content shoots, Leo (birthday) season and that undeniable glow that only July can bring. But let’s be real: as much as I love the warmth, my skin doesn’t always agree. Between the humidity, sweat, and long hours outside filming or running errands, I’ve been on a never ending quest to find a foundation that can hold its own without slipping off by noon. Over the years, I’ve tested and tried countless formulas, some flopped within minutes of stepping outside, while others surprised me and became year-round staples. I’m sharing the foundations that truly have earned their keep when the heat is relentless in the swelter.

If you’ve ever found yourself blotting your face repeatedly or avoiding makeup altogether during heatwaves, I feel you! One thing I’ve learned through trial, error, and many sweaty summer days: liquid foundations are usually the most heat-friendly option, as long as you pick the right one.

Here’s why I reach for liquid based when the temps rise:

• They move with your skin, rather than sitting stiffly like cream foundations can.
• They’re buildable, meaning you can go sheer and breathable or add a bit more coverage where you need it.
• Many are now infused with skin-loving ingredients that hydrate while resisting sweat and transfer.
• They layer beautifully over your SPF and serums, which is crucial in the summer. Or you might find one that has SPF in it.

When trying to find liquid based foundations, look for formulas that are oil-free, long-wear, and ideally sweat- or humidity-resistant. Here are my top three that I’ll be using all summer 2025 long….

1. Range Beauty True Intentions Hydrating Foundation

Range Beauty True Intentions Hydrating Foundation, this gem is a total underdog in the heatwave game. Why I adore it:

• Weightless hydration: it gives just the right amount of dewiness without turning greasy, perfect for those humid summer snaps. 
• Skin-loving clean formula: packed with botanical extracts, it’s gentle and safe on all skin types, even sensitive skin that reacts to heat. 
• Flexible coverage: buildable formula that survives outdoor fitness workouts without caking or creasing.

Seriously, this feels like a skincare-meets-makeup dream, my go-to when I’m snapping pictures under the sun.

2. IT Cosmetics CC Cream Foundation

Not in the mood for full foundation? Enter the IT Cosmetics CC Cream Foundation:

• Broad-spectrum SPF 50+: because I’m all about that proactive sun protection, sun is glowing, but not when it comes at the expense of your skin.
• Color-correcting with medium coverage: balances redness, evens tone, and stays fresh-looking throughout long days.
• Hydrating yet mattifying: managed to stay put during a recent errand run, no slipping, no shine.

I reach for this when I need quick coverage with serious skincare benefits.

3. Bobbi Brown Skin Long‑Wear Weightless Foundation

Last but not least, let’s talk Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation:

• Matte finish without drying: it’s comfortable, breathable, and feels like skin, not like a mask. 
• 12-hour longevity: heat, humidity, and long work days? No problem, it just won’t budge. 
• Oil-control hero: perfect for those mid-summer, high-humidity days when everything else feels slick.

I always recommend this one for full coverage lovers needing something bulletproof in hot conditions. It also contains 15 SPF, to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

My Summer Foundation Routine

Finding the product that works for you, is only part of the story. Here’s how I make any foundation heat-proof:

• Prime strategically: lightweight, gripping primers (especially around the nose and forehead) help your base stay locked in. Currently using Bobbi Brown’s Vitamin Face Base
• Powder only where needed: lightly set the T-zone and leave the rest of your face luminous and fresh. Currently using Huda Beauty Easy Bake and Setting Powder 
• Finish with a setting spray: it melts everything together and helps control midday breakdown. Currently using Urban Decay’s All Nighter Setting Spray
• Keep blotting papers on hand: way better than layering more product. 

When the weather is intense, you need products that work with your skin, not against it. That’s why these three picks: 

• Range Beauty True Intentions 
• IT Cosmetics CC Cream 
• Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless 

…. are my holy grails for surviving heatwaves without sacrificing glow! Whether you’re making memories with friends and family outdoors, running errands, or heading to a rooftop brunch, your foundation shouldn’t be the thing holding you back. 

Stay radiant, stay fresh, and stay beautifully you. Tag me on Instagram/Tiktok and let me know what foundation you’re using during a heatwave.