How to Wear Full-Coverage Foundation on Hot Summer Days, According to a Makeup Artist

June 28, 2021

By: Genesis Rivas | Makeup.com by L'Oréal

Full-coverage foundation in the summer? I know what you’re thinking, but hear me out. I’m the first one to opt for a lightweight BB cream during the hot and humid months, but honestly, sometimes you wake up with breakouts that need a little more coverage than a sheer foundation can offer. Other times, you might just be in the mood to do a full-coverage glam to feel like a boss babe. To find out how to wear a full-coverage foundation in the heat without it melting off or feeling super cakey, I tapped professional makeup artist Molly R. Stern to share her best tips.

Apply With a Wet Beauty Sponge

Avoid cakey makeup by applying your full-coverage foundation using a wet beauty sponge, says Stern. “This helps to give a little elasticity to your foundation”, she explains. “Once I’m done applying the product, I like to take my clean hands and press them into my face wherever I have applied the foundation. This process makes the product look more natural and like it’s part of the complexion rather than sitting on the surface.”

Layer Your Foundation Only Where You Need It

If you want the extra coverage but hate how it feels in the summer heat, Stern says it’s best to only layer the coverage on the areas where you need it the most. Apply one layer of foundation on your entire face and then go in using a small makeup brush to cover any spots you want to hide with your foundation. “Keep the touch light and press in a setting powder once the blemish is covered,” says Stern.

Use a Good Primer

“A great primer will help make your foundation wear longer,” says Stern. A primer can also allow you to layer on less product and in turn, feel lighter in the heat. One of our favorites is the Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Primer, which is a lightweight primer that blurs the appearance of pores and blemishes and hydrates the skin.

Set With a Powder

Once your foundation is applied, Stern says the best way to make it last is by dusting a translucent setting powder all over. Both the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Powder and the NYX Professional Makeup Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Powder are great options because they instantly mattify your makeup and absorb oil throughout the day.

Consider a Powder Foundation

In 90 degree weather, greasiness is difficult to avoid but powders are great for absorbing excess oil that threatens your finished makeup look. Avoid adding an extra step to your routine by choosing a powder foundation, says Stern. The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder offers sweat-proof, buildable coverage with a natural matte finish that lasts for up to 24 hours.

Photo: Chaunte Vaughn, Design: Hannah Packer