Your guide to picking a summer foundation

The perks of summer are endless: warmer weather that seems to instantly put us in a good mood, balmy nights that serve as the perfect environment for a drink or two outside, and dips in the pool or ocean whenever we please. However, picking a foundation that can see you through these different scenarios can be somewhat tricky, seeing as you want your foundation to actually stay in place, rather than slide off your face every time you’re out in the heat or humidity. We spoke with Alphie Sadsad, National Artistry Lead of Sephora Australia, for his top tips on picking the right foundation for your skin type. 

If you have combination skin

The situation: “An oily T-zone and dry patches on the cheeks are the trademarks of combination skin, and can make it tricky to find a good foundation,” explains Sadsad. “If we get it wrong we will end up with whole areas that get no real coverage and are extremely shiny while other parts look cakey, powdery and dry.”

Go for: A nourishing formula that’s still lightweight and breathable is the perfect foundation for combination skin. 

Try: IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better™ CC+™ Cream SPF 50 or Nudestix Tinted Cover Foundation.

If you have dry skin

The situation: “Dry skin usually [has a] rougher texture, [a] tight, parched feeling, a dull appearance, [and] foundation can [typically] settle in dry patches,” says Sadsad. 

Go for: “The textures that would suit dry skin are serum-based foundations, hydrating foundations and cream textures. Luminous finishes and formulas packed with skin care ingredients are generally a winning combination for transforming your flaky, dry skin into the perfect canvas.”

Try: Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation or Make Up For Ever Reboot Foundation.

If you have normal skin

The situation: Your skin is the perfect balance of not-oily and not-dry - you’ve hit the genetic jackpot if you have this skin type.

Go for: “You can wear anything from liquid [to] powder [and] cream [foundations],” explains Sadsad. Normal skin types can also pull off any foundation finish, however we think a velvet, natural or glowy finish works best in summer. 

Try: Anastasia Beverly Hills Luminous Foundation or Dior Backstage Face and Body Foundation.

If you have oily skin

The situation: “When your skin is naturally shinier than a fried egg, the struggle is real when it comes to finding a foundation that controls excess oil and stays in place all day,” says Sadsad. 

Go for: For this skin type, “long-wear foundation and powder foundations works well,” notes Sadsad. Long-lasting foundations won’t slip off when your skin gets oily throughout the day, and powder foundations are known to soak up excess oils. 

Try: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation or Kat Von D Beauty Lock-it Powder Foundation. 

Looking for more budge-proof foundation options? You’ve come to the right place: These are the best long-wear base makeup options that can withstand a hot day.

What foundation do you use in summer? Let us know in the comments below. 

Main image credit: @oliviaculpo