Sweat Testing Four Popular Party-Proof Foundations for Oily Skin Types
Chloe is the Content Specialist at Adore Beauty. She spends most of her time crafting scroll-stopping content, but outside of work, you'll find her building on her Glasshouse collection, hanging out with her fur babies and probably cleaning. Her all-time favourite products include the Alpha-H Liquid Gold and Kérastase Elixir Ultime Original Hair Oil.
If there is one thing you must know about me, it’s that I adore the feeling after a good sweat-sesh.
Finishing your last exercise, after the wave of exhaustion, an exhilarating rush enters, sweat trickling down your back, your heart racing, spirits high, then stepping outside, to feel the cool breeze brush against your skin.
Literally, no better feeling.
Another thing you must know?
I’m a firm believer in look good, feel good.
The cuter I look, the harder I can go. For those of us who embrace intense workouts or busy days, this means finding a foundation that not only enhances our look but can also withstand sweat and shine.
Personally, I prefer a lighter coverage, but I also want something that can control oil and stay put, even during the most intense workouts.
In this article, I’ll give you the run-down on four of the best foundations for oily skin; foundations that, while, medium coverage, are buildable to full.
So, to all the oily skin havers out there who love wearing sweat proof foundations, keep reading...
This one’s for you.
How Sweat Affects Makeup.
Sweat can significantly impact the longevity and appearance of makeup, especially base makeup.
When sweat interacts with foundation, it can cause the product to break down, leading to uneven coverage, separation, and a cakey look. Sweat can also increase shine, making it difficult to maintain a fresh finish.
And for those with oily skin? The excess sebum produced can lead to a shine that not only affects the appearance of makeup but also causes it to break down faster.
This means that foundations need to be specially formulated to control oil and shine while still providing coverage.
Unsure how to find the right foundation for you? Here's a little something we prepared earlier.
Ingredients like mattifying agents and long-wear formulas are essential for oily skin types to help absorb excess oil and keep the makeup in place throughout the day or during workouts.
To make life easier, I’ve tested four popular foundations with the same vibe, medium but buildable to full coverage and on the matte end of the spectrum.
Let's dive right in.
1. M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid SPF15.
What: M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid SPF15 30ml in shade NC30.
Fast facts:
- This popular MAC Cosmetics foundation provides a buildable, breathable foundation that lasts up to 24 hours.
- The studio fix fluid foundation is infused with 87% skincare ingredients, including sugar kelp extract for oil control and hyaluronic acid for hydration.
- Available in 71 shades, catering to all skin tones and textures for a soft-matte, natural finish.
- Comes in a recyclable glass bottle with an easy-to-apply pump for convenience.
- Waterproof, oil-free, suitable for sensitive skin, and contains SPF15 for added sun protection.
My M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid SPF15 review:
I've always relied on M.A.C's Studio Fix Fluid for those long, hot days, and it truly delivers. Even in sweltering heat, it keeps my complexion looking flawless, even in photos.
I recently put it to the ultimate test during a dance session, which included sliding my face across the floor and sweating my backside off.
To my surprise, it held up remarkably well! In my after photo, you can see minimal creasing, impressive shine control, and solid coverage throughout the ordeal.
Of course, some coverage was lost in the areas where my face was literally rubbing against the floor, but I can't fault the foundation for that.
Overall, I’m impressed with its performance and it definitely remains a top contender for events on hot days.
2. Rimmel London Lasting Finish 35Hr Foundation.
What: Rimmel London Lasting Finish 35Hr Foundation in shade 103 True Ivory.
Fast facts:
- Provides flawless coverage that lasts up to 35 hours.
- Enriched with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and 2% niacinamide to keep skin hydrated and radiant.
- Features a lightweight, breathable formula with a natural satin finish that resists heat, humidity, and sweat.
- Waterproof, crease and transfer-resistant, vegan and cruelty-free.
My Rimmel London Lasting Finish 35Hr Foundation review:
The Rimmel London Lasting Finish Foundation was my go-to during my teen years, especially for outdoor adventures like beach days and birthday parties in sweltering heat.
It never let me down in terms of shine control. I hadn’t used it in a while, but recently, I decided to give it another shot on a sunny hike. Though it wasn’t overly hot, the sun was out to play and when the sun is beaming down it does tend to take a toll on your makeup.
The foundation performed just as I remembered, controlling shine beautifully.
After the hike, it looked incredibly skin-like, and it wasn’t until I was rubbing the foundation off my sunnies that my friends even noticed I was wearing makeup.
If oil control is your main concern, I highly recommend picking this up.
3. Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation.
What: Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Matte Powder Foundation SPF10 in shade 2W1 Dawn.
Fast facts:
- Provides buildable coverage from medium to full for up to 24 hours, with a natural matte finish.
- Oil-free, non-acnegenic, and won’t clog pores, making it suitable for all skin types, especially normal to oily skin.
- Features waterproof and heat-resistant properties for all-day wear.
- Available in 60 shades, allowing for a personalised match to even out skin tone and minimise imperfections.
My Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Makeup Foundation review:
Best foundation for oily skin?
I have to say it right now, Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation is my absolute favourite. It works wonders on my combo to oily skin, feels lightweight, and a single layer gives me the perfect coverage.
I wore it for an entire day of shooting content followed by a spin class. Looking back I can’t help but giggle at the after-photos, obviously, my hay fever really kicked in, and my eye makeup looks like it’s hanging on for dear life.
But the foundation? *Chef’s kiss!*
Aside from a bit of wear on the sides of my nose from tissue rubbing, the coverage remained impressive.
Can you believe there’s a 13-hour difference between the before and after photos?
Thrilled to report that the foundation held up beautifully. I have no notes.
4. Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Foundation.
What: Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Foundation in shade 228 Soft Tan.
Fast facts:
- Features exclusive micro-powders that control shine, making it a good foundation for oily skin.
- Maybelline Fit Me effectively blurs pores for a seamless, natural finish.
- This ultra-lightweight liquid foundation offers medium-to-full coverage while absorbing oil for a flawless look.
- Provides sweat and sebum-resistant wear for 5 to 6 hours, ideal for normal-to-oily skin.
- Non-comedogenic, oil-free, dermatologist- and allergy-tested, available in 40 super-saturated shades.
My Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Foundation review:
The Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Foundation is my go-to for dancing.
Why?
At, $25.99 a pop, it offers incredible value and performs very well. It gives you medium coverage and a beautiful, skin-like finish.
Again, I wore it on a dancing day and am impressed with how well it holds up. Like I said before I often find myself sliding across the floor during routines, so it’s no surprise that there was a bit of coverage lost in the after photos, again no fault but my own.
As you can see in the after photos barely any creasing, and still mattifying. Overall, it’s a reliable choice for anyone looking for quality makeup that performs well under pressure.
There's plenty more makeup mastery where that came from. Here are some other products we're trying and loving:
