Are you in search of the perfect foundation for hot weather? If there’s one thing I don’t like about skin care, besides dark circles and puffy eyes, it’s makeup that looks caked on and even worse, melts under the sun. It takes only a few minutes to test out foundations to ensure you’re getting the best for your skin. Even at a drugstore like Rite Aid, you can buy it, and if it doesn’t work out, you can return it (Make sure to ask for more details about each store’s policy!). Start out with a clean face before you test your makeup, that way you get the best results. Plus, you have a better advantage of choosing the proper one for your skin type, be it oil-free or moisturizing. Remember, in all makeup applications, the key word is blend, blend, blend!

Clarins Super Restorative Foundation ($60): This is the most expensive foundation, but it’s worth the price should you choose to splurge. It is perfect for all skin tones and types, including sensitive skin. It works double time to help with the elasticity of your skin and to control oil. No cake-up, no streaks and no oil! The rich, creamy consistency feels like you’re putting moisturizer on, really. A little goes a long way!

Make Up For Ever Duo Mat Powder Foundation ($40): A bit on the expensive side, but it’s on par with the MAC powder it seeks to emulate. Powders are geared towards those with oily skin, and the Duo Mat definitely rids the face of shine at all hours. The consistency is smooth and it gives you a nice matte finish that lasts for hours. Make Up For Ever is good for darker skin tones, and it’s very versatile with all skin types.

Maybelline Fit Me! ($7): I’m a huge fan of Great Lash Mascara, since the age of 16, but that’s where the love ends for Maybelline. The foundation is on the oily side, so it won’t blend if your skin is oily too. If your skin is on the dry side, you’ll probably end up with a dewy, glowing look but that’s a hard look to pull of all day with this foundation.  

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Tinted Moisturizer ($12): I decided to try a tinted moisturizer to see if it held up to traditional makeup. Neutrogena is pretty well known for having the best in this category, and I can see why. It was lightweight and provided a nice layer of protection, especially with the sunscreen. The finish was powdery, but still natural. The only issue I came across was: It’s best if worn when you’re not going somewhere hot because it comes right off when you sweat. Not a good look! This choice is probably best for those of you blessed with little to no blemishes.  

Revlon Colorstay ($10): The color in the bottle was very rich and seemed to match really well with my dark skin. But upon application, I noticed that my face looked a bit jaundiced. This was because of the undertones, which are very important when choosing foundation. So while the base color matched, my warm golden undertones brought out the yellow too much. I wish the bottle had an easy dispenser to avoid getting too much on my fingers, but that’s nothing a makeup wedge or q-tip doesn’t solve.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer w/SPF 15 ($16): OK, hands down this is my favorite product of all. I know it’s not really foundation, but it can take the place of foundation for those of us who just can’t commit to color. It’s so smooth, and if you do have the layer technique of primer/foundation going on, it works well! What sticks out to me about Smashbox is the sunblock. I use it over my moisturizer day and night. It really does give the dewy look, but it is a natural dew. The best thing is that since it’s colorless there’s no undertone issues and/or skin-tone matching dilemmas. For me, this is the best of all.



Products are available at Rite Aid, Macy’s and Sephora. Do you have a favorite product or would like Beauty Beat to try something so you don’t have to? Send suggestions to beauty.editor@campuscircle.net.