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Indian summers show no mercy. Can you tell us one good thing about this sweltering season? Mangoes, okay fine. But the constant sweating? Melting makeup? Those are battles that makeup junkies have to deal with every day for a couple of months in the year. And TBH, there is a limit to what compact powders and blotting papers can do. By the end of the day your face either has 39495 layers of powder on it or you’re left with no makeup because it just melted off. But, this year and going ahead, things are about to change for the better.
We’ve rounded up 10 oil-free foundations that will easily bear the brunt of the heat and keep you looking fresh all day, every day. Along with delivering a matte look, these oil-free foundations absorb excess oil and control shine while you're out and about. Being super lightweight and breathable, they won’t clog your pores. Excited? We don’t mean to keep you waiting but you must know how to choose the best foundation and how to apply foundations during the summer in India.
How To Choose Foundations For The Summer
- Shade / Undertone: Of course, you will pick your shade of foundation, but it not be what you think it is. Your skin complexion changes throughout the year and may be darker during the summer due to exposure to the harsh sun. Using the same foundation you use all year round may not yield the best results. Picking the correct undertones is also important to get the best look.
- Skin Type: Oily skin is in double jeopardy during the humid summer due to sweat and needs mattifying foundations. Using powder formulations will also help absorb moisture from the skin oils and sweat. Summer is probably an easier time for those with normal to dry skin, but it’s important to provide your skin with moisture and picking hydrating foundations will do wonders. Mineral foundations that are free of emollients or fragrances and hypoallergenic or non-comedogenic formulations are ideal for those with sensitive skin.
- Formula: Lightweight formulations are best for the summer as they help your skin breathe in the hot weather. Long-lasting formulas that are waterproof and sweat-resistant will also provide the best results.
How To Apply Foundations In The Summer
Follow these steps to apply for foundations in the Summer:
- Moisturise: Begin with a moisturiser or facial oil to protect the skin barrier and add a dewy glow.
- SPF: Sunscreens are a must all year round, but it's especially important under the harsh summer sun. Layer a lightweight sunscreen before applying your makeup.
- Primer: After the sunscreen is completely dry and the skin is dry to the touch, apply a primer to blur your open pores and achieve a smooth base. Start with a gel-based primer for a flawless finish and smooth base if you have oily skin. If you have dry skin, you can also opt for a hydrating primer or aloe vera gel instead of primer.
- Foundation: Use a sponge to dab the foundation on your skin for an even application. Using your fingertips or a brush will lift the sunscreen and primer underneath.
- Compact Powder: Absorb any excess oil with a compact powder – this is especially important if you have oily skin.
- Concealer: Hide any fine lines, wrinkles, or visible dark spots with a concealer. Remember to dab it in with a beauty sponge as well.
- Highlighter/Blush: You can now continue your make-up process as usual and add highlighters, blush, eyeshadow, and anything else your heart desires.
Pro Tips:
- Remember to reapply sunscreen over makeup every few hours when you’re out in the sun.
- You can opt for SPF makeup products to enhance the sun protection ability of your sunscreen.
10 Best Oil-Free Foundations For The Summer
1. A Humidity Hero
This foundation stayed intact through a three-day wedding that I attended where temperatures peaked over 30 degrees Celsius. Plus, this Maybelline New York Super Stay Full Coverage Foundation is also water-resistant and won’t fade away either. The coverage is great, but also buildable. Use less than you think you need — just a teeny amount will cover your whole face. It’s also available in 6 shades and leaves behind a comfortable matte finish. A complete win-win!
2. Buildable Beauty
For the ‘no makeup-makeup look’ lovers in the house, this buildable, medium-coverage foundation is for you! This Colorbar 24-Hour Weightless Liquid Foundation has an extensive list of benefits that make it one of the best foundations in the business. First off, it is a weightless satin liquid foundation that offers a shine-free finish and a luminous glow. Second, it locks in moisture and hydration, which is a boon for people with dry skin. Third, it is formulated with a unique climate-adaptive technology that makes it resistant to sweat and humidity. And lastly, this oil-free foundation is available in 30 true-to-skin shades that flatter most Indian skin tones
3. Make Way For The MVP
This foundation is a global bestseller for good reason. The Too Faced Born This Way Foundation is an oil-free, 24-hour matte formulation that masterfully blurs the lines between skin and makeup. The formula is ultra-lightweight and the coverage is so undetectable, that they’ll think you’re born this way. Not to mention, it’s packed with coconut water and hyaluronic acid and works to give you a smoother, more youthful appearance.
4. Multitasking Maestro
Hate layering a ton of products during summer? We got you! The Faces Canada 3 In 1 All Day Hydra Matte Foundation is your saviour, ladies. It goes above and beyond to give you a natural-looking matte finish, deeply moisturises and protects your skin from the sun’s UV rays. A foundation + moisturiser + sunscreen bottled into one, this one is seriously a summer makeup essential. Also, it has an airy, unbelievably lightweight consistency that feels comfortable on your skin.
5. The Hybrid Hero
Awry of wearing foundation because you fear it will damage your skin? Looking for a foundation that has inbuilt skincare benefits? Enter Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF 15. Not only does this put your skin-damaging worries to bed, but in fact betters your skin with every wear. How? Listen up. Infused with vitamin C, this clever formula smooths, hydrates and gives your skin an envy-worthy natural glow. But that is not it. With 12 weeks of daily wear, it can visibly reduce the appearance of dark spots, acne marks, age and sun spots. Sounds unbelievable? Try it yourself and watch the magic unfold!
6. For The Conscious Crew
When you love to look out for your skin and the environment at the same time, the SUGAR Rage For Coverage 24hr Foundation is cruelty-free and vegan. This ultra-creamy foundation is formulated with a skin-perfecting powder technology that blends effortlessly and conceals imperfections beautifully. It’s ideal for hot and humid weather as it can effectively absorb excess sebum, minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and brighten dull skin. Available in 15 shades, you’re just a step away from finding your true shade.
7. Powder Power
Who does not like multitasking makeup? The L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Foundation is a trailblazing powder foundation that offers a smooth, fresh base and delivers a matte finish in one go. It has a hybrid liquid-in-powder innovative formula that offers 24-hour coverage in just one swipe. It’s also waterproof and sweat-resistant, allowing you to wear it for prolonged hours without worrying about excess shine.
8. High-Coverage Saviour
The Mattlook High Coverage Waterproof Foundation is a high-coverage saviour that hides all the blemishes on your skin and covers up dark circles seamlessly. The oil-free foundation offers a matte finish while providing SPF 25 – it’s the ultimate summer party pick.
9. Master Of Pore Minimisation
Say goodbye to visible pores and unwanted shine with the Colors Queen Real Base Oil-free Foundation. It adds a stunning matte finish while minimising pores and controlling oil production. In addition to helping with sweating, the waterproof formulation makes it perfect for summer beach days and pool parties.
10. Multi-purpose Winner
Why have one shade when you have it all in a convenient palette? The MyGlamm Total Makeover FF Cream Foundation Palette is here for you to adapt to changing complexion through the year and travel days. This 5 in 1 product includes a primer, concealer, foundation with SPF 30, and correctors that you can use for a flawless finish every time. And, of course, it is all oil-free!
FAQs
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What is an oil-free foundation?
Oil-free foundations are exactly what the name suggests – they do not have any oil in their formulation. These foundations are usually water-based and better for the skin as they are less likely to clog your pores while still being hydrating.
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Are oil-free foundations good for oily skin?
Yes! Oil-free foundations are water-based and won’t clog the pores or add to the greasiness of your skin. In fact, oil-free foundations can be used by people with all skin types – especially combination – as they can still have hydrating and moisturising ingredients.
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Which skin type is an oil-free foundation for?
Oil-free foundations are best for oily and combination skin as they don’t add grease while still being hydrating. They are also great for the summer as they are lightweight.
