I tested 5 viral foundations in the gym to see which were ‘sweaty summer proof' – an £11 buy was a winner
Including a high-street foundation that will leave you looking like a glazed doughnut
YOU GLOW GIRL I tested 5 viral foundations in the gym to see which were 'sweaty summer proof' – an £11 buy was a winner
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
WHILE there is no better feeling than enjoying glorious sunshine on your skin - with SPF, of course - beauty buffs absolutely despise the hotter days when the foundation slides and melts off in an instant.
While some prefer to go bare-faced or rock a tinted moisturiser, if you're a fake tan fanatic like me, you'll know that's not really an option - as the lighter tints won't match the rest of your Oompa Loompa complexion.
12
From the cult favourite True Match to an e.l.f. foundation, I put five viral beauty buys to the test to see which one would survive a sweaty gym session
Credit: Boots
12
While one left me looking patchy, other stayed intact
Credit: Superdrug
So, to find out which budget-friendly foundations are summer sweat-proof, I tried out five viral make-up buys, all £15 or under.
To see which foundations would perform the best in sweltering temperatures, I put them under the ultimate test - my two-hour long gym sessions, which included both weightlifting and cardio.
In order to give them a fair chance, I followed the exact same beauty routine with each - beginning with hyaluronic acid, a serum, moisturiser, sunscreen, and topping the foundation off with a bit of powder.
Here are the ones that stayed intact - and the ones that left random patches on my face.
L'Oreal Infaillible 32h Fresh Wear, £13.99
12
The lightweight foundation left my face glowing - but will it last at the gym? Scroll down to see
Credit: supplied/kate kulniece
This red-lidded foundation has been around for a years now, and pulls in rave 4.3-star ratings.
Formulated with Vitamin C, L'Oreal Infaillable Fresh Wear foundation offers full coverage yet feels lightweight on your skin - it's really a win-win.
The best part? I also found that you don't need to apply heaps to achieve the results you're after - so a little goes a long way.
I wore this SPF 25 foundation on a Monday - which are my heavy leg days in a gym where air conditioning doesn't seem to be a thing, and decided to torture myself even more by hopping onto the stair master for a further 20 minutes.
As I was contemplating this poor decision (amongst many others), I felt the sweat dripping on my forehead and feared I was looking like a hot, patchy mess.
But to my surprise, once I took a quick look at the reflection on the mirror, the foundation was still there - although there were some slight patches around my nose and just underneath my hairline.
I'm a fake tan pro and have tested all of them - a £22.99 option left me GREEN, but a £3.49 bargain is always a 10/10
Sweatproof rating: 4/5
12
My face after two long hours at the gym and 20 minutes on the stair master
Credit: supplied/kate kulniece
L'Oreal True Match, £11.99
12
Although this may not be the perfect shade match, I loved how even and glowy my face looked
Credit: supplied/kate kulniece
L'Oreal True Match - available at Boots for just £11.99 - has been around for as long as I can remember.
Now available in a whopping 48 shades, this high street number provides perfect, natural and true-to-skin coverage.
Not only is it enriched with hyaluronic acid that provides up to 24-hour hydration, the foundation also has bold claims to ''improve skin quality in two weeks''.
While I wasn't able to test out the latter, I sure can tell you that the wallet-friendly foundation is gym girl-approved.
I put it to test on one of the hottest days the UK has seen this year and was shocked to see that not even 40 minutes of intense cardio could smudge it, even a little.
After I got home following the treadmill torture, the sweat had dried up - and the overall complexion looked almost as good as it had before the gym session, apart from the slight patch under my eyes.
Sweatproof rating: 5/5
12
Despite sweating like a pig, the £11.99 foundation barely smudged
Credit: supplied/kate kulniece
e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter, £15
12
e.l.f's Liquid Filter was shiny - but surprisingly sweat proof
Credit: supplied/kate kulniece
One of the more affordable brands on the high-street, e.l.f. has truly surprised me as of late, whether it's their brow pencil or liquid contour.
So when I spotted e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter on the shelves I snapped it up without much hesitation - especially after reading the thousands of rave reviews.
Although this is theoretically not a foundation, it can be worn as make-up and I found that with a few layers you can achieve the desired level of coverage.
However, do be warned - you will be left looking like a glazed doughnut and it's best to have your go-to powder at the ready.
Fabulous' £10 Fake Tan Test
FINDING the perfect fake tan isn't easy. That's why Fabulous tested a number of fake tans which cost less than £10..
*If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue
Superdrug Solait Self Tan Mousse Medium - £4.79 (was £5.99) - Buy Now Tester: Abby Wilson, Senior Fabulous Digital Writer
Review: "This product give a very natural looking tan and if you wanted something a bit bolder, I'd suggest leaving it on longer or choosing a darker shade. I'm impressed with the results, but now my entire room stinks of the stuff. If you're on a budget and want a tan for last-minute plans, I would say this is one to try. "
bBold Dream Mousse Tan in Dark - £9.50 - Buy Now Tester: Josie O'Brien, Senior Fabulous Digital Writer
Review: "The first thing that hit me about this tan was the 'juicy watermelon' scent - it's delicious. I was left with a natural bronze hue rather than orange glow. My only qualm is that the tan seemed to stick to my dry patches and accentuated 'strawberry skin' on my legs. I'm still adding this tan to my arsenal though - the smell, colour and texture are dreamy."
St Moriz Professional Medium Tanning Mousse - £4.99 - Buy Now Tester: Kate Kulniece, Fabulous Writer
Review: "Not only does St. Moriz mousse leave you with a gorgeous bronzed glow, but it also smells fabulous - think Piña Colada on a sunny beach. At first, I was a little bit sceptical cause I'm a gradual fake tan girlie, but this quick developing St. Moriz number may change it all."
While I may have looked more shiny than I like to, this foundation hybrid didn't feel too cakey - and best of all, got me heaps of compliments at the gym.
I wore the £15 beauty bag must-have in sweltering 29C heat - and not only did it survive the muggy weather but also an intense lower body session, followed by 30 minutes on the stairmaster and some skipping.
While I quite enjoyed this product - which can even be used a highlighter - it's currently available in just 12 shades, only four or which are suited for darker complexions.
Sweatproof rating: 4/5
12
It was a 29C day and the product lasted surprisingly well
Credit: supplied/kate kulniece
Maybelline Super Stay 24H Foundation + Vitamin C, £13.99
12
I ran on the treadmill in the Maybelline foundation - so was it up to the test?
Credit: supplied/kate kulniece
Whether it's their Sky High mascara or cheap lippies, Maybelline has been a firm staple in my make-up bag ever since I got into beauty as a teenager.
As someone who has an oily skin, I was a little hesitant trying Maybelline Super Stay 24H Foundation as Vitamin C products usually offer more glowy results - but much to my surprise, it gave me a natural radiance.
This make-up buy, priced at £13.99 at Superdrug, is great if you're a vegan like me, as it contains no animal-derived ingredients or by-products.
Right after applying it on my face, I was amazed at the healthy glow and how smooth my mega pores looked.
However, the biggest winner is that the foundation lived up to its promises - and resisted the intense workout and the mini treadmill run I did at the gym.
While there was a teeny bit of creasing under my eyes, the purse-friendly foundation stayed intact and almost glued to my face - a real winner if you've got a sunny holiday coming up or if you're a cardio bunny.
Sweatproof rating: 5/5
12
There was a teeny bit of creasing - but otherwise I was impressed
Credit: supplied/kate kulniece
Rimmel Lasting Finish 35 Hour Foundation, £10.99
12
Rimmel's foundation promises to last 35 hours - but is it sweat proof?
Credit: supplied/kate kulniece
Available in more than 30 shades, Rimmel Lasting Finish 35 Hour Foundation is one of the cheapest on the high street, setting you back just £10.99 at Boots.
This full-coverage beauty bag buy has a natural-looking finish with SPF20 - which is always an added bonus if you've run out of sunscreen.
The cruelty-free and vegan formula also boasts hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and 2% niacinamide, so not only will your skin be red carpet-ready - you'll also treat it with a whole lot of goodness.
Although I found the make-up buy on the thicker side, the end finish was pretty natural - but you can always go heavier to achieve a fuller coverage.
More than an hour of weight-lifting and 30 minutes of cardio later, the foundation had survived and my skin looked just as flawless as it did at the start of the session - despite the excessive sweating.
Sweatproof rating: 5/5
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Graziadaily
a day ago
- Graziadaily
This Spot Cream Is So Good, It Has Taken Over The Internet – And It's Under £20
The world of K-beauty isn't short of viral products, whether it's a collagen jelly cream that comes highly rated by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, or a covetedBB cream so good it sells one every 28 seconds. While the South Korean beauty market is brimming, not every product it launches into the social media stratosphere gets the seal of approval from celebrity make-up artists, dermatologists and major retailers alike. Dr. Althea's 345 Relief Cream, though, has defied the odds and done just that. Launching at Boots today - part of the high street giant's ongoing K-beauty expansion - the viral beauty buy is on sale right now for £18.69 thanks to a 15% off exclusive offer across the whole Dr. Althea range. With over 18 million views under its belt, the 345 Relief Cream has been making waves on TikTok; in fact some 7.5K users have reviewed and credited it as the one product that has helped get their skin back on track after a bout of breakouts. And the A-listers love it, too. Earlier this year, Selena Gomez's long-time make-up artist, Hung Vanngo, revealed that he created her SAG Awards look using a line-up of Dr. Althea products, including its cult 345 Relief Cream which acted as the perfect base for the singer and actress's red carpet glam. Dr. Althea's stand-out product functions as a soothing salve for sensitive, acne-prone, or lacklustre skin. It offers up a lightweight, gel-based layer that promises to deeply hydrate and calm while strengthening the skin barrier and tempering the appearance of hyperpigmentation. The 345 Relief Cream's simplistic and clinical approach to healthy skin is reflected in its name and packaging. It's called '345' because it contains three ingredients that work to reduce both the appearance and the occurrence of blemishes (niacinamide, resveratrol, and hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract), four ingredients to nourish skin (beta-glucan, hydrolysed hyaluronic acid, evening primrose, and red seaweed extract), and five ingredients to soothe it (centella asiatica, jasmine, heartleaf extract, lavender and ceramide NP), all of which are clearly marked on the box packaging and the tube itself. Dr. Aamna Adel, consultant dermatologist and Grazia Beauty Panel member, agrees that the viral skin soother is worthy of its spotlight. 'Barrier creams have had a huge surge in popularity over the last few years, with people focusing on repairing their skin barriers,' says Dr Adel, 'they are popular as an alternative to slugging with Vaseline, especially for people with oily or acne-prone skin.' Dr Adel praises the product's texture too, ' a lot of barrier creams can be super thick or leave a white layer on the skin but this is more lightweight and absorbs fast.' Dr Christine Hall, GP, emergency medicine doctor and aesthetic physician, agrees, 'What makes it stand out in a busy skincare market is its compatibility with compromised skin,' Dr Hall says, 'it's rare to find an acne-fighting cream that doesn't sting or disrupt but rather soothes as it treats. While no single product is a miracle cure, I do think the 345 Relief Cream deserves the attention it's getting. It's definitely well-formulated, smartly designed and genuinely effective.' The formula is gentle, thanks to the brand swerving common irritants like fragrance and alcohols, instead relying on gentle actives that are proven to work. Centella asiatica, a K-beauty hero ingredient, is known to calm inflammation and support the skin's own reparative processes; ceramides and panthenol rebuild skin barriers that are often left damaged by acne; low-molecular weight hyaluronic acid helps moisture to penetrate deeper, which prevents the kind of dehydration that can lead to breakouts. Dr. Althea's 345 Relief Cream is a prime example of K-beauty's skin-first philosophy. 'K-beauty is all about treating skin respectfully and not aggressively,' says Dr. Hall, 'K-beauty has long been ahead of the curve when it comes to treating skin holistically. Rather than stripping or over correcting, it focuses on nourishment, repair and balance. The 345 Relief Cream is a great example of this. It's not just tackling breakouts, it's restoring the skin's microbiome, calming inflammation and strengthening the skin barrier all at once. It's the kind of formulation that prioritises long-term skin health over short-term fixes.' 1. Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream Price: £18.69 What the brand says: '345 Relief Cream is a regenerating ointment gel cream rich in nutrients that skillfully combines ingredients to address blemishes, nourish the skin, and provide soothing care, resulting in a well-rounded skincare solution.' What we know: With over 18 million views on TikTok, this skin salve has been making waves online and collecting rave reviews thanks to its gentle yet effective formula that works to quell inflammation and irritation in acne-prone and sensitive skin types. It works in three folds with three ingredients to fight blemishes, four ingredients to nourish, and five ingredients to soothe. Dr. Christine Hall, GP and aesthetic doctor, says: 'There's a genuine appetite now for skincare that delivers results without compromising the skin barrier, especially among people dealing with acne and sensitivity. Dr. Althea's 345 Relief Cream has most likely gained traction because it manages to tread that line so delicately. The hype isn't just marketing, it's coming from people seeing real, visible improvements. The formulation avoids common irritants such as no added fragrance and no alcohols and instead relies on proven, gentle actives. It's targeting inflammation rather than just bacteria, which is a more modern, nuanced approach to acne treatment. The texture is lightweight and absorbs quickly, so it won't clog pores or overwhelm the skin. It also supports barrier function which is crucial since many people with acne are using products that unintentionally make their skin more reactive. It's not a pharmaceutical so I wouldn't use it as a replacement for prescription-strength treatments in severe cases but as part of a daily regimen, particularly for those with inflamed or sensitive skin, it's a great choice.' Pros Gentle and effective Suitable for acne-prone sensitive skin Cons Metal tube packaging can tear Sameeha Shaikh is Grazia's beauty writer, covering all categories to bring you insights on the latest trends, industry news and the products you need to know about, viral or not (most probably viral).
Daily Record
a day ago
- Daily Record
Ariana Grande's 'heavenly' perfume that 'lasts all day' 50% less at Superdrug
Ariana fans can save big on a large 100ml bottle on one of the singer's bestselling perfumes ahead of her return as Glinda in the Wicked sequel. Celebrity perfumes can always be a hit or miss. However, Ariana Grande's own line of scents have always been a huge hit with fans and regular shoppers alike. The 31 year-old musician and actress is once again about to grace our screens this November as everyone's favourite Good Witch, Glinda, as the sequel to last year's blockbuster Wicked debuted its first trailer today (June 5). Ahead of the highly anticipated film's release, fans of Grande can bag the chart-topper's bestselling Mod Blush EDP Spray for 50 percent less at Superdrug, as a large 100ml bottle has been dropped from £53 to just £26. Not only is that an impressive saving overall, but it's actually better value than buying a smaller 30ml bottle that is priced at £33, making it £8 more expensive for 20ml less. Mod Blush was first launched in 2022 as part of the singer's first ever fragrance duo, which also compromises a vanilla scent, with inspiration being drawn from the subculture of the same name that was popularised in 60s London. Described as a "modern" and "sensual" fragrance, Blush is a fruity, floral scent that boasts top notes of Italian Bergamot, passion fruit and raspberry that is boosted with pink pepper, creating an "energising introduction." Its heart notes include a blend of dewy rose petals, magnolia, pear, before finishing on base notes of ambrox, dreamwood and musks. The pink bottle itself is also a standout, boasting a round, sculptured shape that pays a modern homage to the fashion era of the 60s. There's no denying that celebrity perfumes are still popular for many of us, with 'it' pop girl of the moment Sabrina Carpenter launching her own line that includes the new Cherry Baby EDP that is now £19.99 for a 30ml at Debenhams. For the perfume fans not keen on a celebrity name, then a very similar fruity, floral aroma would be the Lancôme La Vie Est Belle L'Elixir Eau De Parfum, with a 50ml costing £85.60 at Boots after being dropped from £107. Of course, we can imagine many of Ariana's fans will want to take advantage of the Superdrug half-price deal on her Mod Blush fragrance, especially as it boasts a 4.6 rating for its "heavenly" aroma that is said to "last for ages." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. One enthusiastic review read: "Wasn't sure on what to expect with the blush fragrance but it's very slay! Smells very unique to Ariana's other sprays, I would definitely recommend." A second delighted perfume fan said: "Absolutely beautiful perfume. Very long lasting and feminine. My daughter loves it as well so now I can buy it for her birthday. Beautiful." Beauty deal of the week It's almost Father's Day, and are you in need of some gift inspiration? If you don't want to buy a last minute gift, then we have you covered, as a bottle of aftershave is always a good shout and Debenhams has just cut the Yves Saint Laurent L'Homme Eau De Toilette from £92 to just £55.20 for a large 100ml bottle. There is also a smaller 60ml bottle that is a bit cheaper, with the price being reduced by 37 per cent from £68 to £43. Since reviews say it "stands out from the crowd", it's a deal worth bagging for dad. Launched in 2006, this YSL fragrance has been described as "a fragrance for the urban and charismatic 21st century male". For the guy in your life who likes to smell a little different, then this is the bottle to reach for. It opens on sparkling notes of bergamot, zesty cedarwood and Chinese ginger that has been met with the middle notes of violet leaves and basil flowers, offering a floral and spicy contrast. It is said to end on base notes of sandalwood, Virginia cedar wood and Haitian vetiver to "highlight this charismatic and magnetic fragrance." Those who want to stand out from the crowd will appreciate the YSL L'Homme Eau De Toilette, as it has earned a 4.7 rating from Debenhams fragrance buffs who have said it is "unusual" and "always gets compliments." One positive review read: "An unusual and outstanding men's perfume! What an interesting fresh yet a hint of spice men's perfume! It's different. Stands out from the crowd. Purchase the Yves Saint Laurent L'Homme Eau De Toilette (100ml) in the Debenhams sale here. Someone else remarked: "Ariana makes some really lovely fragrances and this one is no exception! Smells delicious. The vanilla really carries!" Not all of Grande's fans were impressed, as one three-star review read: "It's ok nothing special, fades very quickly for a perfume." However, someone else who was a fan of the perfume wrote: "Smells heavenly but so expensive will buy again." here.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Meghan Markle-loved glow-boosting anti-ageing serum gets a mega 20% saving
If you're looking for a way to emulate Meghan Markle's natural and radiant glow without breaking the bank, you're in luck - one of her go-to skincare serums is now on sale Meghan Markle is well-known for her healthy, lit-from-within glow and understated, natural makeup looks. Well, we've found a way to copy her skincare regimen and achieve the same luminosity in your skin without breaking the bank. Meghan's loved glow-boosting Medicube serum was already affordable at £24.50, but it's now even cheaper, with Amazon's 18% discount making it £19.99. This Medicube Triple Collagen Serum features key ingredients to nourish and rejuvenate your skin, leaving your complexion brighter, smoother, and younger-looking. It boasts Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, and a trio of Collagen to rehydrate, retexture, and restore your skin without spending a fortune. The Medicube Triple Collagen Serum (55ml), which has earned a place in Meghan Markle's beauty routine, is an advanced serum formulated to revitalise the complexion and promote a youthful, radiant glow. Infused with a revolutionary Triple Collagen Complex, this serum combines hydrolysed Collagen, Atelo Collagen, and soluble Collagen to deliver 1000x fortified Collagen deep into the skin. By increasing collagen production in the skin, this serum aims to smooth fine lines and wrinkles for a younger-looking complexion. The lightweight yet luxurious formula penetrates the skin barrier to deeply nourish, enhance elasticity and hydrate for a plump, rejuvenated appearance. Restore dull, dry, or aged skin with Meghan Markle's go-to serum and achieve her captivating, lit-from-within radiance that's sure to brighten every room. Thanks to this flash sale, this affordable serum remains at £19.99 on Amazon. If you prefer to shop elsewhere, you can buy Meghan Markle's glow-boosting serum from Boots for £23 or Beauty Base for £19.50. Shoppers over at Amazon who have scooped up this beauty must-have are raving about this skincare gem. Bestowing a glowing 5-star review, this satisfied customer shares: "I bought this on a whim because I saw a girl on social media talk about it (I'm easily influenced). I was unsure about it just because I have very sensitive skin. My skin has been super dry lately with working in the hospital, but I put this on before my moisturizer and it just locks in moisture. It's light weight on my skin, and a little goes a long way. My skin looks so glowy and if I use it under my makeup it doesn't make it pill or separate and does a good job helping to create a glowy, natural texture. I'd recommend giving this a try!" Further praise comes from this buyer who beams: "In love with these products. They leave my face bright and fresh looking moisturized and plump. I've had many compliments lately as well. Super impressed!" Another shopper chimes in, writing: "Just that it's important to use a serum before your moisturizer. This is the best serum I have used (and I used alot of different serums). This one made a difference in the texture of my skin and hydrates my skin. I'm very satisfied with it." And a fourth gushes: " I love this serum. It's a creamy serum. You only need one pump, maybe two pumps. It's very hydrating & goes on your skin like velvet. You will have glowy skin. It's a glow, not oily looking!! Worth the money & worth being part of my skincare!" This customer sings the serum's praises, raving: "My skin feels amazing after adding this to my routine. My skin is hydrated, elastic, and fine lines are no longer visible. Additionally, my skin tone has become more even after just a couple of weeks of use. Highly recommend, at least give it a try!"
