These 6 Foundations Deliver Flawless Coverage—Even in 90-Degree Summer Weather

Why we love it: For a foundation that lasts all day but feels like nothing on the skin on even the hottest of days, makeup artist Mary Phillips’ Weightless Serum Foundation is our top choice. The acne-safe formula is super lightweight and is loaded with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to nourish the skin as you wear it. And if it’s good enough for Hailey Bieber’s glow, it’s good enough for us.

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One Cosmo editor says: “My acne-prone and overly dry skin just can't get on board with lathering on a thick layer of foundation every day, but this glowy formula goes on like a lightweight serum and lasts on my skin from day to night, no matter the weather. It smooths over my inflamed chin acne with ease, doesn’t flake up, and works so well with all my other summer makeup products like blush and bronzer.”—JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR

Why we love it: This blurring serum foundation is packed with SPF 50 to protect your precious face from the sun, plus niacinamide, allantoin, and bisabolol to soothe irritation—but it also doesn’t contain any heavy oils that could break out acne-prone skin. It feels and behaves more like a skincare step, but performs like a smoothing foundation.

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One Cosmo editor says: “This makes my skin look plump and hydrated. It blurs my pores and hyperpigmentation, but doesn’t look drying or cakey. It’s lightweight, but has a shockingly buildable coverage that hides acne and dark spots.”—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR

Why we love it: A lighter version of the celebrity, editor-, makeup artist-, and almost every other human-loved Luminous Silk Foundation, this skin tint is ideal for a smooth and cake-free base this summer. And not only does it leave the skin with a natural finish, but it’s also packed with skincare heroes like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C so you’re getting a multitasking formula all from a base product.

One Cosmo editor says: “Water is wet and Luminous Silk is my favorite foundation, so I basically knew I would love this skin tint version with a lighter feel and coverage level. But I had no idea it would quickly become my favorite skin tint of all time. It has a blurring look on my skin once it dries down, but somehow also makes my face look hydrated and plump. I have acne, so I pair it with a full-coverage concealer, and it’s my current go-to complexion combo.” —BG

Why we love it: Summer and acne are not a duo that historically gets along. Between the excess sweat and sunscreen applications, breakouts are sometimes inevitable, but luckily, Tower 28’s Foundation is loaded with SPF and formulated without any pore cloggers. And unlike sunscreen-foundation hybrids of the past that have a chalky feeling on the skin, this one is actually super lightweight and blends out seamlessly.

One Cosmo editor says: “My sensitive, acne-prone skin loves this foundation SPF. It protects from UV rays and seamlessly hides bumps and discoloration, all without clogging my pores or feeling mask-like.”—LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR

Why we love it: Cushion foundations, a mess-free alternative to liquid bottles and a more hydrating choice compared to classic powders, have been all the rage recently, and YSL’s is our favorite for the hot summer months. And don’t let the compact packaging fool you, it’s actually super hydrating, and a dab of the sponge releases a dose of the formula that blends onto the skin with the ease and coverage of a liquid foundation.

One Cosmo editor says: "YSL Beauty's cushion foundation already has a permanent spot in my summer makeup bag. I love the idea of cushion foundations (they're glowy and give a fresh look), but I need a bit more coverage than the usual glass-skin vibes can provide. YSL's, though, helps even out my skin tone and builds up to even disguise my acne scars too. Best of all, it feels so lightweight—like I'm not wearing anything."—BG

Why we love it: This skincare-filled stick recently earned a Cosmo Holy Beauty Grail Award for its ability to blend into the skin with ease and its medium coverage finish. It’s great for an all-day summer beat—it doubles as both a foundation and a concealer, and you can even blend your favorite serum onto your hand and mix it to create a glowy foundation concoction.

One Cosmo editor says: “This foundation stick makes my skin look like a naturally improved version of itself, with a silky formula that melts in without pilling. It enhances my skin while still letting it show through and pairs beautifully with other makeup. Honestly, I can’t live without it.”—MEG UY, SHOPPING EDITOR