6 Amazing Foundations That Won't Melt In The Dubai Heat

Beat the heat in the Middle East with these beauty buys for all budgets and skin tones

Posted on

20 March 2018

Foundations That Won’t Melt In The Dubai Heat

Choosing makeup for Dubai’s heat can be tough, and we’re only in March –the worst is still to come! So it’s key to choose a long lasting heatproof foundation which stays put in the UAE’s extreme summer heat.

We’ve all been there. Slaved for hours perfecting our make up for Friday brunch in Dubai, only for our foundation (arguably the most important thing) to melt off and leave us looking patchy, grrrrrr!

We’ve tried to prevent our makeup from running, used blotting papers and setting spray, but what we really need is a long-wearing foundation that lasts way after brunch. I'm no beauty blogger (yet!), but as a girl who loves to glam up and as a former expat who's lived in hot climates I know what works and what doesn't.

So say goodbye to retouching and blotting...here are 6 amazing foundations that won’t melt, no matter how much you turn up the heat!

#1 Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

Though at the pricier end of the spectrum, this foundation definitely does what it says on the tin. It actually does last all day, even in the heat, with no primer! Mix with moisturiser for a lighter look.

Number of shades: 50
Coverage: Medium - Full, buildable
Price: AED 247
SPF: Yes
Skin type: All types, but great for oily-combination skin

A post shared by Estée Lauder (@esteelauder) on Mar 6, 2018 at 7:00am PST

#2 NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation

This foundation has the best of both worlds. Buildable coverage, whilst also not feeling heavy. It also makes your face feel super silky (and not sweaty) even in the heat. You literally need two drops for your whole face, so it lasts ages.

Number of shades: 20 shades
Coverage: Full, natural looking
Price: AED 245
SPF: No
Skin type: All but great for dry skin

A post shared by @narsissist on Feb 1, 2018 at 7:43am PST

#3 L'Oréal Infallible Foundation

For those looking to save some money, L'Oréals infalliable should be your go-to option. Actually a favourite of mine all year round, but it's clinically proven to be water and steam proof for those summer days! It claims to have 24 hour staying power, I'd say more 12 but for the price I'll take that! It comes in matte or glow and there’s now Infallible Shaping Sticks too!

Number of shades: 22
Coverage: Full
Price: AED 50-95
SPF: No
Skin type: All, but great for oily skin

A post shared by L'Oréal Paris Makeup (@lorealmakeup) on Sep 24, 2017 at 3:03pm PDT

#4 Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation

Want a matte finish that's light weight and doesn't look like you’ve caked it on, which still lasts in the heat? Rimmels your girl. It's not really buildable, so definitely a natural finish that's perfect for those summer days where you want to give your skin a quick boost. A penny savvy way to non-shiny skin!

Number of shades: 6
Coverage: Sheer
Price: AED 46
SPF: No
Skin Type: Great for combination skin

A post shared by ETUDE,LA GIRL,RIMMEL,WARDAH (@mougaya.beauty) on Nov 7, 2017 at 4:05am PST

#5 M.A.C Studio Face & Body

If you’re looking for a more light-weight, satin finish for spring/summer, Mac comes out on top. Studio & Body has a real dewy finish -which mixed with T-Zone sweat would normally be a no, but this really stays put! Looks like a BB cream, stays like a foundation.

Number of shades: 11
Coverage: Sheer - buildable
Price: AED 126
SPF: No
Skin Type: Great for dry skin

A post shared by M·A·C Cosmetics Middle East (@maccosmeticsmiddleeast) on Oct 17, 2017 at 4:08am PDT

#6 Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation and Concealer

It's all in the name - your skin is going to look damn perfect! This foundation has good coverage, but is also moisturising, not feeling cloggy and allowing your pores to breath. It’s a foundation and concealer rolled into one - which is a big claim, but, I think a worthy one! Top tip, make sure you wait a few minutes once you have put it on before applying more. It takes a while for the pigments to match to your skin tone - fancy aye!

Number of shades: 28
Coverage: Medium
Price: AED 215
SPF: No
Skin Type: All –I mean it!

A post shared by Clinique (@clinique) on Mar 16, 2018 at 1:54pm PDT

My Winner?

The winner for me has to be Estee Lauder Double Wear. Yes, it’s the most expensive on this list and it’s pretty full coverage. However, for the days when you need it most this foundation WILL NOT budge. If you are worried about the heaviness, go for Estee Lauder Double Wear - Light. It stays on for just as long, whilst having about half the coverage. Thank me later!