My Cycling Instructor and I Evaluated 12 "Sweat-Proof" Beauty Products—Only These Made the Cut.
As someone who enjoys working out, there's nothing I dislike more than sweating. Between the slippery skin, the intense heat, and the uncomfortable way my hair clings to my neck after an exhausting workout session, I expend all my energy rushing to the shower to smell like a presentable person again. It has even taken me two full years to endure more than 20 minutes in a sauna (I’m from Chicago—I get cold easily, alright?), a milestone I reached after forcing myself to sit through two consecutive plays of Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well (10 Minute Version).” While sweating is bearable (and anticipated) at a gym, I can't tolerate how my clothes feel, how I smell, or how my makeup runs in the sweltering summer heat. Eager to find beauty solutions to address my sweating issues before another scorching New York City summer, I decided to collaborate with my cycle instructor, Casey Cohen, the source of my most intense sweat sessions, to test 12 beauty and wellness products that claim impressive long-lasting results to see which can truly withstand the heat. We tested each product during beach vacations and challenging workouts before narrowing it down to seven unexpected recommendations.
**The Best Sweat-Proof Beauty Products, at a Glance**
- Best Natural Deodorant: Each and Every Natural Fragrance Deodorant
- Best Dry Shampoo: Batiste Sweat-Activated Dry Shampoo
- Best Foundation: It Cosmetics CC+ Cream Natural Matte Foundation with SPF 40
- Best Setting Spray: One/Size On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray
- Best Mascara: Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara
**Sweat-Defying Deodorants**
**Best Natural Deodorant**: Each and Every Day Dream Citrus & Vetiver Natural Fragrance Deodorant
**Each & Every**
Day Dream Citrus & Vetiver Natural Fragrance Deodorant
Pros: Applies smoothly, light and enjoyable scent, no need for reapplications.
Cons: Expensive, can leave marks if not allowed to dry before getting dressed.
Size: 2.5 oz. | Key ingredients: Coconut oil, dead sea salt, orange peel oil | Benefits: Free from aluminum, baking soda, parabens, artificial fragrance, and cruelty.
Casey's review: As a fitness trainer teaching 20 classes weekly, finding a dependable deodorant is essential. I switched to natural deodorants over a year ago after developing allergies to the conventional ones I previously used. Since then, it's been a struggle. Most natural options caused me to sweat more and smell worse, and I disliked reapplying multiple times a day to feel somewhat fresh. However, this one has been a game-changer. I hope it continues to work well over time because it might finally be the solution!
**Others We Liked**
**Akt**
**Akt The Deodorant Balm**
Casey’s review: I have very sensitive skin but prefer scented deodorants, which is difficult to find. Most scented options irritate my skin or cause breakouts, so I’m thrilled this one doesn’t do any of that. It keeps me feeling fresh for over 24 hours and has an amazing scent—sophisticated yet modern. The downside: If you have hand or wrist weakness or limited mobility, the packaging may not work for you. It looks good, but functionality is compromised. The deodorant itself is thick (great for underarms!), but getting it out of the tube can be frustrating.
**Dove**
**Whole Body Deo Aluminum-Free Invisible Spray Deodorant**
Alyssa’s review: While I wouldn’t rely on this as my primary underarm deodorant unless necessary, I keep it in my gym bag for touch-ups after workouts ever since I first tried it. Its aluminum-free formula provides strong odor-fighting blasts with each spray and dries quickly, making it perfect to use after running errands post-workout (or if you're like Casey, in between her five classes a day). I’ve used it on my underarms, neck, and feet when I didn’t have time to shower before heading to the grocery store—and if you smelled me before seeing my sweaty hairstyle, you wouldn’t guess I came from an intense spin class.
**Smudge-Proof Setting Sprays**
**Best Setting Spray**: One/Size On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray
**One/Size**
**On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray**
Pros: Sweatproof and waterproof, suitable for several skin types, 16-hour hold.
Cons: May be too matte for dry skin types.
Size: 3.4 oz. | Key ingredients: Green tea extract, witch hazel | Skin type: Oily, combo, normal.
Alyssa’s review: I had heard great praise about this setting spray before trying it. Celebrity makeup artists use it on emotional brides, and editors rave about its hairspray-like staying
Other articles
My Cycling Instructor and I Evaluated 12 "Sweat-Proof" Beauty Products—Only These Made the Cut.
They endured consecutive intense workout sessions and scorching days at the beach.
