There’s nothing worse than being out in the heat with no air conditioning around — hair plastered to your neck, dress clinging to your hips, makeup that looked flawless five minutes ago, now a puddle on the floor. But we firmly believe you shouldn’t sacrifice your appearance on those sweltering summer days.
Even though summer is ending, the heat is still lingering, so we asked a few makeup artists to share their tried-and-true tips and tricks to help you stay looking your best (and fabulous). These sweat-proof makeup tips will keep your makeup from bleeding through.
Switch up your application technique.
Using too much product during the summer months can make your face melt like ice cream. To avoid this, celebrity makeup artist Jenny Patinkin recommends using a pre-primed foundation brush for flawless coverage. “
Applying a small amount of product to the bristles of your brush before applying is a great way to get full coverage on your skin without creating thick layers that can melt, slide, or slip.”
Strategically Layer Setting Spray
A setting spray is a great finishing touch to set your sweat-proof makeup and make it last longer. If your makeup shines quickly in the heat, choose a settings spray with a matte finish. Felicia Walker, editor-in-chief of ThisThatBeauty, says that setting spray is a must-have in her sweat-proof makeup routine, but it’s not disposable.
Instead, spray setting spray three times: once after applying sunscreen, once after applying concealer, and one final time when the look is complete. This ensures that each product layer is sealed in and doesn’t pill. “Even if my face sweats throughout the day, my makeup doesn’t budge,” Walker says.
Don’t Forget to Prep Your Skin
There’s a common myth that you should avoid moisturising if you have oily skin, but in reality, moisturisers play a crucial role in regulating sebum production. Not using moisturiser can make your skin look shinier, as it can produce too much oil to compensate for the lack of hydration.
The summer months are no exception! Celebrity makeup artist Vincent Oquendo says surface-level dehydration is why makeup can look patchy and fall off in the heat.
Natalie Drescher, a Miami-based makeup artist, suggests pairing your moisturiser with an oil-control primer, focusing on your T-zone to keep your skin hydrated and sweat-free.
Prep Your Eyelids
If you have oily eyelids that get even worse in the summer, try spritzing a mattifying setting spray onto a dry sponge and gently dabbing your lids before applying, says celebrity makeup artist Daniel Martin. This will help neutralise oil on your lids and set your eyeshadow. Raccoon eyes, begone!
Blend, baby, blend
Patinkin and Martin suggest blotting foundation and concealer with a cool, damp sponge to improve longevity and achieve flawless results.
This helps smooth out uneven areas and removes excess product that the skin hasn’t absorbed. Bonus: A wet beauty blender instantly cools your flushed face.
Take powder on the go.
If all else fails and your makeup starts to look oily, keep a compact powder on hand. Carrying one of these powders in your bag lets you quickly touch up your makeup on the go (especially if your compact has a mirror).
The same goes for blotting paper, which celebrity makeup artist Avia Solomon recommends using to absorb oil anytime.