Summer is the season for basking under the warm sun, traveling to the beach, and unfortunately — melted makeup. With temperatures at such scorching levels, ensuring your makeup lasts or even looks good becomes the ultimate struggle. But with just a few steps, you can make this dreadful occurrence a thing of the past and keep your makeup looking fresh and flawless (bye, bye shine), no matter the weather condition. Below is some actionable advice to melt-proof your makeup this summer.
Prep your skin
Always start off with prepped and hydrated skin. Dehydrated skin will lead to your skin to over-produce oil to compensate for the lack of moisture in the skin. To avoid this, continue to apply your moisturizer and sunscreen as you normally would. However, if the heat concerns you, using products with an oil-free formula may be of better use, as it prevents your skin from feeling heavy and greasy while still providing the moisture needed. In addition to this, adding a primer is essential since it works to hold your makeup in place. For the summer, considers primers with long-lasting formulas like the Hydro Grip Primer by Milk Makeup, a favorite of mine and an Allure Best of Beauty winner.
Consider a natural finish for your base
While products with a matte finish may seem like the solution for warm weather, it may actually result in your makeup looking cakey or oily. This is due to it interrupting the oil-to-water ratio in the skin. To counter this, considering using a foundation, concealer, or powder with a natural finish. Products with a natural finish allow for a light, breathable, and natural base that is also buildable, so you can get the coverage of your liking. L’Oréal’s Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Foundation offers all this for an affordable price.
Be cautious of how much you apply
During these months, stick to the less is more mantra. Since makeup tends to move around more when it’s hot, you will need to be strategic on how you apply your products. As you apply your base makeup, blush, bronzer, or whatever else, it may be best to use as less as you can. Instead, concentrate the product where it is needed the most and distribute whatever else is left on your applicator to the rest of your face or area. Controlling product usage will make your makeup look more natural and lessen the production of oil throughout the day which causes it to wear off.
Stick to cream eyeshadows
Most of the eyeshadows we tend to use have a powdery formula that may not be best for the summer. Cream-based eyeshadows offer a better alternative due to their long-wearing and crease-resistant formulas. The Color Tattoo by Maybelline has been my go-to product for cream shadows that always lasts the entire day.
Use waterproof eyebrow gel and mascara
Waterproof makeup is key during the summer. Although, too much of it may not be the best since it can easily clog pores and make skin unbreathable. In moderation, however, waterproof products can be the resolution to making your makeup last especially for your eyebrows and lashes. Waterproof mascaras tend to cling on your lashes better resisting the urge of becoming runny and smudged. As for your eyebrows, eyebrow gels are always necessary in keep your hairs in place. Having a waterproof eyebrow gel will give you the extra security needed so sweat will not ruin your arches. CoverGirl’s LashBlast Volume Waterproof Mascara and Glossier’s Boy Brow both offer a cruelty-free solution fulfilling its waterproof duties.
Stains for the win
As we are shooting for products with a natural and light finish, cheek and lip stains are the best option for longevity in warm weather. Stain formulas are also made to be built up or down, so it’s versatile enough for anyone to use. The best part is, many lip stains double as a lip balm providing you with moisture that won’t leave you parched. My choice for a cheek and lip stain is Bobbi Brown’s Pot Rouge for Lips & Cheeks.
Always seal your makeup with setting spray
Lastly, the final step in your makeup routine should always be sealing it all in with a setting spray. Setting sprays keep your makeup looking fresh throughout the day — stopping it from smudging, creasing, or fading away. The best setting spray to beat the heat is Urban Decay’s All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray, as it contains temperature-control technology that lowers the temperature of makeup ensuring it lasts for hours.
With all the advancements made in makeup, avoiding it completely in the summer no longer has to be your only option. Consider these tips while applying your makeup or shopping around for new products as it will help it stay in place no matter what summer may bring.