How To Sweat-Proof Your Makeup For Summer 2025

Summer has its perks – sunshine, holidays, glowing skin – but it also brings a big beauty challenge: keeping your makeup in place. Heat, humidity, and sweat can cause even the best products to slide off. Wondering how to make your makeup sweat-proof? From the best setting powder and waterproof mascara to sweat-proof techniques that really work, these summer makeup tips will help your look stay fresh and flawless, no matter how hot it gets.

The key to sweat-proofing your makeup starts with choosing the right formulas. Opt for long-wearing, waterproof products designed to withstand heat and humidity, like waterproof mascara, smudge-resistant eyeliner, and lightweight foundations. Applying your skincare and makeup in thin, buildable layers is also essential, as it makes them less likely to slide or clog pores in hot weather. Finally, set everything in place with a mattifying setting powder and a long-lasting setting spray to create a breathable, durable barrier that locks in your look, even through sweat, shine, and scorching temps.

‘Skincare first, makeup second’ is a good rule to stick to. Cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturising your face is not only good for your skin but will also help to create the perfect canvas for your makeup. In doing so, you’ll remove excess oil and dry skin, and smooth uneven texture – all things that can disturb your makeup. Choose moisturisers and SPFs with lightweight gel textures, since these will absorb quickly, and only apply your makeup once they’ve totally absorbed to prevent them from pilling on skin when you apply your makeup.

It might mean an extra step in your morning routine, but a good primer can be the make or break difference between a makeup look that lasts and one that’s melted from your face by midday. Primers work by creating a barrier between your skin and your makeup so they prevent things like oil and sweat from disturbing your foundation and concealer. They’re also usually very smoothing so they help makeup to apply flawlessly and they also help makeup to adhere to your skin.

Applying your makeup with your fingertips may be a quick, low maintenance approach, but if you want your makeup to last longer, use proper tools, like sponges and brushes to do so. They will help to press makeup onto skin (rather than just wiping it across). Use a sponge for liquid and creamy formulas or a brush for powder formulas or anything that requires blending – such as blusher and bronzer.

Thick, heavy foundations not only feel uncomfortable on your skin during warm weather but are also much more likely to crease, melt, and breakdown on your skin. Instead, opt for lightweight sheer formulas like skin tints, BB creams, and tinted moisturisers. If you like a high coverage base, you can build these up in thin, sheer layers or you can apply one coat for a natural, weightless finish.

Setting sprays work by creating another barrier – this time between your makeup and the outside world. They work by melding your makeup together while also preventing external factors (such as heat and moisture) from effecting it. 

Waterproof formulas tend to last longer in heat, so when it comes to choosing mascara, opt for a waterproof one during the summer months. You’re less likely to experience smudging or a ‘panda eyes’ effect.

Heavy lipsticks and creamy glosses can easily smudge, fade, or feel sticky in summer heat.  Lip stains, however, deliver a sheer wash of colour that lasts for hours without smudging, budging, or transferring. They’re also lightweight, comfortable, and far less prone to melting compared to traditional lipsticks. For the best results, apply to clean, dry lips, and layer up if you want a more intense colour payoff.

Keep a powder on hand for on-the-go top ups throughout the day. A loose powder is the best way to mattify skin and absorb excess oil on shiny patches. To avoid makeup looking dry and chalky, apply your powder top ups very lightly and dust (rather than press) them onto skin, only where needed.