How To Sweat-Proof Your Makeup For Summer

There are so many things we love about summer – lighter evenings, barbecues, summery outfits, and holidays abroad being amongst them – but one thing we don’t love? The fact that with rising temperatures comes the risk of makeup slipping, sliding, and outright fading from your face. Yep, between sweat, excess oil, and direct sun exposure, our makeup faces a whole new host of issues come summer and ensuring your makeup lasts all day suddenly requires an official plan of action.

Fortunately for you, we’ve complied our ultimate list of summer makeup tips, so you can heatproof, waterproof, and sweatproof your makeup right in time for the warmer weather. From the best products to choose to how to apply them, these tips and tricks will help to reduce the chance of your makeup turning into a sweaty, cakey disaster before you’ve even left the house.

‘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.

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.

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.

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.

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.