No matter what your plans are this summer, if you’re a makeup wearer, it’s safe to say you’re going to want to look polished, not perspiring. Never fear, glistening goddesses: There are ways to keep your makeup from sweating off, so you can move through summer assured that your products are going to stay put.
Admittedly, sweating isn't the biggest deal — but it does interrupt our sun-kissed selfies containing beautiful backdrops, sabotaged House of Wax style complexions. On the other hand, if you’re staying at home this summer, you could be in for all manner of sweaty makeup mishaps, including but not limited to: Attending a job interview with patchy foundation, your eyebrows melting off every morning on your commute, or unknowingly meeting your date with panda eyes. Makeup and summer don’t mix, especially if you’re someone who wears a full face of makeup everyday.
So here’s some expert advice from a variety of industry insiders, from MUAs to dermatologists, to help you learn how to stop your makeup sweating off when the weather gets balmier.
1. Prep Your Skin
KYPRIS — 100% Natural/Vegan Antioxidant Dew Facial Serum, $72, Amazon
"I love to prep skin with a hydrating but non-greasy product," writes Honey Artists makeup artist Suzy Gerstein, in an email to Bustle. "It makes the makeup go on smoother and you'll need less of it, but it also won't create an oil slick on your face. Two of my favorites are Kypris Antioxidant Dew and Kate Somerville Oil-Free Quench."
Kate Somerville Oil-Free Quench, $75, Sephora
"First you need to use a pore minimizing or gel moisturizer to help slow down the oil production," explains Adriana Martino co-founder of SKINNEY Medspa. "Second," she continues, "seal it in with a good hyaluronic acid. I love Medspa in a Bottle's Water Molecule in a Bottle."
Honey Artists makeup artist Azra Red has additional advice for those looking to keep their makeup in place. "Balance out your natural skin oils without drying skin. Keep a bottle of rose water in the fridge and spray as a prep to cool off, balance, and tone your skin. I love Acure Toner with rose and red tea — it's pretty easy for travel and to keep in a makeup kit, since it's not in a glass spray bottle but super light tube spray packaging."
Acure Toner, $10, Amazon
2. Use An Oil Control Moisturizer
BIODERMA Sébium Mat Control, $20, Amazon
"To keep your skin shine-free and makeup stay," says Red, "Try using a moisturizing cream that controls oils and smooths skin all day. Bioderma has an amazing Sebium Mat Control moisturizer that keeps skin in check for 8 hours."
3. Don’t Forget Primer
Eyeshadow Primer Potion 11ml/0.37 Fl Oz, $20, Sephora
"After my skin is prepped I use a good skin primer," says Martino, "I love the ones from Laura Mercier as they have customized options for several skin types. Don't forget your SPF like Circ Cell's Daily Hydration SPF 43."
Circ Cell Daily Hydration, $50, Skin Store
"An eyeshadow primer is essential for keeping your color on all day through the heat," explains Gerstein, "particularly if you have oily lids. I used the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion on a recent cover shoot at the beach and my models' shadow did not budge all day. I also love the Benefit, NARS, and Jouer shadow primers."
Dr. Sharyn Laughlin, dermatologist and Medical Director of The Sunscreen Company and Laserderm, recommends folks use mineral based sunscreens as primers.
"Applying mineral sunscreens with high concentrations (like zinc oxide from 15-25 percent) actually act as primers for the skin. Since these sunscreens are designed to sit on the surface of the skin, they actually help with the adhesion of makeup to the surface as well."
4. Steer Clear Of Oil Based Makeup
For best results, beauty expert Jeanette Zinno, explains to Bustle. "Avoid oil based makeup and foundation, even a pharmacy like CVS has a lot of great options!"
5. Look Out For Sweat-Proof Formulas
"High quality mineral makeup — that does not contain things like talc as a binding agent — is actually sweat proof. You can always tell the difference between high quality versus low quality mineral makeup by dropping a small amount into a glass of water. The mineral component of mineral makeup will float to the surface of the water, so high quality versions will not have any sediment sink down," explains Dr. Laughlin.
"Water actually helps activate the minerals and help them to adhere to the skin," she elaborates, "Which is why many mineral makeups include hydration sprays to help apply them to the skin. You can even re-spray these hydration sprays throughout the day to help reactivate the mineral makeup and refresh its finish. These formulas are not only sweat-proof, but also water resistant for activities like swimming. At the same time, they are not occlusive and are good for the skin."
6. Use A Tinted Moisturizer
Eminence Caramel Latte Tinted Moisturizer SPF 25, $34, Amazon
"Less is more," states Red. "Instead of using full coverage foundation, opt for a tinted moisturizer that is lightweight and contains high sunscreen. I love Eminence Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 25."
7. Utilize Waterproof Makeup
"Waterproof makeup is an easy fix to combat the heat of the summer and being sweaty. I use waterproof eyeliners and mascara," says Zinno.
8. Opt For Stains
Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip & Cheek Stain, $25, Nordstrom
"For a pop of color, try stains! They work wonders in humid weather. I love using lip and cheek stains for a lasting, sheer pop of color to brighten the day. My favorites are Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stains," says Red.
9. Blot, Blot, & Blot Some More
Shiseido Pureness Oil Control Blotting Paper 100 Count, $15, Amazon
"After you've applied foundation," instructs Gerstein, "separate a 2-ply tissue and blot your face with it, then lightly powder. This step removes excess oil, ensuring that it doesn't sit on top of your face and move your makeup throughout the day. Using a single layer of tissue is important because it leaves behind the perfect amount of pigment."
Blotting is useful at any time of day and can help you look more matte in a jiffy. Zinno explains, "Kleenex blotting papers are great for when you’re in a pinch and need a quick fix."
10. Layer Your Products
"Does your blush tend to slide off by the end of the day? Try sandwiching it between layers of cream blush and translucent powder for longer wear," Gerstein explains.
"Start with a liquid or cream blush (lately I'm really into Glossier Cloud Paint). Top with a thin dusting of translucent loose or pressed powder and then apply powder blush. Mixing textures ensures longer wear and also creates a really nice depth to the color. Just remember that layering intensifies whatever shade you applied, so pick tones that are a bit more muted than what you would normally use or just apply with a lighter hand," says Gerstein.
11. Set Your Makeup
Dermalogica Ultracalming Mist Facial Skin Care 6 Oz, $28, Amazon
"I love Dermalogica’s Ultracalming Facial Mist to help set makeup when it’s hot out," says Zinno, "It’s great to cool down and keep makeup in place."
It's likely the only slipping and sliding you'll want to experience this summer involves a tarpaulin, so put these tips to good use to help keep your makeup from sweating off.
Images: Jovana Stojanovic/E+/Getty Images; Courtesy Brands (7)
