I usually don’t enjoy wearing makeup in the summer because oppressive humidity and makeup are not the best combination (to say the least)! Most days I’ll skip it altogether, but I know that some people don’t feel comfortable doing that. Whether you’re having a bad skin day or an important meeting, there are days when you might want to wear makeup – but without it melting off your face the second you step outside.
Here are some of my tips for sweatproof summer makeup.
Face Makeup
For the days when skipping foundation isn’t an option, my personal go-to is Dior Airflash Foundation. Yes, it’s really expensive. but it was amazing a few weeks ago when I had a photoshoot I couldn’t cancel in 95-degree weather. There were buckets of sweat pouring down my face, but my foundation stayed put, along with my contour, blush, and highlighter. When I saw myself in the mirror later and my foundation was still on, I realized it was worth every penny. My favorite application method is spraying it on a big kabuki brush first and then buffing it in.
Another option is going for a lightweight tinted moisturizer with SPF. Instead of applying SPF under your makeup, you can choose a product that will perform double duty and have one less layer to worry about. Some great ones to consider are Coola Face SPF 30 Unscented Matte Tint Natual BB Cream, NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30, Revlon Age Defying CC Cream, SPF 30, or Strivectin Clinical Corrector Advanced Anti-Aging Face Tint.
If you still hate applying base makeup to your face in the summer, but want a little something to even out your skin, try sticking to a lightweight concealer for spot concealing dark circles and blemishes. Dust some powder over top to keep it all in place and prevent creasing with RCMA No Color Powder or Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder.
Waterproof Formulas and Eye Makeup
Don’t attempt a regular mascara during summer if you’re someone who sweats a lot. Stick to waterproof mascaras and eyeliners so that you don’t end up with black smudges halfway down your face within your first couple hours of makeup application. Some options to try are Almay Mega-Volume Waterproof Mascara or Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara. For eyeliner options, check out Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner or Tarte Lights Camera Lashes Precision Longwear Eyeliner.
If you like wearing eyeshadow every day, an eye primer is essential to avoid creasing throughout the day. MAC Paint Pots are one of my favorite choices along with The Balm Put A Lid On It. You definitely don’t want to skip priming your lids in summer if you’re wearing eyeshadow.
Lips
A tinted lip balm with SPF is a great lip option. Summer is a great time to go for a more natural makeup look and yes, lips need SPF too! My current favorite is NARS Pure Sheer SPF 15 Lip Treatment. My favorite lip balm with SPF (no color) is Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25.
Blotting Paper
Well, I used to use blotting paper to spot-treat shine and sweatiness throughout the day and then I discovered Starbucks napkins. They are better than any blotting paper I’ve tried (seriously!) and a bonus is getting a refreshing iced tea as well 🙂 Just remember not to wipe your face, just press down with the napkin so you don’t remove your makeup in the process.