The expert guide to heat-ready, sweat-proof makeup
Heat, humidity and sweat; three of makeup’s biggest enemies. Or so you might think. It doesn’t have to be that way, since nifty products and clever application techniques can help your makeup stay put through thick and thin – and that’s with a mask on, too. Here find five makeup artist-approved tips to harness when it’s hot.
#1 Prep the skin
How you tend to your skin before you apply makeup is key to enhancing the longevity of base formulas. As well as hydrating the skin, makeup artist Jamie Genevieve is a great believer in the power of primer for makeup longevity. “Use a primer that feels slightly tacky,” she recommends. Most formulas now marry stellar primer capabilities with hydrating and barrier-boosting ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.
#2 Choose the right foundation
Finding the right foundation is essential if you want to wear it all day – and it’s not as difficult as you might think. Those who prefer a barely-there finish should opt for BB or CC creams, or tinted moisturisers. For those who prefer medium coverage and upwards, look for products labelled “long wear”. “A panel of people will have tested these to ensure they can perform in such a manner,” says Debbie Finnegan, MAC’s global senior artist. MAC’s Studio Fix Fluid Foundation is one such formula and promises to last for up to 24 hours on skin.
#3 Set your base
Whether you use a spray or a powder, setting your makeup is key. “If you don’t usually set your make-up, powder is great, even if you just apply it to the areas of your skin where makeup tends to move the most,” says Genevieve. “Using a light powder with a beauty blender makes the skin look airbrushed.” It’s also key to use a setting spray she says – and yes, they do work. “Setting sprays contain ingredients that form a protective veil over your makeup – you can use it as a last step in your makeup routine, or go one step further and mist between layers of makeup to help blend. The latter helps makeup stay in place all day.”
#4 Consistency is key
To heat-proof your makeup look, switch creamy consistencies for powder textures instead. “In the heat, I would recommend making the most of your eye makeup, and add a matte bronzer and powder blush as these will last the duration,” advises Webb. “Cream and gel textures may move slightly over time, so go for matte products.”
#5 Waterproof your eyes
If the heat all gets a bit much and your mascara simply won’t stay put, swap your normal mascara for a waterproof number. Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara delivers a full and fluttery finish that stays put, no matter what you throw at it.
