Beat the Heat: How to Keep Your Makeup Looking Fresh and Flawless

Summer has arrived and with the temperatures about to soar the last thing we want is melting makeup and smudged eyeliner. In the past, I’ve struggled to nail a melt-proof makeup routine but over the years through trial and error, I think I may finally have mastered a routine that works for me. All skin is different and what works for one may not work for another. Nevertheless, let’s get down to it. Here are my top tips on how you can keep your skin looking flawless all day in the heat.

1. Moisturise Prep (SPF) & Prime – Prep is Key

Moisturising is important. Continue with your skincare routine as normal. The only additional step I repeat is cleansing. Cleansing twice removes sweat bacteria and old skin cells. Double cleansing cleans much deeper into the pores and removes any impurities. For me, heat affects my skin during hotter months immensely. One of the biggest misconceptions is that many think moisturising will make your skin extra oily but in fact, in the heat, skin dehydrates, dries out and begins to look tired very quickly. That said, it is absolutely vital to begin your routine with a good amount of locked-in moisture. Consider a moisturiser that contains SPF of at least 15. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause skin damage contributing to early signs of aging and dryness. 

Which brings me to the primer stage. Primer creates an extra layer between your skin and make-up. It helps the make-up to last and even out skin tone. It also hydrates, nourishes the skin, and aids in reducing oil and shine. A good primer helps the foundation to last longer and creates a great sweatproof base. Choose one that is lightweight and takes away any excess oil.  I personally love the Nars Pore & Shine Control Primer. Keeps the shine at bay for sure!

2. Foundation VS concealers 

Ease up on the amount of foundation you apply in the summer compared to what you normally would use. Consider using concealers instead of foundation maybe. Or should you wish to stick to your foundation, apply a small amount very sparingly.  The technique you use to apply your foundation or concealer in the heat will determine the longevity of your makeup. Instead of layering it on thick, take a pea size amount and buff into your skin using a gentle patting motion whilst gradually working the product into the skin. 

3. Ditch Heavy Powders

Powder can really help set the make up in the heat however if you overdo it, it can begin to look cakey and powdery. The finer the powder the better. Dab your brush into the powder, tapping off the excess and lightly dust over the foundation and areas that you feel you need it most. My top 2 picks are Laura Mercier Translucent or Charlotte Tilbury’s Flawless Airbrush Powder. You can always carry some blotting paper with you. Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Blotting Paper is absolutely amazing.

4. Strip back the highlighter & glow up with Bronzer

We all want those glowing very slightly dewy cheekbones and adding highlight to your summer makeup routine is one thing that should be included. However, keep the application light. You want your skin to look healthy and natural. However, if you are prone to perspiration & If it’s warmer than usual, skip the highlighter altogether as the highlighted areas will look wet & sweaty. Instead, go with a matte blush & a bronzer which contains sheen to give you the added glow without looking sweaty yet giving you perfect sun-kissed finish. 

5. Go Waterproof 

Waterproof mascara & eyeliners are absolutely gods sent in the heat as non-waterproof products are prone to smudging, moving, and melting with the heat and humidity. Therefore using waterproof formulas will help lock in the products. When choosing your mascara and liners, go for something long-wearing, smudge-proof, sweat, and humidity-resistant.

6. Lustrous lips

The last thing we want in the heat are heavy, cakey and dry lips. When it comes to lip choices opt for moisturising formulas such as tinted lip balms or lip gloss. They are also easier to reapply. Don’t forget to prime and condition the lips too. My go-to product is the MAC Lip Conditioner. It leaves the lips feeling hydrated and nourished & also leaves a soft shine on the lips if worn on its own. Just perfect!

7. Lock it in

To finish off, don’t forget to spritz over your setting spray. This is the final step to ensure your makeup is locked into place. I have 3 staple sprays in my makeup bag. Urban Decay All Nighter, MAC Fix+ & Huda’s Resting Boss Face. I would highly recommend any of these as once applied, the makeup stays put and will help to prevent your makeup from streaking during the day. It’s always handy to carry a mini spray your bag just to freshen up if need be. 

8. Less is more.

I mean who can actually be bothered to do a full-face beat in the summer. Changing a few things around as mentioned above and stripping it back a little is much quicker and a lot easier. Adopt the ‘Less is More’ rule to your summer make up routine and you will achieve that flawless looking makeup in the heat all day long with maybe one or two touch-ups required.