There is nothing like feeling the warm summer sun on your skin, but for make-up lovers tropical temperatures and humid weather conditions can unfortunately also be an absolute nightmare. The combination of heat and humidity can cause foundation to slide off your skin and sweat and excess oil can turn your carefully applied make-up into a creasy stained mess in no time. That is why today we are sharing some tips on how to summer-proof your look and how to stop your make-up from melting away into the nothingness this holiday season.
- Always prime and set your make-up
The first and most important step in your summer-time make-up routine should always be to prep your skin with a good primer. Not only will this create a barrier between your skin and your make-up and prevent sweat and oil from making a mess of things, but it will also make your foundation go on smoother and last longer by giving it something to stick to. And if you really want to go all the way you can finish your make-up routine by using a setting powder or a setting spray to lock everything into place and create an invisible shield that helps protect your make-up against heat and humidity.
- Go for waterproof
Even if you are not spending your summer days by the pool or at the beach it is important to use waterproof products, especially when it comes to foundation and eye make-up. Unlike regular make-up, waterproof make-up contains a special form of dimethicone that adheres to the skin and is resistant against rubbing, smudging and even water. Yes, it may take you a bit longer to remove your war paint at the end of the day, but at least you won’t have to worry about your mascara ending up on your cheeks or your foundation becoming a blotchy mess anymore.
- Blot, blot, blot
You can prime and set all you want to stop the weather from messing up your make-up, but unfortunately there is no way to stop your sweat glands from working. The warmer it gets the more you sweat to keep your body temperature down and there is nothing you can do about that. And the same applies to your oil glands. Though you can regulate your skin’s oil production to some extent by using the right skin care products there is no way to stop your oil glands from producing sebum altogether, especially not during summer. The result of this unfortunate sweat and sebum combo? Shiny slippery skin that refuses to hold make-up. The solution? Blotting paper. Blotting paper is designed to absorb excess oil and shine without leaving stains on the skin or messing up your make-up. You simply press the paper onto your skin et voilà, matte shine-free skin again.
- Keep it light
Caking on your make-up is never a good idea, but in summer it is especially important to keep it light. Avoid layering too many products on top of each other and go for airy light formulas that don’t feel heavy on the skin. Water-based formulas, whipped textures and BB and CC creams are all great choices for summer.
- Keep an emergency make-up kit at hand
Keep an emergency make-up kit at hand for when your make-up starts to smudge or slide off your face. Cotton swabs are great for cleaning up eyeliner and mascara stains, a damp make-up sponge is the perfect tool for blending and evening out blotchy foundation and a travel-sized bottle of setting spray and a bit of setting powder are absolute must-haves for on-the-go touch-ups.
With these five tips you are guaranteed to look picture perfect this summer. Time to turn up to heat!
Melissa Van Roosbroeck is a style and fashion writer.
