Summer is all about beaches, barbecues, festivals, and basically spending as much time outdoors as possible. While it’s the best period of the year to enjoy the sunshine and soak up a little extra vitamin D, keeping your makeup looking fresh can be challenging — but not impossible! As proof positive, here are eight tips to help you maintain flawless makeup on a hot summer day, no matter how high the temps get.
- Use the Right Skincare Products
Flawless summer makeup begins with using the right skincare products, such as a lightweight moisturizer and a toner, to help balance your skin’s natural oils and control shininess that can compromise your makeup.
- Prep Your Skin with a Primer with SPF
A primer with SPF is a summer makeup must because it extends the wear of makeup while protecting your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. It helps your makeup last longer and shields your skin from the sun’s damaging rays, preventing premature aging and sunburn. For the ultimate flawless finish, look for a formula with moisturizing elements to hydrate, plump, and minimize the appearance of fine lines. Apply your primer as the last step of your skincare routine 15 minutes before sun exposure; reapply every two hours for ongoing SPF protection.
- Set Your Foundation with a Setting Powder
A well-formulated setting powder keeps your foundation matte and intact throughout the day. It can also help absorb excess oil and sweat, reducing shine. To create an airbrushed finish, dip your brush or beauty blender into the powder and tap off the excess. Evenly distribute the powder to your face before gently pressing it onto your skin.
- Go for Cream-Based Products
While a setting powder is great for keeping makeup in place, in the summertime, go for cream-based formulas for the rest of your products. They blend seamlessly into the skin, are less likely to look cakey or patchy in the heat, and give a natural, dewy finish that complements a summer glow! Additionally, cream-based makeup helps retain the skin’s moisture and moves with your skin, minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Use an Eye Primer
Keeping eyeshadow in place on a typical day, let alone during a sweltering hot summer, can be tricky. Too much product or oily lids are the two main culprits of disappearing shadow. This is where an eye primer comes in. It extends the life of your cream or powder application while creating a smooth base that intensifies the color of your shadow, making it a crucial step in your makeup routine, especially in hot weather. Choose a waterproof formula for extra sweaty summer staying power, even in hot and humid conditions. Just be sure to let it set for 30 seconds before applying your eyeshadow!
- Opt for Waterproof Eyeliner
The best way to prevent a bleeding eyeliner line in the summer is to use a waterproof eyeliner that can withstand sweat and humidity. Simply apply to the lash line and let it set for 30 seconds for all-day smudge-proof, budge-proof, waterproof wear. For the best results, keep your eye closed during the setting process to prevent color from transferring to your eyelid. To achieve fuller-looking lashes, dot the eyeliner between the upper lashes before working the color into your lash line with the ergonomically angled smudge tip — you just learned how to pull off the tightlining technique!
- Finish with a Makeup Setting Spray
The final step in your summer makeup routine should be a makeup setting spray to seal your look in place, prevent products from melting off, and control shine. A well-formulated setting spray also features skin-loving ingredients to help promote a healthy, glowing complexion. Shake well before using, and hold the bottle 8-12 inches from your face. Close your eyes and give yourself a generous, even mist. Allow one minute for your makeup to set, and feel free to reapply throughout the day to refresh your skin and revitalize your look.
- Keep Your Lips Hydrated and Protected
The summer sun, salt water, and chlorine dry out the skin on your lips, which isn’t doing your lipstick or gloss application any favors. Prevent dry, chapped lips before they happen with lip treatments, such as an exfoliating scrub to banish flakiness and a hydrating balm — including one with SPF for daytime.
You don’t have to sacrifice your look because of the summer sun and humidity. Prepping, setting, and switching to waterproof and cream-based products can help set you up for success. You can take these tips, tricks, and techniques with you even if summer’s not-so-endless days are finished because who doesn’t want flawless makeup year-round?
