As temperatures rise and the summer sun blazes down, keeping your makeup looking fresh and flawless can feel like an uphill battle. Sweat, humidity, and oil can quickly turn a polished look into a smudged, cakey mess. But with a few strategic adjustments to your beauty routine, it’s totally possible to maintain a radiant, melt-proof face—even on the hottest days.
Here are our top hot weather makeup tips to help you beat the heat while looking effortlessly beautiful.
1. Start with Skincare That Supports Longevity
Makeup that lasts starts with the right skincare. In summer, your skin tends to produce more oil and sweat, so it’s important to adapt your skincare to match.
- Cleanse thoroughly: Use a gentle, oil-free cleanser in the morning to remove any buildup from overnight. This gives your skin a fresh canvas and helps reduce oil throughout the day.
- Moisturize lightly: Even in the heat, don’t skip moisturizer. Choose a lightweight, oil-free, or gel-based moisturizer that hydrates without making your skin greasy.
- Use SPF: A broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is a non-negotiable. Go for a mattifying sunscreen if you have oily skin, or a hydrating one if you’re on the drier side.
2. Primer is a Must
A primer acts as a barrier between your skin and your makeup, helping everything stay in place. In summer, reach for a mattifying or blurring primer to control shine and reduce the appearance of pores. Apply it only where needed—typically the T-zone—for a natural finish that helps makeup cling without looking heavy.
If you’re going for a dewy look, try a gripping primer that gives foundation extra hold without dulling your glow.
3. Choose Lightweight, Long-Wearing Base Products
Skip heavy foundations in favour of lightweight, breathable formulas. Think tinted moisturizers, BB creams, or water-based foundations. These products are less likely to slide around in the heat and feel more comfortable on the skin.
For added staying power:
- Use a damp beauty sponge to press the product into your skin, rather than buffing with a brush.
- Avoid layering too much product—thin layers will last longer and look more natural.
Need extra coverage? Spot-conceal with a long-wear concealer rather than piling on more foundation.
4. Set Strategically with Powder
Setting your base with powder is essential in humid weather—but overdoing it can leave your skin looking cakey. Focus powder only on the areas where you tend to get shiny, like the forehead, nose, and chin.
Look for finely-milled translucent powders that won’t alter the colour of your makeup or settle into lines. A blotting powder or compact is also a great on-the-go fix for midday touch-ups.
5. Go for Cream and Liquid Products
In summer, cream and liquid formulas blend better with warm skin and are less likely to become patchy. Use cream blushes, bronzers, and highlighters for a natural, skin-like finish.
Apply them using fingers or a damp sponge for a seamless, glowy look. And don’t forget to blend well—poorly blended cream products are more noticeable in bright sunlight.
Pro tip: If you want extra staying power, layer a powder blush or bronzer over its cream counterpart.
6. Waterproof and Smudge-Proof Eye Makeup
Sweat and heat can cause eye makeup to smudge or disappear altogether. To avoid raccoon eyes or disappearing eyeliner:
- Use waterproof mascara and smudge-proof eyeliner.
- Prime your lids with an eyeshadow primer to prevent creasing and help pigments pop.
- Choose cream or liquid eyeshadows for long-lasting colour that won’t flake or fade.
If you’re going for a natural look, try a quick swipe of waterproof brown mascara and a tinted brow gel to define the eyes without heaviness.
7. Set It and Forget It
A long-lasting setting spray can make a world of difference. These sprays help lock everything in place while adding a soft finish—whether matte, dewy, or natural. Mist your face after applying makeup, and again after about 10 minutes to really seal the deal.
Bonus: Keep your setting spray in the fridge for an extra refreshing boost!
8. Keep Blotting Papers Handy
Rather than piling on more powder throughout the day, use blotting papers to absorb excess oil without disturbing your makeup. Gently press (don’t rub!) the paper onto oily areas to lift shine and keep your makeup looking fresh.
If you’re in a pinch, a single-ply tissue can work just as well.
9. Simplify Your Look
In the summer, less is more. Embrace a minimalist approach—your skin will thank you. Focus on key features: maybe it’s glowing skin, bold brows, or a fun lip colour. Keeping your look simple makes it easier to maintain and more forgiving if it starts to fade.
10. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
This might not be a direct makeup tip, but drinking enough water is crucial for keeping your skin looking fresh and healthy. Dehydration can make your skin dull and your makeup patchy. So, carry a reusable water bottle and sip all day long—your glow will thank you.
Hot weather doesn’t mean you have to forgo makeup altogether. With these tips, you can keep your look fresh, lightweight, and long-wearing—even through the most scorching summer days. Embrace the season, glow with confidence, and let your natural beauty shine through.