Don’t let the heat and humidity waste all the effort you make with makeup. If your perfect-looking complexion starts to fade by noon, top makeup artists share tips on how to keep your cosmetics from melting from your face, says editor Trudi Brewer.
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Skin prep is essential
Cosmetic longevity starts with prepping the skin to help makeup stick. Celebrity makeup artist Jaleesa Jaikaran, the go-to artist for Bella Hadid, swears by gentle exfoliation, which is great for prepping the skin first thing or a cleansing prep pad to give the skin a clean surface. “This will help balance your skin's pH and remove excess oil,” she advises. “Once this is done, you’re guaranteed to have your complexion products stay smooth and last longer.”
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel Pads, from $38.
These pads were made for sensitive and fragile skin types for daily skin prep and gentle exfoliation. A two-step treatment that removes dead skin build-up with willow bark extract and lactic and mandelic acids. Long-term skin pores are reduced, and the skin looks brighter - that’s a win-win, right?
Pick your primer
Laura Geller, founder of the eponymous makeup brand, says primer is the most important step to ensuring makeup lasts. “It’s going to prep your skin for makeup and, as a bonus, help perfect the texture. It’s the barrier between your skin and your makeup, keeping your makeup from seeping into your actual skin and disappearing.” However, “One size does not fit all,” says Jaikaran. “Primer has evolved, and choosing the right one for you is key. You can choose mattifying, hydrating, colour-correcting or illuminating primers and one that offers SPF protection.” She suggests picking a primer to suit your skin type to get the most from a product.
AIRYDAY Clear As Day Dreamscreen SPF 50+, $56.
This versatile sunscreen can be worn alone, or applied as the final step of your skin care routine, or before your make-up as a primer, we call this a great multi purpose, skin-caring beauty buy.
Longwear formulas are brilliant
Sarah Tanno, celebrity makeup artist and Global Artistry Director of Haus Labs, knows something about long-lasting makeup after being Lady Gaga’s makeup artist on tour. She says finding a product that promises long-wear delivery is essential in the heat. Also, prepping the eyelids with concealer is a great way to keep your eye makeup in place. “Finally, when applying foundation, use the press and roll technique to achieve even coverage and easy blending ability, giving an airbrushed finish to makeup.”
Urban Decay 24/7 Waterline Eye Pencil, $39.
This creamy, waterproof liner melts onto the lids and is completely smudge proof. Also, the formula was created to use on the inner rim in the waterline too. Genius.
Double layer
Celebrity makeup artist and cosmetic creator of her eponymously named makeup brand, Jillian Dempsey’s trick for longer-lasting wear is applying a second layer. When using eyeliner, she smudges with the first application, then layers on another coat for a more lasting effect. “The base from the smudged layer anchors the second coat,” she explains. Dempsey applies the same logic to the cheeks. “Blush typically leaves your face faster than other categories, so amp it up a little more,” she advises.
MECCA MAX Off Duty Liquid Blush, $24.
For a hint of colour and a pretty glow, this clever liquid blush is packed with pigment in an ultra lightweight formula that once on the skin stays put for hours. It’s also stacked with skincare ingredients such as niacinamide (vitamin B3), and hyaluronic acid to treat skin while you wear it. There are six summery colours, pictured here is Honey.
powder can be your friend
Tanno swears that a dusting of setting or mineral powder can be helpful. Her favourites are natural, talc-free powders with skincare ingredients that help nourish and calm redness, blur and smooth the skin, and ensure your makeup stays in place and lasts longer.
NUDE BY NATURE NATURAL MINERAL COVER BLEMISH CONTROL FOUNDATION, $47.
The latest miracle powder is 100 per cent natural with salicylic acid to give blemish-prone skin clarity. It’s a feather-light, loose mineral cover that evens out your complexion, reducing shine, redness and open pores. Meanwhile, the addition of Kakadu plum and jojoba esters nourishes and brightens the skin.
Spritz the skin
“Setting spray is the most foolproof way to help your makeup last,” says Jaikaran. She suggests taking a layered approach. “I like to lightly mist setting spray after applying skincare, then again after foundation, and after the final powder. This helps to ensure that your layers are locked in for maximum wear.” Adding a layer of hydrating water helps, too, especially after powdering the skin. Doing this infuses the powder into the foundation and removes that flat, powdered look. It also gives the skin a dewy skin texture. The beauty of using Avène’s Thermal Spring Water is that you can refresh your skin as often as you like during the day to stay hydrated.
Clarins Fix Make Up Spray, $56.
The combination of a refreshing skin mist and makeup extender. Thanks to aloe vera, grapefruit extract, as well as Clarins famous anti-pollution complex to give a dull complexion a new lease on life.
Mix your textures
"Use an oil-free moisturiser and oil-free foundation," recommends Fiona Stiles, a celebrity makeup artist in Los Angeles. “When it comes to blush, opt for creams or stains to add balance and the look of a healthy glow. Stains are great for longevity in hot weather," says Stiles. Who adds, "Use a gel or blush stain, then blend a touch of a cream blush on top of it."
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation, $70.
This foundation breaks all the rules. It’s a lightweight, matte finish, that offers 24-hour moisture, and can offer both a barely there or full-coverage finish. But the best news, it’s made to beat the heat. Known as a setting foundation, that dries and oxidises while it sets to become sweat, humidity, and waterproof.
Avoid flat matte textures
Toss heavy matte lipsticks during summer and try tinted lip balms or lip oils. These hydrating formulas offer sheer coverage that can be built up, making them super versatile. "Stains are lovely because you can always add a lip balm on top for moisture without worrying about the colour travelling," Stiles notes.
BURT'S BEES 100% NATURAL TINTED LIP BALM, $17.
It’s a range of fresh-natural-looking colours loaded with moisture, thanks to nourishing Shea Butter and beeswax. But the best news is that this balm is 100 per cent natural. There are six gorgeous shades, pictured here Daisy.
Invest in multi-purpose products
Less is more in the heat, so save time and use fewer products by reaching for multitasking products that work harder for you. “In summer, aim for shades of peach to bronze, and opt for a creamy colour that you can dab on the skin with your fingers,” Stiles notes.
Nars THE Multiple, $71.
This is a classic beauty buy. A versatile makeup stick, that can be used for highlighting, sculpting, and adding colour to eyes, lips and cheeks or anywhere on the body. The unique cream-to-powder formula leaves a sheer finish that won’t budge in the heat. There are five shades pictured here, Orgasm.
Tools of the trade
When adding the final touches to your makeup, your fingers are the best tools, especially with creamy cosmetics. “Not only does the warmth of your fingers let the product sink into the skin for a flawless finish, but it gives more control to where you place the product without moving your makeup underneath – use a gentle touch to push the product into the skin,” says makeup artist Lisa Potter-Dixon, author of The Makeup Manual.
BEAUTY BLENDER Bubble, $34.
If you don’t like the idea of using your fingers to apply and blend your makeup, beauty blenders are the next best thing. Just dampen, and blend foundation, blush even powder out of fine lines. It’s the best.
Here’s why it’s a summer essential.