How to Not Sweat Off All Your Makeup This Summer
Amidst the many pros of summer lies one, definitive con: melty makeup. We're all for outdoor adventures, but the inevitable sweat that accompanies them? Not so much. Naturally, we're drawn to more minimal makeup come summertime—cue the lightweight, barely-there bases. But what about the times when we want (or need) to rock a full face of maquillage? Or an ugly breakout pops up that calls for fuller coverage? We'd love to be able to flaunt whatever makeup we fancy without having to worry about it turning into a bona fide beauty meltdown—are you with us?__
So, in search of solutions to our summer makeup woes, we turned to the pros for advice. Makeup artists Andre Sarmiento and Adam Breuchaud kindly weighed in and shared their secrets to getting, you guessed it: sweat-proof base makeup. With their expert tips and tricks, you'll be able to achieve the flawless face you desire, without the dreaded sweaty mess. Don't believe us? Swipe and see for yourself.
Photo: Imaxtree1/5No matter the heat.
Photo: Courtesy of Make Up Forever2/5Primer Is Essential
The first step to keeping your makeup in place on sweltering summer days is a good ole’ primer. "A primer can really be the key to keeping your makeup fresh and melt free," said Sarmiento. Unless your skin is on the ultra-dry side, we suggest a mattifying primer that will absorb excess oil and not allow your makeup to separate (or melt off entirely). Sarmiento swears by the Make Up Forever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Mattifying Primer. "It keeps skin matte longer than any other primer I’ve tried and it maintains the quality of the makeup beautifully," he said. You’ll be amazed with the increased longevity of your base once you add this simple step to your routine. Breuchaud also preaches the importance of priming in hot weather, adding that it can really aid in combatting shine. His favorite for this is the Korres Pomegranate Mattifying Primer, which contains rice starch to soak up unwanted oil, while purifying and softening the complexion.
Photo: Courtesy of Chantecaille3/5Adjust Your Makeup Based On Your Skin Needs
According to Sarmiento, he finds that most skin types can handle more matte or powder-based formulations when it’s super hot and humid out. However, he does warn us that powder foundations with full coverage can turn cakey in the heat, so you have to be careful. "I tend to use powder products in the warm months for very light coverage or spot setting any concealing," he said. Sarmiento also recommends liquid foundations that have a matte finish for oily skin types, as they require very little maintenance throughout the day. On the flip side, if your skin is excessively dry, dehydrated or flaky, he suggests filmy or gel-like bases because they don’t accentuate the dryness, but also prove long lasting. "They set without drying and becoming overly matte," he said. A few of his failsafe favorites are the Chantecaille Future Skin and MAC Studio Face and Body Foundation, which he then sets with some powder only where it’s needed.
Photo: Courtesy of Bobbi Brown4/5Get The Coverage You Need Without The Cakey-ness
We’ll be the first to admit that covering pesky flaws while still maintaining a natural look is no easy feat. Lucky for us, Sarmiento offered up some helpful tips. "For the most part I love to go for a CC cream like Bobbi Brown CC Cream SPF 35 to brighten the skin and neutralize discoloration," he said. "Then I follow up with a matte concealer like Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Flawless Concealer just where it’s needed—the matte formula wears well throughout the day and has a smoother finish over any spots." Finally, to add a hint more coverage and keep the skin shine-free, he’ll go in with a mineral powder such as the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Mineral Makeup SPF 15 where the skin needs it. The trick is to keep everything as lightweight as possible and focus on your method of application—customizing your own coverage—rather than blanketing your skin with one heavy foundation.
Photo: Courtesy of Face Atelier5/5Setting Sprays Are Everything
We’re lucky enough to be part of a generation where brands are constantly bringing us innovative, game-changing products. Enter: setting sprays. These refreshing mists work overtime to enhance the wear and longevity of your base makeup, so it’s no wonder MUAs swear by them. "I’m a big fan of setting sprays especially because a lot of them are formulated to be mattifying and oil-absorbing which is crucial in the hottest months," said Sarmiento. "It’s like a final layer of protection—they work to extend the life of your makeup and the mattifying formulas take it one step further by drying up excess oil that can break down your makeup." Another added bonus: you can spray continuously throughout the day without the buildup that some powders leave on the skin. Sarmiento’s must-have is the Face Atelier Face Finish Makeup Setting Spray. "It pulls oil away from your skin and just makes it disappear after a few minutes," he said. Sarmiento also uses facial sprays to help him retouch the makeup. "I’ll often mist the skin with a skin care spray like Epicuren Refresh Aloe Cucumber Mist because it’s cooling and lets me blot off the top layer of makeup with a tissue," he said. "That way I’m not piling anything on—I’m essentially just replacing weathered product with fresh product." This method would prove especially handy if you’re attending an event where you’ll be spending hours outside in the heat.
Oh damn that was only a few short years ago for me, but I think I'd tell myself to just chill and try my best to always live in the moment. College classes and trying to secure internships and all that ... Read More
