Heat-Proof Your Summer Makeup

During summer when it’s hot and especially humid, a face full of makeup is both uncomfortable and a losing strategy. So keep it simple with an easy, 4-step makeup “recipe” shown below. The best part of this recipe is that it will work for absolutely anyone (no matter what age or skin tone) who wants a fresh and on-trend, stay-put summer look.

As a “green” makeup artist I’ve had to find ways to make natural-ingredient makeup last on models, actresses, singers and brides during the most insufferable heat. It’s not an impossible feat, but there are some key things you should know before getting started.

Color and Texture Switch Overs

Summer calls for lighter and brighter shades of cheek, eye and lip colors.  So put away those darker colors (like wine, rich plum, chocolate) until fall. 

If you want your makeup to endure the heat, choose drier textures or stains. That means you can forgo tinted moisturizer, creamy luminizer or highlighters (you won’t need the extra shine), and any product with added hydration (unless you have super dry skin).

Avoiding “Melty-Face”

Sweat is the killer of all makeup because it contains salt. When sweat mixes with your skin’s oil it can remove your carefully applied makeup with swift ease, turning it into what I call “melty-face.”

Unless you’re moving from one air-conditioned spot to another, you’re probably going to sweat a bit. Keeping your makeup look simple is the best way to avoid melting makeup.

A Simple Summertime Makeup “Recipe” – That Anyone Can Pull Off!

These steps really will work for anyone, provided you select colors that best complement your skin tone.

Prep: Start with lightweight and oil-free textures for your daily hydration and protection. When applying your SPF, avoid greasy lotions and opt for a drier formula.

Situate yourself with a mirror near natural daylight so you can get a good reading on how the colors will look when you go outside later.

Step 1) Curl your lashes. If you already have nice lashes, just apply a clear coat of mascara to keep them in place. For a bit more oomph on pale to medium skin tones, add a sweep of dark brown mascara. Darker skinned ladies can use black. The idea is to keep lashes looking light and feathery, not thick and chunky.Step 2) Follow with a powdered bronzer; start on the cheekbone and gently move the brush upwards towards the temples, then around to your forehead hairline. Using just the residue of the bronzer on the brush, give a swipe across the bridge of your nose and over eyelids.

Pro Tip: For anyone with a slightly saggy neck or jowl line, add a little bronzer just along the jawbone and blend down towards the neck for the illusion of a tighter neck/jaw line.

Step 3) This may seem totally out of order, but now is when you should apply concealer. Don’t use a shade that’s too light for the skin tone you have during the summer. If it looks like you’re putting white-ish stripes and dots on your face, you need a darker shade. 

Step 4) Finish it all off with a juicy, tropical color of lipstick that plays off the bronze color on your face. Bright and deep coral hues are all the rage right now and they complement a huge range of skin tones. You could also try brighter pinks and reds. If it feels scary to put such a bold statement on your lips, go for similar colors in a tinted lip balm. I urge you to be daring and, most of all, have fun!