When the temperatures soar, so does the frustration of keeping your makeup intact. Whether you’re dealing with a humid day, an outdoor event, or just a busy day on the go, the question of how to keep makeup from melting becomes essential for every beauty lover, especially during the summer. Thankfully, with the right products and techniques, it’s easier than ever to ensure your makeup looks flawless from sunrise to sunset.
However, before we get started, you may wonder… why does my makeup melt in the first place?
Heat and humidity cause your skin to produce more oil and sweat, which can break down foundation, concealer, and even eyeshadow. Additionally, heavy or overly creamy formulas can struggle to stay in place, leading to smudging and fading.
How to Keep Makeup From Melting: Top Tips & Tricks
1. Start With a Matte Primer
A good primer is a must-have for long-lasting makeup, and for hot days, opt for a mattifying formula. Be sure to get the areas you sweat the most, i.e., forehead or T-Zone.
2. Choose Oil-Free, Long-Wear Formulas
Product selection matters when deciding how to keep makeup from melting. Look for oil-free or long-wear foundations labeled as sweat- or humidity-resistant.
3. Set With a Lightweight Powder
A setting powder helps absorb excess oil and keep your makeup in place. Use a light hand with a translucent powder in places you are prone to sweat. Pro-tip: Take a powder puff and a pressed powder for touch-ups on the go!
4. Opt for Cream-to-Powder Blushes and Bronzers
Powder blushes and bronzers can slip and fade in the heat, but cream-to-powder formulas offer staying power while still blending seamlessly into the skin.
5. Use Waterproof Eye Makeup
No one wants raccoon eyes mid-day. Switch to waterproof eyeliners and mascaras to keep your eye makeup from smudging.
6. Layer Wisely
Less is more when it comes to layers. Start with thin, buildable layers of product rather than thick applications that can break down quickly.
7. Lock It In With Finishing Spray
One of the easiest solutions for how to keep makeup from melting is a setting spray. Look for formulas that offer both hold and hydration. These are best used while applying makeup, then use a finishing spray to finish off your beat. The sprays create a protective barrier that helps makeup resist heat and humidity.
Products You NEED to Keep Your Makeup from Melting
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“Power Grip Primer is a gel-based, ingredient-driven face primer that smoothes skin while gripping your makeup to help it last longer.”
“This foundation delivers up to 24H of buildable full coverage. With over 50 shades, 99% of users found their shade in this natural matte, long-lasting, and waterproof foundation.”
“Laura Mercier’s Translucent Loose Setting Powder Ultra-Blur is talc-free and infused with hyaluronic acid for comfortable 16-hour wear and ultra-blurring power. Like the original cult favorite, this powder has a weightless texture so skin looks and feels soft, smooth and flawless.”
“NARS The Multiple is a multi-purpose stick for accentuating eyes, cheeks, lips and body.”
“Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil is an award-winning formula that glides on smoothly with vibrant shades in multiple finishes for long-lasting wear.”
“Urban Decay’s All Nighter Setting Spray gives you the ultimate makeup endurance. Waterproof, smudge-proof, and transfer-resistant. Lasts up to 16 hours. Features temperature control technology, boosts makeup vibrance, and offers a natural finish.”
Heat and humidity may be inevitable, but a makeup meltdown doesn’t have to be. With the right prep, products, and techniques, knowing how to keep makeup from melting can turn a potential beauty disaster into a worry-free day of looking your best. Experiment with these tips, find what works for your skin type and climate, and enjoy a fresh face that lasts all day long—no matter the temperature.
This article, No Sweating Here: How To Make Your Glam Last Through The Summer Sun first appeared on The Curvy Fashionista and is written by Kerbi Lynn.
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