Heat and sweat-proof makeup for summer, my pro tips
Heat, humidity, and sweat are your makeup’s worst enemies during a summer heatwave. Foundation sliding off, eyeshadow creasing, mascara smudging… sound familiar? The good news is, with the right techniques and a few key products, your makeup can absolutely hold up—even on the hottest days.
These tips come straight from my experience as a professional makeup artist, but they’re also what I personally rely on when temperatures rise.
1. Skin Prep: The Key to Long-Lasting Makeup
Everything starts with proper skin preparation. Cleanse your skin to remove oil and sweat, then apply a lightweight gel-cream moisturiser. Avoid too rich or greasy textures—they can cause your makeup to slide off as soon as the heat kicks in.
2. Use the Right Primer
Next, apply a makeup primer to help your foundation stay in place. Look for one with a slightly tacky texture, which helps makeup grip the skin better and last longer. One which works really well: Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer.
3. Choose the Right Foundation
It might be tempting to go for a “long-wear” foundation, but many of those formulas are thick and heavy, often settling into fine lines or cracking as they dry. Instead, opt for something lightweight and hydrating that lets your skin breathe while still giving a natural finish—like my Natural Glow Foundation, which is also ideal for mature skin.
A foundation with SPF may sound like a smart idea, but I explain in my post “Why My Foundation Doesn’t Contain SPF” why that can be a misleading choice.
4. Set with a Lightweight Powder
A touch of translucent, finely milled powder can help keep your makeup from slipping. Focus on areas that tend to get shiny or sweaty—forehead, around the nose, and chin. One of my favorites is the Laura Mercier loose setting powder.
5. Lock It In with a Setting Spray
A good setting spray is your best friend in summer. One of my go-tos is the Kryolan's Fixing Spray, a brand used in theatre and film where performance-proof makeup is a must.
6. Blush: Stick to Powder
When it’s hot, cream or gel blushes can move around. Powder blush holds up better and stays where you put it.
7. Eyes: Prime and Powder
Start with a quality eyeshadow primer—Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion is one of my staples. Apply a tiny amount to your lids to help eyeshadow stay put. In hot weather, swap eye pencils for powder shadows, especially when paired with a primer for all-day wear.
8. Mascara: Waterproof or Tubing
In the heat, mascara can melt and smudge. The classic solution: a good waterproof formula, like L'Oréal's Volume Millions de Cils, which stays soft and flexible.
If you’re not a fan of waterproof (especially when it comes to removing it), try tubing mascaras, like Tartelette mascara by Tarte. These use polymer-based technology to wrap each lash in tiny tubes that won’t budge—but come off easily with a regular makeup remover or even just warm water. Game-changer!
9. Lips: Keep It Fresh or Precise
For lips, you have two summer-friendly options:
– A tinted balm, for a fresh, natural look that complements a sun-kissed complexion.
– Or, if you prefer classic lipstick, line your lips with a lip pencil to prevent feathering in the heat.
In Summary, to make your makeup heat and sweat-proof:
- Prep your skin properly
- Use a primer that grips
- Choose lightweight, breathable textures
- Set with powder and setting spray
- Opt for powder products for eyes and cheeks
- Go for smudge-proof mascara and defined lips
With the right techniques and smart product choices, your makeup can absolutely survive even the hottest summer days—while still looking fresh and natural.
(Makeup on model pictured: Louise Wittlich)
* All the models in the photos on my blog have my makeup, unless otherwise stated.
