How to stop make up melting in the heat

As the summer months finally arrive, garden parties, barbecues and beach days have you wanting to look your best. But shiny, greasy makeup, sticky lipstick and melting faces are often a reality. Luckily, the team at cosmetify.com have drawn up a step-by-step guide to the best makeup tips and tricks to keep your makeup looking fresher for longer:

Moisturise with SPF

The way you prepare your skin is essential for makeup application. Try and find an oil-free moisturiser in summer months because a rich moisturiser combined with heat and humidity can cause makeup to slide off.

Though a moisturiser with SPF is essential all year round (recommend SPF of 15 for winter months), you want to increase during the summer months and go for one with an SPF of at least 30.

When you’re exposed to direct sunlight, it’s vital to protect your skin against photo-ageing. The higher the SPF number, the stronger the protection.

Product recommendation

Olay Total Effects 7 in 1 Anti-Ageing Day Moisturiser, 50ml £11.95

Lightweight primer

Using a primer before doing your makeup is an essential step in achieving a flawless look that stays put all day. Primers help to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines to create a base for your foundation, preventing it from creasing.

Product recommendation

Clarins Instant Poreless Matifying Primer, 20ml £19.75

Primers for the prime of your life

Use a long-wear foundation with SPF

Once you’ve applied your primer and moisturised, you can move onto applying your foundation. However, if you prefer a lighter, more natural look, opt for a BB cream or CC cream.

BB creams combine several products, such as concealer and SPF, and they are great for those looking for sun protection and skin firming but requiring little coverage.

CC creams are often referred to as colour correcting creams and provide more coverage than BB creams, helping to cover up things like age spots, dark circles and blemishes.

Use a makeup sponge or brush to apply the product evenly, starting at the centre of your face and blending out to your jawline.

No matter what, always opt for a base containing SPF to protect your skin from harmful UV and keep it looking younger for longer.

Product recommendation

Clarins BB Skin Detox Fluid SPF25, 45ml £32.00

Go nude this summer

Concealer

If you still feel your dark circles and blemishes are visible after applying your base layer, choose a concealer in a slightly lighter shade to your foundation. Picking the wrong shade can result in creases and can have an adverse effect on the brighter look you’re looking for.

Apply your concealer in a downward triangle from your lower eyelid to the top of your cheek to best conceal dark circles.

In warmer weather, try wearing less foundation and opt for small patches of concealer to hide impurities instead of heavier base products. This will allow your pores to breathe and keep skin fresher.

Product recommendation

Estee Lauder Double Wear Waterproof All Day Extreme Wear Concealer, 15ml £19.80

Blusher

Go easy on the powders and opt for a cream blusher in the summer as it won’t stick to oily patches or get caught increases. Application is simple; just smile and place a small amount of product on the apples of your cheeks. Blend up and along your smile lines, and remember—less is more.

Product recommendation

Burt’s Bees 100% Natural All Aglow Lip and Cheek Stick £8.70

Eyeshadow

In summer months opt for light, shimmery shadows and save the smokier look for colder seasons. Light shimmers have a brightening effect in the sun and can help lift your face. As with blusher, try to find creamier versions of your favourite shades to prevent creases and fallout. This will help your makeup stay on all day long without needing a retouch.

Product recommendation

Charlotte Tilbury Eyes To Mesmerise £22.00

Waterproof mascara and eyeliner

We all know the pain of looking in the mirror halfway through a basking hot day and noticing that your eye makeup has smudged into the creases and corners of your eyes. This can drag your eyes down and create a heavy look. Try and find waterproof alternatives to your favourite products and opt for gel liners to prevent smudging. 

Product recommendation

e.l.f. Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil Black 3g £5.00

Lip colour

Replace those heavy lipsticks with a more subtle gloss or lip stain for a longer lasting, sheerer coverage that doesn’t need constant maintenance throughout the day. The beauty of lip stains is that you can add moisturising lip balms over the top to prevent the colour bleeding. Try looking for peachy, nude shades as opposed to heavy reds to create a more natural, summery look.

Product recommendation

Clinique Superbalm Moisturising Gloss £18.50

Top tips for luscious lips

Setting spray

Finally, don’t forget to spritz your finished face with a setting spray for an added layer of protection, ensuring your makeup stays put for longer.

Product recommendation

Urban Decay Setting Spray Chill £24

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