If you’re going to be sweating in the heat or getting wet at the pool, you probably aren’t planning on caking your face with makeup or getting super “glammed” up — but if you want to look a little more polished or feel uncomfortable going completely bare faced, there are ways to waterproof your makeup. Aside from the obvious “waterproof” label found on makeup products, read on to learn 4 key things that will give your makeup added staying power and keep it from melting off your face this summer.
Wear a primer
Think of a makeup primer as the equivalent of a “base coat” of nail polish — it smoothes things out, makes the products applied look better and helps it last longer. A primer works in the same way by filling in fine lines and pores and creating the perfect canvas for makeup to grab onto. It also helps the makeup glide on smoothly and increases its longevity. A primer combats oil which keeps it from breaking up the rest of your makeup.
Try Smash Box Photo Finish Primer — it is silicone-based and has a silky, lightweight blend of vitamins A and E, grape seed extract and green tea. Laura Mercier’s Radiance Foundation Primer is another great primer option which not only illuminates your face, but also boasts to “act as a buffer to outside elements and expertly hold foundation.” Add some extra staying power to your lids with NYX Proof It Eyeshadow Primer, which intensifies the color of the shadows and keeps them crease and smudge-free in any weather.
Skip Traditional Liquid Foundation
Liquid foundations can melt off in the humidity, and tend to feel heavy on the skin in the summer heat. Try a more light-weight formula such as a tinted moisturizer, BB cream or cream foundation instead. While a tinted moisturizer provides less coverage than a foundation, it still moisturizes the skin, evens out the complexion and gives the skin a sun-kissed look. This will act as a “your skin but better” type of product if you don’t want to go completely bare.
Try Laura Mercier’s Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer which contains broad spectrum SPF 20 sunscreen. If you’re looking for a little more coverage, a BB cream (short for “Beauty Balm”) might be a better option for you. This tinted cream contains moisturizer, sunscreen, and anti-aging ingredients. Maybelline’s BB Cream is a great drugstore option, or try Jane Iredale’s Glow Time BB Cream which offers full coverage but still feels lightweight.
Opt for Creams Instead of Powders
Creams are absorbed into the skin while powders tend to sit on top of the skin, making creams a better option for heat, water and sweat. Eyeshadows, blushes and highlights are all available in cream formulas and they won’t be absorbed by sweat or washed off by water.
L’Oreal Infallible 24 hour cream eyeshadows have some serious pigment and you can count on them not to budge. Look for shades that can double as cheekbone highlighters — the shade “Iced Latte” will brighten both your eyes and cheekbones. If you’re looking for a splurge, Kevyn Aucoin’s Celestial Skin Liquid Lighting is a more high end option for skin highlighting. Apply it on cheekbones to give you radiance when it catches the light or after your primer for an all over illuminating glow. Try Josie Maran’s Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee – this buildable and blendable formula gives the natural look of a cream blush, but has the staying power of a gel stain. Infused with 50% pure coconut water and vitamin E-rich argan oil, it is sure to hydrate and nourish your skin.
Use a Setting Spray
Think of a setting spray as hairspray for your face. It keeps your makeup in place and you don’t have to worry about your makeup melting off because it’s “sealed” in.
Try Urban Decay Chill Setting Spray for a weightless finish that doesn’t smudge or settle in fine lines. This formula actually keeps the surface of your makeup cool by using cooling time-release Temperature Control Technology that keeps it looking freshly-applied for up to 12 hours. It’s oil free so it won’t break up your makeup, and leaves your skin feeling hydrated and refreshed. For a more affordable option, try NYX’s Dewy Finish Setting Spray. This water-based setting spray saves you from re-touching your makeup by shielding it from the heat, sweat and air pollution.
Keeping these 4 steps in mind, you can enjoy your summer while feeling confident that your makeup will last throughout the day. Whether it’s a trip to the pool or a day at the beach, your makeup isn’t going anywhere. The rain might ruin your day, but it won’t ruin your makeup!
Photo credits: Kristen Love
