Expert reveals how to make your makeup last all day during a heatwave

As the hot summer days are upon us, the urge to spend all day outside in the sunshine is inevitable. But what is also inevitable is heat, humidity and sweat, so it is common to consider avoiding makeup at all costs due to the risk of oily foreheads, patchy foundation and smeared mascara.   

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Experts at beauty and wellness marketplace Fresha have put together top tips on how to get your makeup to last longer during hot and sunny days, leaving you feeling confident and comfortable.  

Swap your usual skincare for an SPF  

If you haven’t already introduced an SPF into your everyday skincare routine, take this as your sign. Sunscreen should be used all year round, not just during the summer months, but it is essential to remember to use a higher SPF during seasons of higher UV to protect your skin. 

When it’s hot out, your skin might be better off with fewer layers of product. And, less layers of product underneath your foundation will make for easier application and longer wear. If you’re worried about your skin’s hydration, most sunscreens are formulated with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to keep you moisturised all day long. 

Still, you should reapply your sunscreen often: every four hours if you’re indoors and every two hours if you plan to be outside all day. This may sound like this could be tricky once you have already applied makeup, but there are plenty of spray-on sunscreens that make reapplication easier. Apply an even layer of a spray SPF on top of your makeup regularly throughout the day to keep your skin protected. 

Use a good primer 

The preparation of the skin before you apply your makeup is just as important, if not more important, than the makeup itself. If your skin isn’t prepped before you apply makeup, it can look patchy and uneven and reduce the length of time it will last.  

If you are attending an event such as prom, graduation or a wedding this summer, this step is vital to ensuring your makeup lasts. When layering up on makeup for a special occasion, take time with your preparation as it plays a main part in longevity, so don’t skip this step and assume it is all about the makeup. 

Consider the finish of your makeup 

While a dewy, natural glow is more on-trend than a flatter, matte finish, warm weather always brings the risk of looking oily rather than fresh. As well, higher temperatures can cause makeup to crease and sit in your pores. Go with an oil-free matte formula if you prefer a softer finish. This type of formula will also keep your skin looking less oily, and minimise creasing.  

Wear less product 

It sounds obvious, and to some who like to layer up on makeup, it can be hard to part ways. But by wearing less on your skin, you will have fewer chances of ending the day with patchy makeup. Instead of foundation, try lighter coverage options such as tinted moisturiser, BB creams or CC creams. If you like to wear more but look like you are wearing less, try a powder foundation, which will be one less liquid product on your face but will still provide buildable coverage. 

Skip highlighters and added shimmers 

When you sweat, your body will produce a natural glow. So by avoiding shimmers and glittery highlighters, you will prevent your skin from looking shiny as the day goes on. If you cannot live without a little sheen, just remember, you want to look dewy and not sweaty. Only apply highlighter in areas where you don’t get oily and you will allow your body’s natural shine to come through.You can always apply a light powder throughout the day or use an oil wipe to get off any sweat.  

Lip stains over lipstick 

Lip stains are a must-have for summer makeup as they come in hundreds of shades, are long-lasting and, most importantly, don’t budge! Most lip stains are comfortable and moisturising and they come in various levels of coverage, which is great if you like to apply it a few times a day or just once. 

Lip stains are a great option for attending proms or graduations as they are easy to apply and don’t take up much room in your bag. They also reduce the time you will spend applying product as opposed to opting for a liner and lipstick. 

Setting spray 

A setting spray is essential for the longevity of your makeup, especially in the heat. A setting spray will seal and lock in your whole face and keep it looking flawless. You can apply setting spray after each step of your makeup if you are really wanting a budge-proof look, or you can use it just before or after you apply. Setting sprays are also great for dampening sponges or beauty blenders before blending liquid products and are cooling down your face throughout the day or night. 

Setting sprays are a must when it comes to doing your own makeup or getting your makeup done professionally for an event. Finishing up your face with a setting spray will melt all the makeup seamlessly into your skin while setting it in place so you can enjoy your event knowing you will still look flawless at the end of the night. 

Getting your makeup done professionally during hotter months and how to make it last: 

If you are getting your makeup done professionally for an occasion, you will need to make sure you know exactly what the artist is using so you can work out which products you might need to take for touch-ups. For example, if your artist is using a more oil-based foundation and you intend on dancing the night away, it would be advised to take a small compact powder which you can use to reset your Tt-zone if you get oily. 

You can also take your own preferred products to an artist and ask them to use those if you feel like you know exactly what you want and how each of those products work with your skin.   

Do your research and make sure you are happy and confident with whom you are choosing to put products on your skin. Many artists offer a trial makeup session, especially for proms, graduations and weddings, which is a great idea for getting a feel for what the makeup will look like on the day. Make sure you chat to your makeup artist about how long you want it to last, as they’ll likely have a few pro tricks up their sleeve.  

Extra tips that will ensure long-lasting makeup in the heat: 

• Try waterproof products, especially if you will be in the pool or at the beach. 

• Use a matte bronzer over shimmery bronzer. This will prevent looking oily as the day goes on. 
• Use an oil-free moisturiser which will prevent greasiness throughout the day. 
• Avoid using eye creams on your eyelids before makeup. Instead opt for an eye shadow primer. 
• Carry mini-products with you for top-ups throughout the day. This means you can touch up at any point without taking up much room in your bag. 
• After applying lip liner and lipstick, use a similar colour eyeshadow or translucent powder on the top to lock in colour and prevent lip liner bleeding.