Ahh, summer – warmer weather means carefree fun in the sun all season long. That is until the mercury rises and you start pouring like a faucet. It’s near impossible to be chill when your skin starts to sweat and you can feel your makeup melting. Plus, let’s face it, it’s hard to pull off raccoon eyes or a smeared eyebrow – no matter how cute your summer wardrobe is.
Don’t lose hope though. A combination of the right products (high-end or drugstore) paired with tried-and-true summer makeup techniques can help you keep your face in place.
Prep skin first
Before you ever pick up a makeup brush, prepare your skin for fun in the sun. Literally. Start by washing with a gentle cleanser and follow with an oil control toner. The less oil and dirt you have on your face starting out, the better your products will penetrate. Any makeup you do you use will also sit more securely on the skin.
Follow up with an oil-free moisturizer – the lighter the better. Bonus points if you can find one with SPF built-in to reduce the number of moisturizing products you need to apply.
Reapply SPF often
Whatever you do, don’t skip the SPF. It’s probably the single most important part of the application process. You need one with a factor of at least 30 and should be reapplying it every two hours (more if you are swimming or sweating heavily).
Worried about all the extra applications making you look too shiny? Try a powdered face sunscreen. They’re perfect for those who want to stay protected without disrupting their makeup. Just be sure to use a mineral sunscreen underneath as your primary application since powder sunscreens are really best for touch-ups.
Use a quality primer
Primer is (sweaty) hands down the best way to ensure makeup stays in its place as temps creep up. Once you’ve applied your sunscreen, do a quick swipe of primer to mattify your face, blur fine lines and set your skin.
Use over a tinted moisturizer to keep it smudge-free or apply before your full concealer and foundation routine to keep them in place all day long. A waterproof or water-based option is a plus here.
Invest in blotting papers
Feeling shiny? A pack of oil-absorbing blotting papers can be a quick fix.
They’re also a good alternative to applying more makeup layers. They won’t disrupt the makeup you already have on either.
Try cream blushes and bronzers
The problem with powdered blushes and bronzers is that they can eventually get streaky or cakey in the heat. Opting for a cream blush or bronzer stick is a lighter-weight option that can give you an enviable summer glow.
Apply sparingly to the apples of your cheeks, near the scalp line on either side of your forehead, the tip of your nose, and the bottom of your chin for a quick, cake-free contour.
Go with a bold color lip stain
No list of summertime makeup tips would be complete without a little lip. Lip stains can be a nice alternative to waxy lipsticks when you’re out sipping with friends. They’re also simple to reapply and are virtually weightless, meaning you won’t have to worry about them smearing as you sweat.
Bold colors like coral are flattering for most skin tones and ideal for warmer weather. Not sure you can pull it off? You can’t go wrong with a simple summer gloss either.
Waterproof everything!
Waterproof products are the darlings of hot weather makeup. Your favorite brands probably already have waterproof versions of the items you use most often, so consider making the switch for summer.
Waterproof mascara, eyeliner, and concealer are popular choices for summer. In fact, depending on your skin, they may be some of the only products you really need. Some find that wearing less makeup in summer is actually better for their skin. And since they have more natural color during warmer months, it’s fun to show off their sun-kissed skin.
Summer makeup tips FAQ
Understanding how to wear makeup in summer isn’t always intuitive. Use these tips for long-lasting makeup in summer to keep you fresh-faced all season.
How do you make your makeup last longer during the summer?
Good skin prep and having a plan for touch-ups is a great way to make your makeup last. Setting powder, for example, might not be part of your everyday routine, but it can be a great step to add when the weather is warm.
How should you do your makeup for a hot day?
That depends on the day’s events! In general, many find that less makeup during the summer months is key. All you really need are a few basics.
Is makeup good during the summer?
Your skin may change a bit in summer, and that’s ok. So long as you’re mindful about updating your makeup and skincare routines, you should be ready for any summer adventure!
Ready to put these summertime makeup tips into practice? The makeup professionals on Gina’s Platform are standing by to help you get summer-ready in a snap!
You’re just one simple signup away from a smudge-free, hot girl summer.
Gina Rivera
Beauty Icon and Expert
Gina Rivera skyrocketed to success when the company she founded in 2007, Phenix Salon Suites, became the fastest-growing salon suite company in the beauty industry. With more than 300 locations nationally and international expansion occurring in the UK, Entrepreneur Magazine named Phenix Salon Suites a Top 500 Franchise list seven years running.
