No-Melt Summer Makeup

As things heat up this summer, don’t let your look melt down. Keep your face in place no matter what the thermostat reads with these easy no-melt summer makeup tips!

Prep, Moisturize, and Prime!

Melt-proof makeup starts with a good base! Cleanse your skin thoroughly with a gentle face wash. This will start you with fresh, oil-free skin. Next, moisturize – when your skin is moisturized, it is less likely to produce as much makeup melting oil that can ruin your look. I recommend a moisturizer that has a SPF in it. Yes, SPF is essential for all skin tones. It helps maintain healthy skin throughout your entire life, so get it in wherever you can to keep your complexion in top condition for years to come. After cleansing and moisturizing, it’s prime time! A primer helps keeps your makeup in place and is a key in this sweat proof makeup tutorial. Think of primer as the glue that keeps all the makeup in place – the foundation of your building before your base even touches your face – basically, what I'm trying to say is it’s crucial, so don’t skimp here. I personally love Pore & Shine Control Primer from Nars, as it is specifically formulated for shine free, poreless skin.

The Base!

During hot, hot summer months, I find ourselves reaching for a CC or BB cream rather than a thick, heavy foundation. The lighter the product sits on your face, the more comfortable it is going to wear in the heat. BB creams are very light on the skin making them less prone to slide off as the temp hits triple digits. Think of it this way- in the heat would you rather have a heavy, velvet dress on, or a light, airy one? Same concept applies to your face makeup! (Your BB cream is also a great place to sneak in more SPF!) This particular BB cream by Smashbox has SPF 35 and a radiant finish that feels luxe on your skin, offering just enough coverage to smooth out imperfections. Can’t get much better than that!

Next, you will want to set your face. This step is crucial in the no-melt makeup game. Setting the BB or CC cream will give it staying power and shine control. During the summer months I tend to op for a powder setting product versus a spray, liquid one. The goal here is to absorb oil and shine and powders do just that, but the key is you want to find one that is going to lightly absorb oil as it is produced during the day, instead of caking up and getting splotchy. My top pick that strikes the right balance? Try this Translucent Loose Setting Powder by Laura Mercier. Apply it with a big fluffy brush all over the face, concentrating on the areas where you get the most unwanted shine.  

Add Some Color!

Now that you have a flawless, melt-proof base, it’s time to add some color! This time of year, I don’t want to commit to a full contour, highlight, and baking process. Keep things easy and beachy by choosing products like Glossier Cloud Paint. With a cream blush like Cloud Paint you can just dab it on with your fingers and go – no tools required! Another benefit to choosing a product like this is as the day wears on and you feel your makeup slipping, it’s easy to re-blend back into place with just your fingers. Since we are keeping the rest of the look very low-key, blush is going to be where you get to add your own touch of personality to the look, so don’t be afraid to go bright – that is what the summer look is all about.

Final Touches!

Keep things simple! Mid-summer heat doesn’t play well with a full smokey eye and winged eyeliner. Try a super bright highlighter to add a little luxe to your look, and apply to the high points of your face – think cheekbones, cupids bow, nose, even collar bones – anywhere you want to glow. Swipe on a brow gel and a water-proof mascara and you are good to go. If you’re feeling shiny, try applying another light layer of setting powder and don’t forget to throw a pack of blotting papers into your purse! Pro tip: toilet seat covers work super well in a pinch if you run out of blotting papers on the go. Weird, but effective LOL!

Do you have any sweat proof makeup tips we missed?