20 tips for flawless summer makeup

Summertime is a season filled with sunshine, beach trips, and outdoor activities. However, the hot and humid weather can pose a challenge for maintaining flawless makeup throughout the day. If you’re tired of your makeup melting off or looking cakey during summer, fear not! We have 20 essential tips to help you keep your makeup looking fresh and fabulous, no matter how high the temperatures soar. From prepping your skin to choosing the right products and employing clever techniques, these tips will ensure your makeup stays put and gives you that coveted summer glow.

Model with clean skin

1. Start with a Clean Canvas

Before applying any makeup, make sure your skin is thoroughly cleansed and hydrated. Use a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and excess oil, then apply a lightweight moisturizer to create a smooth base for your makeup. Clean skin allows for better product absorption and helps makeup last longer.

2. Prime, Prime, Prime

Invest in a good quality primer designed for hot and humid weather. Primer creates a barrier between your skin and makeup, ensuring better adherence and longevity. Look for oil-free and mattifying formulas that control shine and keep your skin looking fresh. Apply a thin layer all over your face, focusing on the T-zone.

3. Lighten Up on Foundation

Ditch heavy foundations and opt for lightweight, water-based formulas or tinted moisturizers during the summer. These products provide coverage without feeling heavy on the skin, allowing it to breathe. Apply foundation sparingly, focusing on areas that need coverage and blending it out for a natural look

loose face powder

4. Stay Matte with Powder

To combat excess shine and oiliness, set your foundation with a light dusting of translucent powder. Choose finely milled powders that won’t cake up or look heavy. Concentrate on the forehead, nose, and chin, which are prone to oiliness. Carry a small powder compact for touch-ups during the day.

5. Waterproof is Your Best Friend 

Invest in waterproof and long-lasting makeup products, such as mascara, eyeliner, and even foundation. These products are specially formulated to withstand sweat, humidity, and water, ensuring your makeup stays intact throughout the day. Opt for waterproof options when heading to the beach or pool.

6. Embrace the Power of Setting Spray

After completing your makeup routine, spritz on a setting spray to lock everything in place. Setting sprays not only extend the wear of your makeup but also help control excess oil and keep your skin looking fresh. Choose a formula that suits your skin type, whether matte or dewy.

Model with big hat and sunscreen

7. Don’t Forget SPF 

Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is crucial. Opt for a lightweight sunscreen or a moisturizer with built-in SPF before applying any makeup. This step will not only safeguard your skin from sun damage but also prevent your makeup from oxidizing or melting under the heat.

8. Opt for Cream Blush and Highlighter

During summer, embrace a natural and dewy look by swapping powder blush and highlighter for cream formulas. Cream products blend seamlessly into the skin and give a fresh, youthful glow. Apply them with your fingers or a damp sponge for a natural flush and radiance.

model applying brow pencil

9. Waterproof Your Brows 

Hot weather and sweat can cause your perfectly groomed brows to smudge or fade. Use a waterproof brow pencil or gel to define and fill in your eyebrows. These products are designed to withstand heat and humidity, ensuring your brows stay put even during outdoor activities or beach days.

10. Opt for Lightweight Lip Products

Say goodbye to heavy matte lipsticks and opt for lightweight, sheer lip products during the summer. Tinted lip balms, lip stains, or lip glosses provide a pop of color without the heaviness. Look for formulas with SPF to protect your lips from the sun’s harmful rays.

11. Blot Away Shine

To combat midday shine, keep oil-blotting papers or tissues handy. Gently press them onto areas prone to oiliness, such as the forehead, nose, and chin. These sheets help absorb excess oil without disturbing your makeup, leaving your skin refreshed and shine-free.

person applying eyeliner

12. Go Easy on Eye Makeup

Keep your eye makeup light and minimal to prevent smudging and creasing. Opt for waterproof eyeliners and mascaras that won’t smudge or run in the heat. Stick to neutral or bronzy eyeshadow shades and avoid heavy, dark colors that may appear too dramatic or melt off.


13. Choose Sweat-Resistant Formulas

Sweat can be a makeup wrecker during the summer months. Opt for sweat-resistant formulas, especially for foundation, concealer, and eyeshadow. These products are designed to withstand moisture and stay put even in the most humid conditions, ensuring your makeup stays fresh and flawless.

person washing makeup brushes

14. Keep Your Makeup Brushes Clean

Regularly clean your makeup brushes and sponges to prevent product buildup and bacteria growth. Dirty brushes can lead to breakouts and compromise the quality of your makeup application. Wash them with mild soap or a brush cleaner and let them air dry completely before using them again.

woman applying facial mist

15. Use Cooling Facial Mists

Refresh and revitalize your skin with a cooling facial mist throughout the day. Look for mists that contain soothing ingredients like cucumber or aloe vera. Spritz them lightly over your face to instantly cool down, hydrate your skin, and revive your makeup.

16. Opt for Smudge-Proof Eyeliners 

To avoid raccoon eyes in the summer heat, choose smudge-proof and long-lasting eyeliners. Gel or liquid formulas tend to stay put better than pencil liners. Apply them close to the lash line for a defined look and avoid dragging the liner across your lids to prevent smudging.

17. Keep Makeup Remover Wipes Handy

At the end of the day, thoroughly remove your makeup to allow your skin to breathe and recover. Keep makeup removal wipes or micellar water on hand for quick and convenient cleansing, especially when traveling or on-the-go. Gently swipe the wipes across your face to remove makeup and impurities.

two girls drinking water

18. Hydrate Your Skin from Within

Drinking plenty of water is essential to keep your skin hydrated and healthy from the inside out. Proper hydration helps maintain a plump and fresh complexion, making your makeup look better and last longer. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day.

19. Avoid Touching Your Face 

As tempting as it may be, avoid touching your face throughout the day. The oils and dirt from your hands can transfer to your skin, causing makeup to break down and melt. If you must touch up your makeup, use clean brushes or applicators instead of your fingers.

20. Embrace a Minimalist Approach 

Lastly, embrace a minimalist approach to makeup during the summer. Let your natural beauty shine through by opting for a fresh-faced, effortless look. Emphasize healthy, glowing skin, and choose lightweight products that enhance your features without feeling heavy or cakey.

woman with beautiful skin

With these 20 valuable tips, you can confidently navigate the hot and humid summer months without compromising your makeup game. From prepping your skin to choosing the right products and employing clever techniques, you now have an arsenal of tools to keep your makeup looking fresh and flawless. 

So, go ahead and enjoy the sunny days, knowing that your makeup will stay intact and give you that coveted summer glow. Remember, a little preparation and the right products can go a long way in ensuring you look fabulous throughout the season.


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