Makeup Artists shared 15 Summer Makeup Tips to Protect Your Look from the Heat
04.04.2022
Summer is full of amazing things, but melting foundations, super-sticky lipsticks and smeared eyeliner are not some of them. We asked the top makeup artists and experts from the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Beauty Lab for their best summer makeup tips. They shared their favorite looks, brands, and products that will keep your skin looking fresh and natural even while you sweat on hot days.
1. Make sure you start with the right moisturizer
Your skin care is as important as what makeup you use. Fiona Stiles, a famous makeup artist from Los Angeles, recommends that you use an oil-free moisturizer for the morning and that you match it with an oil-free foundation. They will not leave your skin greasy, especially in the heat. So you can know what to look out for, the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab has compiled their top picks in face moisturizers.
- Oil-Free Moisturizer with SPF 35 NEUTROGENA
- TimeWise Age Minize 3D Day cream SPF 30 combination/Oily MARYKAY
- Multi Correxion 5-in-1 Daily Moisturizer ROC
- Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gel Daily Face Moisturizer NEUTROGENA
2. Layer on sun protection
You must moisturize your skin and protect it from the sun. This means that you should use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day. It’s not fun to apply makeup on sunburnt skin!
Sunscreen should be applied every two hours. However, this can be difficult when you are out and about, especially if you don’t feel like using your hands. Sabina Wizemann, Senior Chemist at GH Beauty Lab, swears by this sunscreen trick that Erica Whalen taught her. It involves repurposing an old makeup compact.
- To clean old liquid foundations and cushions, use dish soap. Let dry.
- Place your favorite sunscreen in the compact and soak the cushion.
- You can reapply by dipping a sponge into the cushion, and then rubbing it on your face.
- You can also use a sunscreen powder to reapply, which can be applied on top of your makeup.
3. Make sure you invest in a powerful makeup primer
It’s worth the time it takes to apply primer. This primer goes on before you apply your makeup. According to Ashunta Sheriff-Kendricks (a New York City celebrity makeup artist), primers are the best option for summer. They are lightweight and hold your makeup in place, without feeling heavy or bulky. Good Housekeeping Seal star No7 Airbrush Away Primer uses hyaluronic Acid to soften wrinkles, blur imperfections, and keep your makeup on your face.
4. Wear less makeup
We believe less is better when it comes to preventing your makeup from creasing or caking. Stiles says that if you can, use a tinted moisturizer on the areas you need and concealer elsewhere. Stiles says that makeup likes to move when it’s hot so it is best to reduce the amount of makeup you use.
- Total Effects CC Cream Tone Correcting Moisturizer OLAY
- Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Cream Cream BAREMINERALS
- Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer IT COSMETICS
- Age Perfect Radiant Concealer L’OREAL PARIS
5. Get glowing with bronzer
Troy Surratt (a NYC makeup artist and founder of Surratt Beauty) says that bronzer makes your eyes brighter and your teeth whiter. He recommends that you apply bronzer only to the highest points of your face where the sun hits, such as your nose, cheekbones and forehead. This will keep the results fresh and natural. You don’t want to cover every crevice.
Powder bronzers can be applied easily and are less likely to get ruined by the summer heat. For the best results, choose one with a variety of shades. They will blend well together to give you the most natural-looking results. To blend your hair, you can use a little bronzer on your neck. This is especially useful if you have short or curly hair.
6. Avoid the shimmer
A healthy glow is something everyone loves. But there’s a difference between a natural glow and a dazzling shine. Stiles suggests that you avoid cream foundations and anything too luminous as humidity can make your skin more shiny and sweaty.
7. Choose sheer shades
Surratt states that rich, deep colors can be a good choice, but they can make you look heavy in the summer. Switch to sheer versions for your favorite lip and eye colors to lighten your look. If you want more definition, apply a lipliner before applying. However, if you don’t need it, go for a neutral shade. Or, try an “invisible” lipstick, which creates a waxy, clear film that stops the color from bleeding. You can’t go too bold with sheer colors, as they are more subtle.
8. Give your shadow staying power
Avoid using eye cream on your eyes as it can cause skin to break down. Instead, apply an eye primer. Sharona Schweitzer, a Seattle makeup artist, says that it will reduce creasing and make the shadow cling better so it lasts longer. Layer a powder eyeshadow over a cream for all-day wearability. Double up for eyeliner. She suggests that you apply your cream or regular pencil to the eyeliner and then use a small angle brush to press dark shadows over it to make it last longer.
- Neo Nude A-Blush Giorgio Armani
9. Get rid of the powder blush
Blush can add balance and healthiness to any style. However, if you still use the same powdery formula your flush may be getting cakey quicker than it takes to get to work each morning. Stiles states that staining is great for long-lasting color in hot weather. Use a gel blush or blush stain and then add a little cream blush. Giorgio Armani Neo Nude A-Blush, winner of the GH Beauty Award, is a great choice. One tester described it as “like the healthy vibrance you get from jogging in the cold” but in a spray bottle.
Pro tip: Increase its wear. Sprinkle a light, invisible powder of setting powder over it. Be careful not to be too heavy handed. You want to protect your look and not make it more matt.
10. Use vibrant, fun colors
You’re more likely to have a bright top on this season than you are to carry a bag or wear a bright jacket. Now is the time to up your makeup colors. Surratt states that brighter colors not only look summery but also bring a youthful glow and brighten up the skin. You don’t have to stick to neutrals if you are averse to bright colors. Try a bold blush on the apples of your cheeks, a color eyeliner or a sheer poppy lip color.
11. Swap shininess for dewiness
A T-zone with a smooth finish instantly signals “I’m hot” — but not in a good manner. Blotting papers are the best way to get rid of unsightly shine fast. Sheriff says that blotting papers are inexpensive and simple to use. You can also use pressed powder to give your makeup a little more luminescence. Surratt says, “You don’t want to remove shine but you still want to appear a little glowy, especially in the summer.”
- Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Awakening Lip Balm
12. Lip stains can be achieved by using heavy lipsticks
Lip stains are the simplest trend of the season. Forget about heavy matte lipsticks. These long-lasting formulas can be easily built up and offer sheer coverage. Stiles says that staining is great because you can add a balm to your lips for moisture and not worry about color shifting. The winner of the GH Beauty Award, Dior Lip Glow Color Reviving Balm, which can double as a balm or a stain, is a great choice. For a classic summer look, go for sweet pinks or peaches. Or for something bolder, try grape and tangerine colors.
13. Get waterproof versions of your favorite products
Do you love to swim? There are many long-wear makeup options available these days that won’t leave you with raccoon eyes. Stiles suggests that you invest in waterproof mascara or, if your eyes are dark, tint them. See our favorite waterproof makeup picks from beauty editors!
- LashBlast Volume Waterproof Macara COVERGIRL
- Stay All Day Waterproof Eyeliner STILA
- Full Throttle Lipstick NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP
- Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation MAC
14. Mini cosmetics can be kept in your purse
Keep your skin oil-free by packing small products that you can carry with you. Stiles states that blotting paper is another way to get rid of oil and sweat without adding more product. You never know when your lips will need to be retouched.
15. Finish with a setting spray
To make your makeup last the night, spray on a makeup setting spray. Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray is recommended by the GH Beauty Lab: One tester stated that she noticed a longer-lasting makeup look and that it was less shiny or slick than usual.
