Makeup Tricks To Beat Summer Sweat And Shine

We go on and on about summer beauty looks to try – from those that are shimmering and radiant, a little more au naturel and everything in between (even which lip colours to wear in summer).

But here’s the thing about summer and make-up: spend 10 minutes outside, and you feel like your face is essentially melting right off.

It goes a little something like this:

Which leads to:

And some of this:

And most likely this, too:

Cheers, heat and humidity, you really know how to make a girl feel like she’s wasted her time.

But before you a) think we’re having a laugh suggesting you try gorgeous looks that’ll be halfway down your neck in no time at all and b) throw in the towel and decide that summer make-up is only for those who plan to spend their day in air conditioning, try these tricks to fight shine and sweat. Because they work. Plus, it means you won’t have to do this all day:

SUMMER MAKE-UP TRICK #1: TACKLE SHINE

There’s a big difference between looking dewy and oily, and if you manage to keep your T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) under control, you’ll be able to pull off the former without a hitch.

Start with a mattifying primer after you cleanse and moisturise. This will help to absorb any excess oil and keep your make-up in place for the day.
Try: Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer

When you’ve finished dolling up your face, lightly dust some translucent powder across your T-zone, getting into those tiny crevices around your nostrils.
Try: Lush Emotional Brilliance Face Powder (added bonus: you can use it on your eyelids to prevent eyeliner from smudging!)

SUMMER MAKE-UP TRICK #2: OPT FOR WATERPROOF

Smudged eyeliner and bleeding mascara isn’t exactly what one would call a winning combination, which is why it’s an excellent idea to switch to waterproof products in the summer months.

For a super-simple daytime make-up look, just apply a few coats of waterproof mascara to give your lashes extra length and definition.
Try: essence STAYS No Matter What 24h Waterproof Volume Mascara

If you want to up the ante a bit, pick a waterproof eyeliner pencil (like Lancôme Le Crayon Kôhl Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner) that can be built up depending on the effect you want to achieve. And if it’s a sexy nighttime look you’re after, go for a liquid liner that won’t budge.
Try: Max Factor Colour X-pert Waterproof Eyeliner

SUMMER MAKE-UP TRICK #3: CREAM IS YOUR BEST FRIEND

Fun fact: powder and sweat don’t mix. Well, technically they do, but not in a great way, which is why you shouldn’t wear powdered products on those hot, sweaty summer days.
Instead, opt for cream, liquid or gel formulations whenever possible.

A cream blush applied to the apples of your cheeks will stay put for hours longer than a powder formulation, and give your skin a more dewy finish.
Try: Revlon PhotoReady Crème Blush

And the same goes for eyeshadows – choose formulations that are creamy, crease-proof and longwearing.
Try: Benefit Creasless Cream Shadow

SUMMER MAKE-UP TRICK #4: BE PREPARED

Even with all of these precautions, there’s still a chance you’ll end up on the shiny side, so it pays to keep some oil blotting papers in your handbag to dab away at any excess, unwanted oil and sweat.
Try: Swisspers Blot Off Oil Tissues

Is sweat and shine a problem for you in summer? How do you keep your make-up fresh in the heat?

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71 Member Comments

Tiger_dreams 19 Apr 2017 10:03 PM

Oil is literally the BIGGEST problem for me. It would take me 10-15 minutes to apply my make-up and practically 1 minute for it to become a mess. The Body Shops Tea Tree Oil Facial Blotting Tissues were my actual Holy Grail before they discontinued it :(

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HelloJessieK 29 Oct 2016 6:10 PM

Loved this. My favourite sweatproof/transfer proof combo is the Smashbox Studio Skin 15hr foundation set with the Nars pressed Translucent powder!

Gogrl600 1 Jul 2016 1:29 PM

Me too with summer facial sweating - just waterproof eye make up and lipgloss for me!

Simonja 31 May 2016 7:02 PM

Powder doesn't seem to do the trick for me. I once used a 24hr stay foundation from Revlon which I found fantastic but unfortunately that has been discontinued. I generally don't wear make up on extreme hot days but when I attend certain functions it's almost a MUST if you don't want to stand out with your red face.

duality 5 Apr 2016 10:26 PM

bb creams work great, and when I travel in Asia I use a BB powder, it works so well

Linda_Vesinger 5 Apr 2016 3:08 PM

I like CC creams in summer, definitely use a primer underneath,and opt for cream products too.

Must get some blotting papers next summer too

OnFire 22 Mar 2016 1:52 PM

If going on holiday to somewhere hot and humid (think Bali, Thailand, or even Florence) I do NOT suggest wearing ANY foundation! I have tried multiple times and have literally just sweated it off within minutes of stepping outside the air-conditioned hotel room. I opt for my usual BB cream, a touch of powder, and some waterproof eyeliner and mascara. I don't even pack my GHD anymore - I go curly (natural) as the humidity just creates a frizzball anyway so no point wasting time on that!

MerryGoRound 11 Dec 2015 9:41 PM

10 minutes outside? More like 90 seconds before I'm a dripping mess. Definitely going to try some o f these tips, but I wear minimal makeup normally so don't want to have to wear extra to deal with the sweatiness ... if there was a way to prevent it in the first place I'd be much happier.

Karen_Bubbles 19 Nov 2015 9:33 PM

This is my life! I give up most of the time and just wear eyeshadow, mascara and lipstick. Didn't know about the creams, though, may have to give it a go!

Mayjay 17 Nov 2015 5:28 PM

Helpful tips, but sometimes it's just too hot for anything to help. :(

HanLou 30 Oct 2015 12:58 PM

Coming into summer and living in West Qld, my makeup is non-existent by the end of the day. These are good tips!

Jess2341 2 Aug 2015 9:44 PM

These will definitely help!!!

Lily Mei 21 Feb 2015 7:37 AM

Great tips. Thank you.

Peacock-Phoenix 21 Feb 2015 3:30 AM

Great tips :)

fluffnut 17 Feb 2015 3:17 PM

Sweat and shine is a problem for me although I'm not as bad as my oilier friends. My powder foundation actually lasts a lot longer than my liquids and cream foundations though.

Nan Kate 6 Feb 2015 7:54 AM

Plenty of good advice, but I still have trouble with my face melting in the humidity!

Olivia 73 5 Feb 2015 10:29 AM

Thanks a lot

Petal 3 Feb 2015 12:15 AM

When i lived in Brisbane, my makeup would slide off before I had even walked outside the door. I ended up waiting until I got to work (where there was air conditioning) and I applied it there.

BeautyBucketeer 1 Feb 2015 3:42 PM

Really needed this article! Currently in Indonesia! :D

Jlgaddes 31 Jan 2015 11:48 PM

great article, excellent tips

Shop A Everyday 18 Jan 2015 3:02 AM

Love these photos

bmill229 15 Jan 2015 2:55 PM

Great tips.

skitzkitty 15 Jan 2015 9:27 AM

A tubing mascara is a much better option than waterproof - I still get panda eyes with waterproof mascaras and they're a major PITA to remove.

Jlgaddes 14 Jan 2015 9:32 PM

haha....loved the videos!! Great tips too

Miss_Lee 14 Jan 2015 10:08 AM

Great tips - I need to get more blotting papers.

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