Six Tips to Hot Weather-Proof Your Make-Up

Today is going to be 38 degrees in London (and for those readers from my part of the world that is 101 degrees in Fahrenheit) and goodness all mighty the entire city feels like it is melting. The goal of Summer makeup is to be sun-kissed and fresh, not caked on makeup – you want healthy-looking skin that is just enhanced by makeup. Here are my six of my tips for not having your makeup entirely melt down your face and I have linked to my top products for hot weather makeup (no brand favoritism here, just the best products I have used, perfect for this season!) 

1) Cleanse First – In this heat you are already likely to have a bit of oil or shine, and it is best to start with a clean palette for everything, including your skin.  I have been turning towards the Neutrogena Clear Pore Oil-Eliminating Astringent lately. 

2) Prime the Skin – In the summer I usually skip my regular primer and instead just use an oil free SPF in one, and I have been opting for EltaMD UV Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 40+ which my Mom introduced me to and is great for acne prone skin!  This is for a normal day (heading to the office) but if I am going to be out in the sun I make sure to bring an extra SPF and re-apply every two hours – my Mom’s love of sunscreen has certainly worn off on me.   And I know this is controversial but as part of my makeup prep I skip the mositruizer during the AM in the Summer but if your skin can handle it (mine can not) I would opt for the Charlotte’s Magic Cream from Charlotte Tilbury (which also has SPF in it!).  

3) Swap for the Weather – Not the time for a heavy, mositurizing foundation  or anything with too much shimmer (you are likely already going to be shiny) – a good tinted moisturiser will do you wonders!  Set as you go, and the Laura Mercier Universal Loose Setting Powder is lightweight enough for even the most humid day.  And my last swap for the weather is instead of a dark lip – I am a fan of the magentas, switching out for a clear glass always works well and feels quite relevant,  like this Anti-Aging Lip Enhancer from Beverly Hills MD. 

4) Product Consistency is Key –  I tend to swap out my heavier or multi-layer products for ones that are light-weight, longlasting, and easy to apply.  For example, when using eyeshadow instead of primer and then a powder shadow I have been during to the lovely gel consistency of Charlotte Tilbury’s Eyes to Mesmerise in any of their metallic or jewel tones as well as a good waterpoorf mascara, like Lancome Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara. 

5) Lock It In – when it is this hot i use a combination of setting powder and setting spray (double trouble with Urban Decay De-slick Mattifying Powder and then Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray) however, wait until your makeup is going to be dry (or as dry as it can be) before you powder and spray.   And for on the go touch ups I absolutely love the PIXI Quick Fix Powder especially with its’ compact size and applicator puff which means no brush required!

6) Pack the Paper – Blotting papers are not something that I carry around but this type of year – it is key for those little annoying beads of sweat and Shiseido Oil-Control Blotting Papers are a tried and true favorite plus no one wants to look shiny – and there is a BIG different between shine and glow.