How to Prevent Makeup from Melting in Hot Weather

Co-authored by Melissa Jannes

Last Updated: June 30, 2021 References

If you wear makeup year-round, chances are you’ve had to deal with the unpleasant appearance of smudged or streaked makeup when heat waves strike. Learning how to prevent makeup from melting in hot weather is important to looking your best even on warm, humid days. By investing in makeup and skincare products designed to prevent streaking and slippage, you can be sure to find a daily routine that will help your looks withstand the heat.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Choosing Makeup Products

1
Replace oil-based foundations with powder, mineral-based alternatives. Heavy, oil-based cosmetics do not wear well in hot weather, and often result in streaking or smudging. Powder and mineral-based foundations are available at local drugstores.
2
Buy a makeup primer. Using primer before applying the rest of your makeup is one of the most effective ways to combat makeup meltdowns. If you have dry skin, buy a hydrating primer; if your skin is oily, pick a mattifying primer. Choosing a primer that compliments your skin type will help create a solid base to combat the effects of heat.^{[1]
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A mattifying primer is great for keeping your makeup intact, because it helps prevent the makeup from absorbing into your skin.

Melissa Jannes
Licensed Esthetician
Melissa Jannes is a Licensed Esthetician and the owner of Maebee's Beauty Studio in Philadelphia, a single practitioner space providing quality services with individualized attention. Melissa is also a National Educator for Universal Companies. She received her esthetics degree at The Beauty School of Middletown in 2008 and is licensed in both New York and Pennsylvania. Melissa won the "Best of Beauty" award from Allure magazine in 2012 for the quality of her bikini waxing.

Melissa Jannes
Licensed Esthetician

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3
Opt for liquid or gel eyeliner pens. Pencil and crayon eyeliners tend to be oil-based, and are oftentimes the culprits of runny "raccoon" eyes. Liquid and gel liners are less likely to smudge or smear.
4
Invest in cream and powder-based blushes and eyeshadows. Using cream products as a base for powders will help lock in the color on your cheeks and eyelids.
5
The last product you'll need is a setting spray. Make sure to buy one that's made for your personal skin because each one can be made to suit a different skin type.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Prepping Your Skin

1
Wash your face before applying makeup. Use a light, oil-free cleanser to lather your face, and then rinse with cold water. Washing your face will help cool your skin prior to makeup application.^{[2]
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2
Use a light, lotion-textured moisturizer with SPF. Skip any oil based creams, which will cause makeup to slide off your skin in the heat. If your moisturizer does not contain SPF, apply a gel-based sunscreen.
3
Apply makeup primer directly onto your skin. Primer creates a smooth base for the rest of your makeup by evening out your skin. It also helps prevent runny makeup later on. Dab it onto your face and smooth it into your skin thoroughly. If you wear eyeshadow, be sure to dab primer directly onto your eyelids as well.^{[3]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Applying Heat-Resistant Makeup

1
Apply a small amount of foundation, and use concealer to fill in problem areas. On hot days, less is more when it comes to foundation; heavy amounts of foundation in the heat tends to look caked or creased. Go as light as possible on the foundation, and rely on concealer to cover any unevenness. Blend it thoroughly with a brush or makeup sponge.
2
Use waterproof gel-based eyeliners to apply eye makeup. Regardless of whether you opt for bold wings or subtle lines, gel-based markers and pens withstand heat far better than pencils or crayons. For long-lasting color, use a small brush to trace dark eyeshadow powder overtop of your liquid lines.^{[4]
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3
Apply a layer of waterproof mascara over your preferred mascara. By layering the two mascaras, you will prevent running while avoiding clumps characteristic of waterproof mascara. This dual method will prevent mascara streaks from sweating and swimming.
4
Use a wax-based pencil to fill in your eyebrows. Wax-based pencils will resist moisture, and are unlikely to run or rub off. Choose a pencil that matches your hair color, and fill in your brows using tiny, dash-like motions to draw lines that blend in with your natural eyebrow hairs. Finish off by brushing your brows with a clean mascara wand to blend the color.^{[5]
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5
Layer powders on top of creams when applying eyeshadow and blush. The cream will serve as a base for the powder to stick to your lids and cheeks. Opt for blushes in bright, vibrant colors to play off your natural skin in the sun.^{[6]
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6
Apply a lip balm with SPF before filling in with other lip products. A tinted lip balm is less likely to slide off your lips than a gloss. Use concealer to trace the edges of your lips to help the color pop.^{[7]
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7
Opt for lip stains over matte lipsticks. These products will color your lips for upwards of 10 hours without the risk of smearing, and with no need for reapplication. If your lips get dry, use a lip balm to moisturize.^{[8]
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8
Set your face makeup with a makeup setting spray. This will cool your entire face while helping to lock in your makeup to prevent streaking later on. Hold the bottle a few inches away from your skin, and allow the product to mist your entire face.^{[9]
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EXPERT TIP

Melissa Jannes
Licensed Esthetician
Melissa Jannes is a Licensed Esthetician and the owner of Maebee's Beauty Studio in Philadelphia, a single practitioner space providing quality services with individualized attention. Melissa is also a National Educator for Universal Companies. She received her esthetics degree at The Beauty School of Middletown in 2008 and is licensed in both New York and Pennsylvania. Melissa won the "Best of Beauty" award from Allure magazine in 2012 for the quality of her bikini waxing.

Melissa Jannes
Licensed Esthetician

Try these tricks to keep your makeup in place throughout the day. If you notice that your skin starts to get shiny during the day, try blotting your face with rice paper to absorb excess oil without disturbing your makeup. If you're in a pinch, though, go to a public restroom and grab a toilet seat cover and blot your face with that. It sounds crazy, but it really works!

Community Q&A

Question

Who has a light brand of foundation?

Community Answer

Many types of brands can have light foundation. Try using a Neutrogena foundation that matches your skin tone or even a tinted moisturizer. You can get light foundation at any makeup store.