How to make your makeup sweat-proof in the summer heat, according to Reddit
IMAGE VIA @ELFCOSMETICS/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
Where better to turn for beauty help than the internet?
The weather is warming up in the Southern Hemisphere and with temperatures expected to soar, now is the time to start thinking about sweat-proofing your beauty routine. Because when the sun is out in full force, even the most meticulously applied makeup can start smudging and sliding in the heat. There’s a fine line between sweaty and glowy, and a hard-working primer or setting spray can make all the difference.
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And where better to turn for beauty help than the internet? A hub of information and advice (granted, some Subreddits are better than others), the Reddit community offers a wealth of tips for keeping your makeup in place – even on the longest, hottest days. Below, we’ve collated the top sweat-proof tips from users in the popular r/MakeupAddiction Subreddit.
The right base
According to most Redditors, makeup-staying power starts with the base. One user recommends “letting your products fully absorb (e.g. moisturiser, primer of choice, setting spray) and then adding a very thin layer of translucent powder before foundation”.
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If you have oily or combination skin, Reddit recommends using a matte-based primer, moisturiser and sunscreen, like this zinc-only one from Ultra Violette. “Just make sure to use a water-based primer for a water-based foundation or silicone-based primer for a silicone-based foundation so that the product won’t separate,” one user writes.
“Silicone [primer] is definitely the way to go,” another person says. “I use the Nyx Marshmellow Primer… ever since I switched my primer and concealer to silicone, it never moves and helps with my blush and bronzer staying intact throughout the day.” If you’re opting for eyeshadow or eyeliner, a thin layer of a good eye primer (like this one) can help prevent oily lids.
Set in place
After primer, Redditors agree setting spray is the most important sweat-preventing makeup product. The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray and Elf Stay All Night were crowd favourites at different ends of the price spectrum. “I always use an extra layer of powder after my setting spray,” one user writes.
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“Honestly, matte products and powder touchups throughout the day will just make things shift around far less, and it doesn’t have to make you look dry as long as you use setting spray and avoid heavy layers.” Setting spray helps to lock everything in place, and you can apply it between steps for those especially scorching days.
“I’m so greasy and I do all my cream products first, set with setting spray and then loose powder, do my powder products, add more setting spray and then do pressed powder on top,” one user writes. “And then I always keep a pressed powder in my bag when I’m at work or out so I can touch up every four or so hours. And don’t touch your face if you’re oily.. all your face makeup will just smear!”
Use a tubing mascara
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Finally, Redditors recommend tubing mascara over a classic waterproof formula. Tubing mascara contains polymers that wrap around the individual lash like a tube, instead of coating the lashes with a traditional wax-based formula. “It’s a type of formula for mascara that builds length and volume,” one user writes. “They do not smudge and they rinse off at the end of the day easily with friction and warm water. This is true for all tubing mascara I’ve tried from any brand.”
For more on keeping your makeup in place during hot weather, head here.