There’s nothing more annoying than looking in the office mirror at noon to see your makeup has all but worn off. Thanks to the humidity making you, and your makeup feel sweaty and clammy. You can’t just keep yourself cooped up in the air conditioned office for the sake of your face!
The heat may be the main enemy in the struggle to keep makeup looking fresh all day, but you can overcome the obstacles
Thoroughly-cleansed skin
Oil and water don’t mix; hence oils on your face aren’t an exception to the rule! An oily face will make makeup melt off quicker than you can imagine. If you really want your makeup to last, start with a clean face. Remove any excess dirt and oil by washing with a gentle cleanser. Also, it is a heinous beauty crime to sleep with your makeup overnight. Always use a gentle product that keeps your skin hydrated and fresh
Exfoliation
If you have the time, go the whole nine yards and give yourself a luxurious exfoliation and mask before applying makeup. It doesn’t hurt that your skin will look amazing, too! Scrubbing your face regularly is the deal to remove dead skin cells. Failure to do so could result in dry and flaky skin, and shorten your makeup’s lifespan.
Moisturizer
After patting your skin dry, hydrate your face with a toner; use a suitable moisturiser that is ideal for the entire day. Try and choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser with SPF (To protect from the extra bright sun). Let it sink in for about three minutes before applying any additional products.
Time
With every layer that you apply on your face, you should wait for at least three to five minutes before applying the next. Allowing each layer to set will help your makeup to stay in place. Patience is the key for everything
Primer
Investing in a good facial primer can just be your greatest beauty investment. To keep makeup on throughout the day, this weightless layer of magic may even save you the need for touch-up. If you can splurge more, purchasing individual primers for eyes and lips will also lead to long-lasting advantages. If you have oily skin, a mattifying primer can work wonders to keep your face from getting shiny throughout the day. Primers with names like “radiance”, “illuminating” or “glow” tend to give your face a very dewy base, so if you don’t like shine on your face, avoid these primers
Go waterproof
Waterproof or matte makeup is your best bet. While these can sometimes be a little on the heavier side. Top products to go waterproof or matte with are: foundation, mascara, eyebrow pomade/gel/pencil and long-wear lipstick.
Avoid creamy products
In humid weather, anything that is creamy or greasy—like foundation or concealer—is going to smudge almost instantly. If you absolutely can’t imagine going without coverage, try mixing a bit of foundation into your sunscreen and applying it that way. Give preference to powder-based products, like a light dusting of translucent powder to combat shine. If you need to cover a blemish, use a stiff concealer brush or a Q-tip to dab a little pressed powder onto the area.
Bronze yourself
Any makeup you do wear should enhance your skin’s natural colour. Choose a bronzer in a shade that looks like a natural tan, and make sure it doesn’t have any shimmer, which won’t look right in the bright sun. Dust the bronzer on your eyelids, just above your cheekbones, and on the apples of your cheeks, plus a little on your forehead, temples, and chin. Follow with a tiny bit of pink powder blush on your cheeks.
Lock it in
Set your makeup with a translucent powder, which will smooth the look of your makeup and remove any excess oil. To help your makeup last even longer, try a makeup setting spray. Spraying this on your face before and after your makeup is complete will lock everything in place and will also help your powder makeup look more like your natural skin. For extremely warm and humid days, use a facial antiperspirant to prevent excessive sweating. Blotting tissues are better for removing perspiration or oil.
Pack the essentials
Prepare for any melted makeup emergencies by keeping a small makeup bag full of everyday essentials. Products to keep on hand at all times are blotting papers, pressed powder, and a cream-to-powder makeup stick that can double as blush and a lipstick.
Avoid touch-ups
A general rule is that you apply makeup before you leave the house, and whatever fades, fades. If you get sweaty or your makeup feels clumpy, just dab your face with blotting paper. Resist the urge to touch your face throughout the day! The oils on your hands will transfer to your skin, which will cause your makeup to budge. Not only that, but the germs on your hands can lead to future breakouts.
Try these tips to maintain that perfect makeup look you’ve worked so hard to create and don’t let the heat and humidity swoop into the picture and make that beautiful work of art melt away and ruin your day.
