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We all look forward to the summertime during the colder months, idealizing dewy, hydrated skin in favor of the flaky, pale complexions of the winter. And yet every year it comes as a surprise when we’re left sweating off our makeup, looking streaky and damp instead of glowy and effervescent. While it may be easier to cut down on face makeup in the summer to fight off a sweaty complexion, sometimes you may find yourself wanting a high coverage day, and the heat should not stand in your way.
With a little extra effort to keep your makeup in place, achieving glowing summer skin look isn’t too much to ask. In order to prime and set flawless skin all summer long, according to a makeup artist, these are the five steps you need to follow for sweat proof foundation during the hottest months of the year.
Use A Mattifying Primer
Primer is always one of the most important makeup steps for keeping your foundation intact all day, and a mattifying product will help to counteract any sweat that may result from the heat. “My all time favorite is Melli Cosmetics ‘Velvet.’ It helps to matte down the shine from any oil or sweat without looking flat and dull,” says makeup artist Laura Burns. This product will not only minimize shine, but also help to grip your foundation in place so it doesn’t slide or drip down your face throughout the day.
Oil Free Foundation
Choosing the right foundation for the job is another vital step for ensuring your makeup can last the day against the heat. “Make sure your foundation is water based. An oil based foundation will add to the shiny look,” says Burns. While you can always use a setting powder to reduce some of the shine coming from an oil based formula, moving forward a water based foundation is more likely to hydrate and stay on your skin without looking greasy or sweaty as well.
Blotting Papers
Once your foundation has been applied, keeping the skin dry is essential for maintaining the appearance of a flawless complexion. “Instead of blotting down with powder which can make your foundation ‘cake’, carry some blotting papers and every now and then during the day press them gently onto your skin, particularly in the corners of your nose and T-Zone. This will absorb oil and remove that shiny look,” explains Burns. In the summer it’s not uncommon to continue lightly sweating throughout the day, so using specialized blotting papers will help to keep your makeup intact while removing only the excess condensation on your skin.
Water, Water, Water
For the benefit of both your skin and your body, drinking plenty of water is essential for limiting sweating while lending itself to a glowing and fresh complexion, even in the hottest months. “Keeping the body cool and hydrated reduces sweating and on top of that is wonderful for the skin,” says Burns. You should be drinking nearly 3 liters of water throughout the day to stay hydrated anyways, but this becomes increasingly important in the summer to preserve your health while improving the canvas you’re placing your foundation on.
