4 tips to sweat-proof your makeup for summer!

July 28, 2023

LUCY lovers, it’s time. 

It’s summer, time for sandy days at the beach, barbecues at sunset, and ice cold coffees taking the place of your winter warmer favourites - and for your makeup routine to change up a little bit because, as we all know, as much as we love the sun, your makeup products do not, and if you’re anything like us, the worst thing about summertime is how quickly it turns your beautiful summer glam into a hot mess. 

Fear not, LUCY lovers: we’re here to help. Here are our top five tips for sweat-proofing your makeup, leaving you looking flawless, glossed, and gorgeous for that late night barbecue. 

Pick the right primer

Listen, lovelies: if you’re a primer non-believer and you head in straight for your foundation after your moisturiser, summer is your time to switch up that routine and opt for a little extra insurance against that dreaded melted foundation look. Now, normally, we’d tell you to look at primers created for your skin type - something moisturising if you’re a little bit dry, something mattifying if you’re oily - but for summer, we’re going to throw those rules out the window and suggest picking a mattifying foundation. Whether it’s water or silicone based depends on your foundation, but one thing’s for sure: it’s matte all the way for the first layer of your makeup. 

The reason for it is this: matte primers have a little bit of a built-in sebum and oil control without feeling heavy on your skin, which will help your makeup stay in place and avoid that super-shiny look. 

Our pro product suggestion: 

BH Cosmetics Paradise Mattifying Primer - €8.00

Ditch your full coverage foundation for concealer  

In summer, less is more - the less product you have on your face, the less visibly cakey your makeup will look, and let’s be honest: nobody wants to slather on so many layers of makeup when it’s already hot and sticky outside. Opting for spot concealing any major problem areas rather than putting on an even layer of foundation can help keep your makeup looking better for longer, because there’s so little of it to move around! 

Not sure you want to ditch the foundation? We get you: in that case, we recommend getting a super lightweight foundation, like our new favourite the Maybelline Superstay Skin Tint, and layering a couple of layers of that on. The thinner formula should help keep foundation pulling at bay, and leave you looking fresh faced. 

 Bye bye powder products

Sweat and powder products are not a good combination - and if you’ve been wondering why your makeup looks all cakey and sticky, this is a pretty good reason why. Powders are great for mattifying, but by their very definition, they’re not really waterproof, and when you add in sebum production and sweat, they tend to run and ball up and pill, leaving you looking less than perfect. Whether it’s blush, highlighter, or contour, we suggest going for creamy or water-based products: not only will they last just as long, their fading will be a lot subtler, and they won’t make you look like you’ve ducked your face in powdered sugar in comparison. 

Our pro product suggestion:

 Don’t skip the setting spray!

Setting spray is going to be your best friend in the summer months: not only is it portable and quick to use, it creates an additional layer of barrier between you and the outside world, helps your makeup lasts longer and helps you freshen up while you’re on the go. Whether you opt for a mattifying spray for that smooth photofinish or a luminous spray for a glossy goddess glow. 

There you have it, LUCY lovers: our best tips to sweat-proof your makeup for summer. Did we mention your favourite trick? Do you have a tried-and-tested method to keep your makeup on your face? Tell us about it in the comments below! We’re always interested in hearing what you do!

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