Sweaty Betty

Style – 23 December 2014

Even for summer lovers, it’s difficult to admit that the warmer months can have a downside. Heat and humidity can cause sweaty brows and shiny t-zones, and your regular makeup routine can quickly turn you into a melting monster.

Here are a few tricks of the trade so you can flaunt a flawless face this summer, no sweat.

Face

Less is definitely more when it comes to foundation during the warmer months. The trick is to avoid layering emollient products, which will move, and slip in the heat. Instead, try to limit the amount of product you need by using multipurpose formulas such as a tinted moisturizer or foundation that contains SPF.

Try: NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser.

When humidity causes your face to become shiny it can be tempting to reach for a finishing powder, but you must resist, because as the powder absorbs moisture it will cake and crease. Blotting paper can be a cheeky quick fix but has a nasty habit of taking off your foundation, so opt for a light blotting powder instead.

Try: MAC Light Reflecting Powder.

Lips

A slick of lipstick is a girl’s best friend, but can quickly turn disastrous in hot weather when it bleeds out into a clown mouth. Look for long-wear hydrating lipsticks as these will stay in place better and won’t dry out your lips. For luscious lips that will last the day, apply one coat of lipstick, blot with a single sheet of tissue and then apply another coat. This will help stain the lips so colour will remain even if the topcoat wears off.

Try: Lancôme Rouge in Love

Cheeks

A light application of cream bronzer and a touch of blush is a great way to create a healthy summer glow. Sweep bronzer across your brow, jawline, down your nose, and under your cheekbones for contouring, and lightly dab blush on the apples of your cheeks. Following application, blot the face with a single layer of tissue to take out any oiliness while leaving the pigment.

Try: Chantecaille Radiance Gel Bronzer

Eyes

Waterproof mascara will be your savior when the temperature starts to rise, but can sometimes be a little harsher on lashes. Try applying your regular mascara first and then seal it with a coat of waterproof to prevent your lashes from drying out.

Try: L’Oreal Voluminous Waterproof Mascara

When night turns to day and you want to turn up the volume on your eyes, pencil eyeliner can melt and smudge on sweaty lids. Instead, use a liquid liner and apply a light dusting of powder in the same colour along the line to set it in place. The same principle goes for eyebrow pencils, swap to a gel that will colour the hair and not the skin.

Try: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner