I love summer, but maintaining your face under the hot summer sun can be tedious, especially if you live in humid conditions (like I do in Atlanta). So how can you keep your makeup on your face and not running down your neck looking like a hot mess? The answer is to prep your skin before doing your makeup, which will give you lasting results.
For starters, a freshly washed face works better than hours old because your natural oils would have resurfaced by then. So wash with a gentle cleanser, pat dry and apply your moisturizer and/or sunscreen, allowing it to penetrate and dry before applying your makeup. Nothing will stick with a slick barrier between your skin and the makeup so prepping your skin is the only way to achieve great results and letting the products absorb.
Also, when looking for a moisturizer or sunscreen, you obviously want one that is, a) meant for your face (not body), and b) right for your skin type. Formulas are concocted to work with specific people in mind, so look for one that's right for your needs. Using a primer on your face is another great way to enhance your makeups ability to last. Primers hold on to the makeup and keep it in place.
M.A.C. makes a great one I love, Prep + Prime. It's a light, oil-free emulsion that helps cloak visible pores while controlling oil and shine. Applies "wet" and dries instantly to create an invisible, long-lasting natural matte finish. Ideal for the T-zone.
Whether you wear foundation, tinted moisturizer, or just concealer to cover a few spots, the overall effect needs to be blended, even and color matched for a natural look. Once your makeup is done, some may use a powder to set it, which isn't necessary, but a translucent "finishing" powder applied with a brush is ok (especially focusing on the forehead, nose and chin areas). This type of powder will help absorb oil to eliminate a shiny face as the day goes on. A little goes a long way.
What you do from the moment you step outside and battle the heat will determine how well your makeup lasts. So remember to keep your hands off, blot (not wipe) any moisture or shine, and avoid using a compact powder on your face (that you apply with a puff/pad rubbing it on your face). Blotting really will eliminate shine throughout the day so I'd skip the powder if at all possible. Applying powder just packs on product and looks bad after a few hours.
So no matter how hot it gets outside, your face can remain flawless if you prep it right and maintain it properly. You can keep your cool in the sunshine and your beautiful makeup too.
