The best makeup for hot weather

There’s no denying that those tropical days that meld into balmy nights are good for the soul. They aren’t, however, quite so conducive to maintaining flawless makeup. Whether working out or working on your tan, the ensuing fades, slips, streaks and slides can be a turn-off. We asked makeup artist Sonia Deveney to share her tips for beating the heat with products that go the distance as the mercury rises: ‘In high summer or when taking exercise, your makeup needs to tread a fine line between looking fresh and having the staying power to stop any slippage.’

‘When you’re enjoying some rays, it’s disheartening to see cakey, heavy foundation that’s visibly nestled into pores and fine lines,’ says Deveney. ‘A sheer, mattifying long-lasting foundation (preferably with a broad-spectrum SPF) is key as it’s less likely to drip down your face or be overly obvious at your outdoor picnic. Some long-lasting formulations can be quite heavy so use a damp sponge to apply or try mixing with some serum on the back of your hand to thin it out.’

But avoiding the slide doesn’t start with your foundation choice according to Deveney who advises applying an oil-control, anti-shine moisturiser first: ‘It can greatly affect the longevity and the look of your base especially when it’s over 25 degrees or you’re planning a workout.’ Deveney recommends keeping application to just where you need it; this is no time for blanket coverage. The same goes for your concealer: ‘Use sparingly and opt for a long-lasting formula with staying power.’

The final step to budge-proofing your base? ‘Apply a super-light dusting of extra fine translucent powder over your T-zone, patting it onto your skin for extra staying power. Keep a powder compact or oil-control blotting papers handy for quick and easy touch-ups,’ says Deveney, who adds that a spritz of setting spray is a great powder-free alternative for locking in your look.

For many of us, mascara is a beauty essential so it’s no wonder that ‘panda eye’ is among the most dreaded of makeup malfunctions. ‘I would head straight for a sportwear, waterproof mascara,’ says Deveney. ‘Aim for a non-clumpy, lengthening mascara for flattering summer lashes and make sure you give them enough time to dry before rushing out the door. In warmer months, I’m also inclined to use long-lasting waterproof eyeshadow sticks which have intense, stay-put pigments and are super quick to apply.

‘If you can’t leave the house without black liner, go for a skinny liquid eyeliner pen – preferably waterproof. If you don’t have the precision skills of Bridget Riley and need to stick with your trusty gel liner or pencil, then stipple a matte black powder eyeshadow directly over the top using a super-fine angled brush to afford extra staying power.’

‘I’m a huge fan of cream blushers and bronzers but if you find that your skin seems to eat any colour you apply during the summer months, go for a cheek stain,’ advises Deveney. ‘Stains tend to be liquid formulas which require speedy and precise blending skills but they’re amazing for giving a sheer veil of healthy colour while providing the necessary staying power.’

‘The same is true for lips: opt for a stain to achieve long-lasting colour,’ says Deveney. ‘Once you have this base colour in place, you can add a gloss, balm, oil balm or lipstick. That way, if the top layer wears off after lunch, you still have your chosen colour firmly in place. Die-hard lipstick fans can also give their favourite lipstick a little more staying power by pressing one ply of tissue over the lips before dusting loose powder on top using a face powder brush to set it in place.’