I would recommend finding products that wear exceptionally well on you and take longer to breakdown. I tend to like creamier products and find they are easier to pat back into place if things are really warm/humid. I also like a spray like Clarins Fix Makeup Spray to help lock things in.
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I hate to even think about it! But in a few months, it’ll be back. Again.
During summertime, I tend to rely on my mineral based moisturizing sunscreen by FAB to give my BB cream or cream foundation something to latch onto. This summer, I’ll be giving my MAC Pro Longwear foundation a try, I’m hoping it will be longer lasting compared to Tarte Amazonian Clay foundation. And I rely heavily on waterproof products, cream-to-powder hybrids too. AZ summers are….an experience.
Hi Nancy! I wore MAC Pro Longwear foundation last summer and it lasted all day outdoors in the scorching heat and major-sweat-inducing humidity. I also wore the Urban Decay face primer underneath it and moisturizer with sunscreen underneath that.
Susan, thanks! This is good to know! Especially on days when I prefer a more “finished” look. Although, I will likely always do BB or CC cream on hot, but not ultra humid days just because it’s a few months of very dry, super hot weather before our yearly Monsoon.
I have oily skin, so when things get hot and humid I go more for powders. I use an oil free sunscreen and let it soak in. I use an oil-free primer such as Nyx Angel Veil, followed by BareMinerals Mineral Veil in Translucent, then a thin layer of mineral foundation (BareMinerals or Everyday Minerals), then another thin layer of Mineral Veil. I do a more simple look, and use powder face products over my foundation and setting powder. Then I spray with e.l.f. Mist & Set. I make sure I always carry blotting papers with me!
My eyelids are even more oily, and deep-set and somewhat hooded, so I have major issues with shadows creasing. I use Too Faced Shadow Insurance, and I usually go for more neutral eye looks using 1 or 2 colors. I use powder or loose mineral eye shadow (the hotter and more humid it gets, the more likely to be loose minerals). I give a light dusting of setting powder, then spray with e.l.f. Mist & Set. I skip eyeliner, especially creams, and use a good mascara that won’t smear.
Lips — I go with a long-wearing liquid lipstick, lip gloss, or a tinted lip balm. I skip lipliner pencils and creamy lip colors that can melt.
You just reminded me of two crucial steps I forgot to put in above^^^ Setting my face with powder ( I lurrrve WnW Reserve Your Cabana!) and my HG e.l.f. Mist And Set Spray!!! Stuff is GOLD!
Hi Rachel!
How long does your eye makeup last when you prep it as described?
Hi, Susan! Of course it depends on how hot and humid it is, but my eyes will last around 9-12 hours when the heat is in the triple digits. The loose mineral makeup such as BareMinerals Eye Color lasts the longest.
I have a realy bad oily lid but I just found about the Mac 24hr extend base cream n this is working like a magic…I can’t believe it cos I had given up on my oily lids but this product jus restored my hopes again, you need to try this n say bye bye to oily lids.
I haven’t tried that one. Thanks for the recommendation!
In dry heat, I wear less emolient products and choose powder-based makeup. I am not built for humidity, so keep layers on the face to as few as possible. I wear almost exclusively cream eyeshadow sticks (powder eyeshadow slides right off) and wear glossy long-wearing. lipsticks.
I actually prefer powder products since starting a job where I’m running around like a chicken with its head cut off all day. Setting the absolute heck out of everything is super important for keeping my makeup on, I like to powder my base before applying blush, bronzer, etc, and after all that I take another small amount of powder and very lightly and gently buff over everything. I feel like that’s what really keeps everything in place for me, and that my setting sprays don’t do much but take away any powdery look on my skin.
Wearing a matte foundation with a setting powder or wearing powder foundation. Long wear formulas are best but wear a thin layer so it’s not too heavy in the heat. Top it all off with a setting spray. Carry blotting papers, a powder compact and a mini face spray at all times. Sometimes I would like to bring back the fashion of carrying a fan with me!
Setting spray—UD All Nighter (which my skin doesn’t mind) or ELF setting spray. A lighter hand with makeup, and I do agree with creams. They look more “natural” on a warm day anyhow. I can never seem to solve the raccoon eyes issue–waterproof flakes, and tubing mascaras seem to damage my lashes despite trying all of them.
Less make-up! And set and reset with powder.
Normally, silicone based primer, silicon based foundation and a setting spray.
But I’ve been also loving makeup industry cream foundations like Mehron Celebré Pro HD Make-Up and RCMA. Also, Kett creme foundation is a bomb for high humid and water based events. It does last soo long but I have issues applying to dry skin areas… it just doesn’t want to blend out on me during the winter months.
Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade set with shadow, Sephora Matte Contour Gel Eyeliners, IT Vitality Cheek Stain are the longest lasting products I’ve tried, and they held up well when I was in New Orleans for business
Have you tried Urban Decay chill makeup setting spray and the All nighter spray? How are they for Bridal makeup?
I use all nighter and my make-up doesn’t move. For a wedding, I’d still keep a bit of touch up just in case. I forgot to mention blotting papers but I always have some in my purse. Your wedding? Congratulations!
I would suggest going with a more minimal look. If everything starts heading south..you aren’t going to look like a train wreck.
I also tend to go with cream products for the heat which seems to be counterproductive, but it works for me. CC cream with sun protection as opposed to foundation, cream eyeshadow tapped on for a simple look, a Marc Jacobs eye pencil because they are budgeproof on me, mascara, followed by a lip balm with SPF. For brows I need a bit of help, so I use either a dusting of loose powder to set area ahead of time or a bit of primer before applying brow products. Basically, I embrace the glowiness that will result from the heat and try not to have everything very set and too perfect.
I used to walk a mile and a half to work in 90-degree-plus, humid weather, then help someone take a shower. What worked was:
1. use a good primer (my favorite for summer is Hourglass Mineral Veil) — use different primers for different parts of the face if necessary
2. use long-wear or tenacious products — IT Cosmetics CC Cream, ByeBye UnderEye, and ByeBye Redness are all pretty tenacious on me, but this is something that can vary from person to person, depending on oiliness, etc.
3. work your products into the skin well
4. set with powder
5. add a waterproof top coat to mascara (does anyone know what’s happened to Anastasia’s Lash Genius?)
6. if you have any doubts about your lipstick bleeding/feathering, use a lip liner and/or lip primer
7. apply a finishing spray liberally
8. make sure you get all this tenacious stuff off at the end of the day: for me, two different kinds of makeup removers (Sephora Triple Action Cleansing Water + Bobbi Brown long-wear makeup remover; Mario Badescu eye makeup remover gel + Aveeno or Josie Maran makeup remover wipes; coconut oil + Josie Maran cleansing oil or Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm) followed by a good cleanser (First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser), a washcloth, and plenty of water.
Less is more. Prep skin. Wait. Apply slowly in thin layers. Setting powder. Finishing powders in places where they apply. I use Hourglass ALP in areas to press for matte natural finishing. Helps it last. Luminizer has a more powdery base. Much waiting. Pressing into skin with delicate brush and fingers. Eye primer. TF cream shadow. Can embellish with powder. Extra blush at end to prevent fade. Moisturizing mist. Mitigates anything unnatural. Keep mist on hand. Hydration is lasting powder for me. This or I go without face makeup. I just do mascara, light powder in T zone. Blush. Unless I use a stain. Less is more. Sweat looks healthy. 😀
I forgot a tip. Trim nails short. If you choose to wear full face makeup Nail grazing takes it off. No touch face. Keep clean. If it feels good you will too.
Last I feel humidity/heat can be cleansing. Bear with it. Purge. No makeup. Establish your perfect skin cleansing and treatment with high cell turnover. In humidity toxins leave fast. Take advantage! Avoid clogs. 🙂
Unlike you I’d go for everything in a powder form! I can’t possibly wear cream foundation or blushes when it’s hot and humid, because my face can get very sweat and then it’s a horrible mess.
So I’d use a good primer, but not something siliconey, a powder foundation, powder blush, finishing powder, I’d do my eye look using powder shadows and maybe a waterproof liner, use brow powder, and set everything with the Coola fixing spray that contains SPF. My mascara never really smudges so I wouldn’t have to go for a waterproof mascara.
Living in Fl, it’s hot and humid almost year round. I like using sunscreen (EVERYDAY) a primer and light/medium coverage powder foundation. It feels light and doesn’t feel like it’s sliding off my face. I rarely use setting spray unless I really need my make up to last- for an event or special occasion. I also try not to touch my face and eyes throughout the day.
If it’s too hot, I go for waterproof mascara and lipgloss!
Rachel I’m heading to Florida soon, may I ask what primer and powder foundation you use? Thanks for your help.
Hi Beth,
Sure! For reference I have combo skin. I get oily on my chin and nose after about 5-6 hours. My complexion is pretty even so I don’t use make up for the coverage, but for a more “perfected finish”.
For primer I use benefit porefessional mostly but I use the Becca matte and poreless, when it’s really hot or for events. The porefessional gives a very smooth canvas and makes my makeup look flawless. If I need my makeup to look matte and last a little longer the becca primer helps with that.
For powders I use MUFE duo mat, MAC mineralized skin finish natural, or loreal pro matte powder. If I have bags under my eyes or a blemish I use with NARS concealer and set with NARS crystal pressed.
I like the Supergoop setting mist, if I do use setting spray for day. FYI-Its a bit sticky and has high spf.
This tends to work without being heavy.
Hope this helps!
Rachel
Thanks Rachel – a very detailed reply. Very helpful! Thanks again.
Beth
The best product that I have found that works for me is NYX Cosmetics Blotting Powder, Light. I have five backups LOL
I like a good finishing spray and one if the spray face coolers to use as needed. I use Caudilie spray.
I think it depends on the level of humidity. Like, a summer day in the states is one thing, but August in Ho Chi Minh city is another. For the really humid places, I eschew makeup all together (particularly when I go to visit my mom in Belize/Guatemala/wherever she is at the time in central America), for days when it’s a bit humid in California or Oregon or Canada or whatever, I just try to keep it to minimal makeup (BB cream, a bit of concealer, etc). I usually skip eyeshadow as they tend to crease no matter what if it’s humid (I’ve never tolerated heat well and it’s gotten worse since I got sick), and if I go for mascara I always use something waterproof. For face products like blush, I stick to creams or liquids, and I keep a small facial spray and something to blot with in my bag.
I agree, creams are the way to go.
It’s Summer time here in Australia & it’s been 30 – 45 degrees celcius (90 – 105F) here most days for the past month.
I also wear sunglasses when I drive, so it can be hard to find foundations ect that don’t rub off where my glasses sit on my nose.
I’ve been using Cream Foundations every day, different ones, and find they are the only ones that seem to stay put.
Some of my favourites are the RCMA Cream Foundations, the Benefit Play Sticks, MAC Stuio Fix Cream & the Inglot Cream Stick.
Liquid Foundations that stay in place like the Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation, FACEatelier Ultra Foundation, Too Faced Born This Way & Smashbox BB Water have been regular favourites too.
And, of course, using an awesome setting powder like the RCMA Translucent Powder or the Tarte Amazonian Clay Setting Powder are a must.
I also have been using the Skindinavia Setting Sprays to lock it all down.
I know that’s a huge reply but I hope it helps someone else who’s been struggling with the heat.
I live in Miami, Florida so its like 100 degrees almost everyday. Regardless of what primer, setting spray or powder I use my makeup melts. I just try my best to stay in cool places at all times. 🙂
No makeup! hahaha . I use to aply sprays like Fix + from MAC, and lotions like Skin Refined zone treatment soin, from MAC too. I’ ve heard that to aply ice on face before the makeup had helped out to control oilness and to close large pores.
Yep – that is Melbourne in summer – hot and humid. I don’t really have any tricks, but I am looking for some tips. A lock in spray would help I know.
Waterproof makeup!
I love the heat and maybe its because I hardly ever sweat. But on very humid days I must say, yes I sweat a little. So switch my omorovicza foundation to a lighter sheer foundations such as Giorgio Armani. I also use a primer , it helps keep the foundation to settle. Oh I forgot, I change all my face and eye creams to a lighter version. I use very little eye shadow, I love the burberry wet silk. Use a gel pencil eyeliner , darken with a powder shadow. Then I use Guerlain Meteorites Voyage Exceptional Compacted Pearls of Powder. Yes I know its $$$$$$, but it really lasts a long time, and I use it very lightly. Next I use very little bronzer and maybe a little powder blush. Next I use a finishing powder by Smashbox. Use a good lip primer, light liner and light coat of liptick with a gloss over it. Finishing face spray by Mac, also very good stuff, I am a makeup nut, so I always carry a makeup bag with me wherever I go for touch-ups.
During the summertime I try to lighten up on my cosmetics considerably. I use tinted moisturizers or BB creams instead of foundations (at least for every day looks). And then set with powder and check up through out the day. In the past I have tried to switch over to powdered or mineral foundations but I have never found one that looks right on my dry skin. Maybe this summer…
What works for me is using a lighter hand with my makeup. I just use a light application of a BB with sunscreen, loose powder, and a light application of concealer where I really need it. I stick to powder shadows on my eyes, brow powder, and powder shadows in place of eyeliner. As far as lips, I apply a few thin coats of lip color with a touch of shear powder in between. Everything is topped off with a spritz of setting spray.
I just bought mac pro longwear for this specific reason. The humidity in mississippi is crazy. You feel like you are showering in your own sweat(gross i know). Since it isnt humid hot yet not sure how it will hold up. I tried it for the first time today and i love how lightweight it feels. Hoping i will continue to like it.
Mac Face & Body is my holy grail summer foundation. I live in Washington, D.C. where the humidity is on fleek in the spring and summer. It lasts all day!
A good primer does it all for me and right now I love my dr.brandt pores no more fr my face,and the Mac 24hr eye extend base fr ma lids n this works like magic as I suffer from terrible oily lids then a setting powder and a setting spray,i go btw nxy matte spray, MUA fixing mist or th Maybelline 24hr. Fixing mist.
Caring less helps too!
Love all your comments. I fight this every year, and keep the winner and toss the losers! Most of the time, humidity also requires sun protection. My favorite sunscreens are the mineral (zinc and titanium) based ones which come in many lovely formulas that are not greasy. Then powders do well to absorb sweat and oil. It Cosmetics CC+ Airbrush Perfecting Powder SPF 50 or Chanel Double Perfection Lumiere SPF 15 have worked for me. Powder blushes by NARS or Clinique Cheek Pops stay put well, as do powder eyeshadows. I also use blotting papers, MAC Fix spray, Evian water spray, and a handheld fan to keep makeup meltdown at bay.
Cheers to the upcoming joys of spring and summer!