How to avoid a makeup meltdown this summer

There’s nothing like feeling fresh and looking fab on a perfect summer morning, only to see your melted makeup look at midday! We chat to two expert makeup artists to figure out how to make the magic last through the heat.

Can makeup actually melt?

“Makeup can definitely look ‘melted’ which means it has started to separate or move on the face. Signs include eyeshadow that has shifted, smudged mascara or foundation that looks blotchy, sweaty or oily,” says Cape Town-based makeup artist Marlinette Newman. She adds that the sweat from our skin mixes with our makeup, which is often emollient-based (emollients melt), and this contributes to the meltdown look. 

Tips for summer beauty 

Precious Xaba, a skincare therapist and makeup artist based in Johannesburg, has a few beauty tips for when skies are blue and the sun’s out in full:
1.    Apply less makeup and avoid heavier formulations.
2.    Don’t skimp on your skincare routine. 
3.    A primer makes all the difference in keeping a look in place.
4.    Opt for breathable foundations or coverage with skincare benefits (like BB creams).
5.    Finish off with a spritz of setting spray.

Formulations for the win

“In summer, I really invest in my skincare,” says Precious. She highlights serums and sunscreen as her must-haves. “My favourite foundations for summer are the Sorbet BB Cream and the Maybelline SuperStay Active Wear Foundation as they get the job done without that heavy feeling on the skin,” she says. 

Marlinette says if you want your look to withstand the heat, lean towards products that are powder-based, rather than those that are cream-, oil- or emollient-based. “Avoid foundations that are creamy or dewy (these are formulated with more serums or emollients); rather apply a semi-matte or matte foundation that holds moisture better,” advises Marlinette. She also advises that you ditch cream or liquid blush for summer and rather apply a powder-based one. 

“Apply a setting spray after your skincare layering (SPF is usually the last stop) and use a beauty blender or makeup sponge to blot or press the setting spray into your skin. Then, apply your foundation and another spritz of setting spray when you’ve applied all your makeup,” advises Marlinette. The Sorbet Setting Spray has a permanent spot on her beauty shelf. 

The magic powers of blot powder are, says Marlinette, that it absorbs excess oil and shine. You can use it to retouch your look throughout the day to prevent your makeup from getting clumpy or cakey. 

Blot paper is a scarce (and expensive) gem that Marlinette says can be mimicked by tobacco rolling paper. “This hack may be unconventional but it really works! You can make the rolling paper look pretty in your beauty bag by removing it from its packaging and putting it in a fun credit card holder,” Marlinette says. 

Can waterproof products help?

Precious believes in the sweat-resistant powers of waterproof products. “Water and sweat react the same on the skin. You’ll still perspire, of course, as no makeup can prevent that, but your makeup won’t move or crack because of it,” she adds. 

Marlinette says that while she believes ‘sweat-proof makeup’ is a bold and ambitious claim, she does believe using the right products can help your look last through the hot summer days. Don’t shy away from the glow, though, says Marlinette. A subtle shimmer in summer can maximise your look, and you can achieve this by using powder or liquid highlighters (these are usually water-based, not oil-based). 

What to shop

L’Oreal Paris Infallible 32 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation

Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer

Sorbet BB Cream

Maybelline Super Stay 30H Liquid Foundation

Sorbet Make Up Fix Matte Setting Spray 

Revolution Bake & Blot 

Revolution Liquid Highlighter 

Essence Make Me Glow Baked Powder Highlighter

Smudge Matte Fixing Spray 

The Body Shop All Day Long Makeup Setting Spray

Sorbet Airtime Mousse SPF15 Oil-Free Matte Mousse Foundation

Revolution Mattify Matte & Fix Primer