No-Sweat Summer Makeup

Look your best in sizzling heat and humidity

Sweltering heat and higher humidity can make summer feel like one long beauty disaster. A full face of makeup feels too heavy, and everything you put on seems to melt by midday. Unfortunately, going barefaced isn't always an option; after all, you need to look polished for work, weddings, and fun summer gatherings. To stay fresh-faced even when the mercury is high, try these sweat-, heat-, and humidity-proof makeup tricks. [sidebar]

Sunless tanner I love this because it gives skin an all-over wash of sun-kissed color without the skin damage, which is all the camouflage many women need. Apply once a week on bare, freshly cleansed skin, blending onto ears and neck to avoid telltale tan lines. Choose a hue that closely matches your skin tone when you tan naturally. For example, if you usually turn a deep bronze, opt for dark (instead of light or medium). For more sunless tanning tips, check out all your Sunless Tanning Problems—Solved!

Tinted moisturizer Offering just the sheerest hint of color, this is a good choice for complexions that don't need a lot of coverage or those that require a bit more than a sunless tanner provides. Look for one with an SPF of 15 or higher, and choose a shade based on your natural skin tone. Try Aveeno Positively Ageless Correcting Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($20;

Oil-free foundation This works well for uneven complexions that require heavier coverage, especially in the summer, when skin tends to be oilier. Opt for a compact instead of liquid foundation—it's portable and can't spill, and its matte formula helps soak up excess oil. And check the ingredients list in this summer makeup pick for silica, a mineral that reduces shine. Try The Body Shop Oil-Free Foundation SPF 15 ($14;

Sheer loose powder A best bet for summer, it's light and evens out skin tone yet knocks out shine. Instead of using a puff (which can deposit too much powder), try a brush and apply just on areas where skin tends to be oilier—like the forehead, nose, and chin.

Blotting papers These disposable, powder-free paper sheets keep oily areas in check. You can use them as often as you need—unlike powder, which looks cakey if applied too often. [pagebreak]

Face powder as eye primer For crease-free eye makeup, prime your lids pre-application with the same loose powder you use to set your foundation. It will absorb natural oils and create a base for shadows to stick to. Skip cream-formula shadows (they're emollient-based and not particularly long-lasting), and use powder ones instead.

Gel and liquid eyeliners Smudgeproof and water-resistant, these will stand up to almost any sticky, sweat-inducing summer day. Skip eye pencils, which are wax-based and prone to smearing in humid weather.

Cheek color If you have very oily skin, choose a tint such as Korres Cheek Butter ($25; Sephora); opt for powder if you're normal to dry. Avoid cream formulas, which contain emollients and tend to fade in warm weather.

Lip pencil Any lip formula will last longer if you use a pencil first because it gives the color a slip-free surface to adhere to. Choose a pinky-brown one that matches your natural lip color, and use it to line and fill in your lips before applying lipstick or gloss.

For your eyes Make eyes pop with sherbet-inspired shades of eye shadow like mint green, sky blue, or pale pink. Dust shadow from lash line to crease and then finish with two coats of mascara.

For your cheeks Give skin pretty highlights with a shimmering powder in champagne or bronze. Apply it on cheekbones to create a subtle and flattering glow.

For your lips Keep lips luscious by slicking on a sheer gloss in a Popsicle shade such as pink, peach, or coral. Or swipe on a clear gloss over your favorite lipstick to create the same stained effect.


More from Prevention: Smudge-Free Lipstick For Life

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