If you’ve ever lived in Miami, or at the very least visited, you know it’s unbearably and disgustingly hot. Our summer lasts all year long and it’s not breezy or in the 80s’. It’s humid and it inches closer to 100 more often than my bank account. And as an avid makeup lover, it’s frustrating because wearing makeup is borderline unbearable. That popping highlight on my cheek bones? Yeah, that’s sweat. Since I’ve never lived up north, I’ve learned a few tips and tricks to make my makeup last five minutes longer than normal.
Step One: Primer
Starting your makeup routine with a primer creates a smooth canvas for the rest of your makeup, and if you pick the right one, it can make it last longer. In order to combat oil and sweat, I like to opt for a “mattifying” primer. My favorite is the Make Up For Ever Step 1 Equalizer Primer in Mattifying. A little bit goes a long way and it leaves my face smooth and matte.
Step Two: Foundation
Personally, I think it is way too hot to wear foundation during the day. The few times I have, it ends up feeling too heavy because of the sweat, and no amount of primer and setting spray can save that situation. So for my base, I opt for a BB cream of some sort with SPF. Side note: Even if you don’t live in Miami, wear sunscreen on your face. It slows down the signs of aging and protects your skin. This is why I like Urban Decay’s Naked Skin One & Done Hybrid Complexion Perfector. It has SPF 15 and it’s not as heavy as a foundation, but it still has decent coverage that you can be built up to cover any imperfections.
Step Three: Powder
One of the oldest tricks to making your makeup last longer is setting your base with a powder. It keeps you looking matte longer and provides extra coverage in case the BB cream wasn’t enough. One of my favorite powders is the Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Powder. It gives extra coverage and doesn’t look cakey. Another great powder is the IT Cosmetics CC Powder because it gives great coverage and also has an SPF of 50.
Step Four: Setting Spray
Locking your makeup with a setting spray prolongs the wear of your makeup and helps everything to look seamless. My favorite is the Skindinavia Oil Control Setting Spray because it helps combat oil throughout the day.
Other Tips
During the day, opt for less makeup to keep things from looking cakey when you sweat. If you do want to wear a full face, look for products that are “mattifying” and/or waterproof. Mascara isn’t the only makeup product that has a waterproof option, there are bronzers and blushes that are extremely long wearing as well.