When I moved to Cincinnati, I thought I’d finally escaped the kind of heat that makes you rethink leaving the house. Then July happened. The temperatures might not reach Dubai levels, but the humidity somehow makes a five-minute walk to Target feel just as intense. The good news? Growing up in Dubai accidentally prepared me for this.
I got into makeup pretty young, which also meant I fell for every product that promised to be “sweat-proof” or “24-hour wear.” Some were great. Most weren’t. After enough summers spent figuring out what actually lasted in the heat, I realized that when it comes to the base, a good routine matters a lot more than an expensive one. Lately, my TikTok feed has been full of creators testing makeup through long shifts, concerts, and days spent at the beach. I started noticing the same affordable products showing up over and over, and after trying them myself, I get why.
Here’s what’s earned a permanent spot in my makeup bag.
- e.l.f. Power Grip Primer ($10)
There’s a reason this primer is all over Instagram. It gives your makeup something to hold onto without feeling heavy, which makes a noticeable difference when it’s 95°F outside.
A light layer gives enough coverage without melting off halfway through the day. Less foundation almost always looks better in the summer.
It’s lightweight, easy to blend, and doesn’t get cakey. This is a go-to for spot concealing.
Long-lasting. One tiny dot is enough to add color without looking overdone.
Use this for the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). It keeps shine under control while letting the rest of our skin stay natural.
This is the final step that keeps everything in place. After seeing it recommended in so many wear-test TikToks, I had to try it. It’s one of the few products that actually lives up to the hype.
The Routine
- Moisturizer + SPF
- Primer
- Foundation
- Spot concealer
- Liquid blush
- Powder
- Setting spray
Heat-proof makeup isn’t about using more products; it’s about using the right ones in the right places. If this routine can survive years of Dubai summers, it’s definitely ready to take on Cincy.