Five tips to stop your makeup from slipping in the heat

Summertime means wearing less makeup for some, but if you’re still applying a full face then we probably don’t need to tell you that things are much more likely to slip and slide in the warmer weather.

If you’re in need of some help to ensure your makeup stays looking fresh and actually, you know, ON your face, then you’re in luck. We have a few handy tips you can try to beat the heat when it comes to makeup longevity – let’s dive in… 

Ensure you have a smooth canvas

When it’s warm, makeup is far more likely to wear less evenly and cling on to any dry patches of skin. One way to nip those issues in the bud is by using an exfoliant in your routine. A couple of times a week should do the trick, but be sure to introduce it to your regime gradually. Try Gatineu Exfoliating PHA + BHA Glow Tonique – poly-hydroxy acids (PHAs) are known for being gentler than alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). They work together with beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) in this exfoliating tonic to slough off dead skin cells and help unclog pores.

You’ll get a travel size version in this month's Sunny Delights OK! Beauty Box, along with four other summer-ready products, all worth a combined total of over £105 – but new subscribers can get their first box for just £4.95 using the code 67BEAUTYBOX. After that you’ll pay £15 per monthly box, and you can skip a month or cancel at any time. 

Opt for lighter skincare products

Unless your skin is extremely dry, richer and more nourishing products tend to lend themselves better to the colder months, while lighter formulas work well for when it’s much warmer. SPF is a must all year round but especially so when the sun is out, so something like Polaar’s lightweight and fragrance-free sun lotion SPF 50 is a great choice. Even better news? You’ll get one in this month’s OK! Beauty Box too.  

Try a primer

There are dozens of primers on the market that have different beauty goals, including blurring, hydration, oil control and more. Many formulas are also specifically designed to really lock down your makeup and help prolong the time it stays on your face. When you’re shopping for a primer that will really secure your base in the heat, look for words like “grip” and “long-wearing” on the packaging, and check out how many hours of wear it promises.

Add a little powder 

You don’t want to look powdery or cakey in the summer, but a little setting powder in areas where you’re more likely to sweat can prevent base makeup from sliding. This is a particularly good tip if your skin is on the oilier side and you know it often gets a bit greasy by the afternoon, something that’s only exacerbated when it’s hot outside. Use a sponge to press a small amount into any problem areas, or dust on a little powder with a fluffy brush. 

Use a setting spray 

Setting spray is great for any time of year when you want your makeup to go the distance, but it’s particularly useful when the weather is warm and your base is more likely to slide around or your eye makeup might transfer more easily. Pro tip: apply setting spray before your makeup as well as after to give that bit of extra grip.