Recently, I was looking forward to a walk around one of the beautiful Minneapolis, Minnesota lakes with a former work colleague – especially since it looked like it was going to be a real “top 10” gorgeous, summer day. Though I knew it was going to be very hot, I’d neglected to check the humidity level.
My only lame excuse is that we moved to the far drier climate of Arizona two years ago, were only back in Minnesota for a short stay, and I’d simply gotten out of the habit of checking the humidity since it’s never much of a factor in Arizona.
Well, the humidity was disconcertingly high, there were few clouds in the sky and after the first mile, I wasn’t just ‘glistening’. Let’s face it, I was out and sweating. Not only that, but the sweat was literally dripping down my face and neck – and my makeup along with it.
How to Avoid the Makeup Meltdown
But, this makeup meltdown could have been avoided. So, if you have an invitation to an upcoming special summer event – or just don’t want to worry about a makeup meltdown during the hot, humid summer months – here are a few tips to consider that may help you stay looking fresh and glowing.
Use a toner before your moisturizer to help tighten your pores. Try a lighter moisturizer with an SPF – a liquid or gel – rather than a heavier cream. Apply a small amount of Milk of Magnesia to your face with a cotton ball. Use this as your primer and dab it onto your t-zone. The key words here are small amount. Or, instead of Milk of Magnesia, use a waterproof, matte face primer. Now spray your face with a setting spray. Make sure it’s a setting spray rather than a finishing spray. Use a small amount of an oil-free, long-lasting liquid foundation only on key areas and blend it out with a slightly dampened beauty sponge. Or, instead of foundation, pat a lightweight creamy concealer on with a dampened beauty sponge only to the areas where you need to cover redness or discoloration. Ensure to blend out the edges so there are no discernible lines. Use a 24-hour waterproof brow product. Brow powder, especially, doesn’t stand up well under high humidity conditions. Rather than using a cream blush, consider a cheek stain or tint and blend it in with a dampened beauty sponge. Gently dab a Kleenex or cotton ball onto your eyelids to absorb any oil. Then apply an eye primer over your entire lid area. Next, sweep a very light layer of translucent powder over your entire lid before applying powder eyeshadow. Consider using waterproof eyeliner and mascara. If you choose to use some highlighter and/or contouring cream, apply with a dampened beauty sponge. Gently roll loose translucent powder onto your T-zone and forehead with a brush or beauty sponge. Finally, use a setting spray on your face. Most of Us Won’t Need – or Want – To Use All of These Steps
Perhaps you want to focus just on your eyes and add some lipstick. Or maybe you want to pat on some toner followed by Milk of Magnesia “primer” (or oil-free, long-lasting primer), and then apply an oil-free or light weight foundation or concealer only on key areas of your face and finish with a setting spray.
Or, maybe you want to put on some toner, a light moisturizer with SPF, fill in your brows with a long wear brow product, put on some waterproof eyeliner and mascara and head out the door.
Choose whatever tips you feel might work best for you and give your new sweat-proof beauty routine a run-through before a big event.
And, I hate to admit it, but the next time it’s in the 90’s with 70% or above humidity and my friend and I want to do some serious walking, I’m going to suggest we head to one of the air conditioned malls.
What are your biggest makeup concerns during the summer months? Do you have any tips you can share with us that help your makeup stay looking beautiful throughout a hot, summer day? What are your summer makeup essentials? Please share in the comments below.
