2. Sweat-Proof Your Foundation.
Long-wear, full coverage foundation is brilliant for weddings, events or when you don't want your makeup to move for 12 hours. Not so much for every day.
The key to sweat-proofing your makeup, without looking too matte or losing that glow, isn't long-wear foundation. It's tailoring your base products to the different parts of your face.
For example, if you know you sweat around the temple (me), forehead (me), under the eyes (me!) or upper lip (ME!!!!), apply a mattifying primer like Benefit The POREfessional Primer only to those areas before priming the rest of the face with your hydrating, illuminating primer.
For this look below, I applied a mattifying primer underneath my glowy foundation, but only to the skin above my lip, under my eyes and on my nose. This way, I still got the dewy finish I love, but not in the parts of my face I know will be moist by midday.
Same goes for foundation and concealer. Instead of automatically reaching for your long-wear liquid products like you would when doing event makeup, cream, stick or balm formulas work well for your sweaty spots because they're easier to work with throughout the day.
Megan added, "On a regular day, you might not be after the coverage and longevity of a long-wear foundation, too. Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Foundation is a good sweat-proof foundation because it's mattifying, but still makes your skin look like skin."
3. Use Setting Powder Strategically.
When it's hot, humid and sticky, the inclination is to ADD MORE POWDER.
Only problem is, it leaves your face looking flat and dull, rather than plump and healthy.
"The more powder you pack on to nix shine, the more makeup there is to melt off. It's a vicious cycle - the more effective way to set makeup is by using a setting powder strategically in certain areas you know are going to get sweaty, rather than the entire face. This way, you won't lose your glow."
Megan recommends using a light, finely-milled setting powder that won't interfere with the shade of your foundation. Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder and RCMA No Colour Powder are great options at different price points.
I used this strategy when doing my makeup for an event recently. The result? Polished, sweat-proof makeup that still looks glowy, not dull.
4. Sweat-Proofing Throughout the Day.
Now, for some real talk. As helpful as the three tips above are, the truth is: sweat happens.
Megan added, "It's normal to sweat. We have dynamic faces, we have pores and sweat glands and oil. Makeup can only do so much, so know you'll probably have to do some maintenance throughout the day."
But the biggest mistake Megan sees when it comes to touching up makeup is, not drying your face before going in with more product. If you've ever hurriedly dabbed a huge cloud of powder on your face at a music festival or in the club bathroom in between 90s hits, you'll know the only way that story ends is with a crumbly, cakey face.
"Please, make sure your face is completely dry before putting more powder or foundation on top. If you're a hot, sweaty mess, there's no point trying to buff your makeup back in."
"Pat and blot the area dry using blotting paper, a hanky, paper towel or a tissue (but not toilet paper - trust me, it'll break up all over your face) and then once the skin is dry, use a stippling motion to lightly touch up foundation or powder."
And finally, Megan's last tip is one that won't cost you a cent. *Drum roll please.* Don't touch your face.
Instead, do what I do and carry a hygienic sweat rag around in your handbag to gently dab away those unexpected sweats. Yep, it's as attractive as it sounds.
And that is your roundup of sweat-proofing makeup tips from an expert. If all else fails, just embrace the sweat and pretend it's highlighter.
