How to Keep Makeup Last Longer in Summer

Summer brings exciting events where you can rock festive makeup with sparkly glitters and vibrant eye shadows to lift your spirits. However, it's also a tricky time when makeup can easily break down—ever look in the mirror and realise your eyebrow has vanished by afternoon? (Oh my gosh!) No worries, we've got you covered with professional techniques to make your makeup last longer in hot weather, preventing it from melting down like ice cream. Stick with us and let's dive in!

Why Makeup Easily Smudges in Summer

The main culprits behind makeup meltdowns in summer are the increased heat and humidity—they can wreak havoc on your makeup, especially if it's not set properly or you're using products that aren't smudge-proof. Some people may notice that their skin is oilier in summer, which can also contribute to makeup smudging. This is because higher temperatures kick sebaceous glands into overdrive, producing more oil to keep your skin hydrated and protected. The heat also gets your blood pumping, which amps up oil production even more. Plus, sweating or touching your face can easily mess up your makeup, leaving you more prone to smudges.

How to Prep the Skin Like A Pro

Korean and Japanese professional makeup artists swear by good skin prep as a secret to achieve a flawless, radiant complexion, looking just like your second skin that lasts all day.

• Gently Exfoliate the Skin with Toner Pads

Even with proper cleansing, some impurities like dead skin cells can remain on the skin's surface, making it rough and flaky. As the first step in skin prep, gently wipe away these impurities to create a smooth canvas for makeup application.

ANUA Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad (70pcs) - £21.00

This award-winning toner pad is infused with Heartleaf Extract, ideal for purifying the skin, reducing acne, and refining pores. The embossed side exfoliates gently with PHA to unclog pores and eliminate blackheads and whiteheads, promoting smoother skin texture.

• Restore Moisture with A Toner

After cleansing with a toner pad, apply a few drops of a hydrating toner to restore moisture and prevent dehydration throughout the day. For drier skin, opt for a viscous, rich-textured toner. If your skin is oily, a lightweight, watery toner will be more beneficial, as it deeply hydrates the skin without leaving a greasy or sticky feeling.

For Drier Skin: SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Essence Toner (210ml) - £20.50

Featuring a highly concentrated fermented Centella Asiatica Extract, the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Essence Toner provides intense soothing effects to damaged skin while offering anti-ageing benefits. Enriched with Ceramide NP and Panthenol, it enhances skin moisture and strengthens the skin barrier for a healthy, youthful glow.

For Oilier Skin: ANUA Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner (250ml) - £19.50

The ANUA Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner, Korea's top-ranking toner awarded 1st place in the 2022 Olive Young Awards, features Heartleaf Extract, a popular Korean ingredient. It soothes irritations, relieves acne, and balances natural oil and moisture levels, while Panthenol deeply hydrates the skin.

• Lower the Skin Temperature

When the skin temperature is high, pores tend to be largely open and oil production becomes more active. Cooling down the skin with soothing products containing calming ingredients like Centella Asiatica and Heartleaf will help create a smoother base for makeup, making makeup adhere better and last longer.

PURITO Wonder Releaf Centella Serum Unscented (60ml) - £19.90

The brand’s popular Centella Unscented Serum is now in updated packaging with a more potent formula! Featuring a higher concentration of Centella Asiatica Extract, it effectively soothes redness and irritation. The serum features a lightweight gel texture that absorbs swiftly into the skin, imparting a gentle cooling sensation upon application.

• Use A Lightweight Moisturiser

Moisturiser is crucial for skin prep because it locks in moisture and prevents dehydration throughout the day. When skin lacks moisture, it produces more oils, which can break down makeup. Select a lightweight moisturiser that absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. For oily skin, a gel-based cream is ideal as it is lighter and more refreshing in texture.

For Drier Skin: ABIB Heartleaf Crème Calming Tube (75ml) - £24.00

ABIB Heartleaf Crème Calming Tube provides powerful soothing care for sensitive, damaged skin, restoring moisture and enhancing the skin barrier's health. Infused with 1% Heartleaf Extract, renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, it soothes irritation, reduces redness, and regulates oil levels.

For Oilier Skin: ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream (100ml) - £16.50

This gel cream features 5 types of Hyaluronic Acid, with varying molecule sizes that penetrate different skin layers. Enhanced by Triple Moisture Technology, it deeply hydrates all skin levels. It is enriched with soothing Centella, Heartleaf, and Aloe, known for calming redness, breakouts, and inflammation.

Makeup Tips for Long-lasting Finish

Your skin is prepped with perfectly balanced oil and water levels. Now, master these pro tips to apply makeup flawlessly and keep it from melting away!

• Use A Primer for Flawless Base

Using an oil-regulating primer on oily areas, like the T-zone, helps control sebum throughout the day and prevents it from affecting your makeup. Apply a small amount of the product thinly over the oily areas to avoid a cakey finish.

ETUDE HOUSE Sebum Soak Pore Primer (30ml) - £18.00

The ETUDE HOUSE Sebum Soak Pore Primer is your go-to for achieving a flawless makeup base. Its oil-free, lightweight formula controls excess oils, ensuring your makeup lasts without looking heavy or cakey.

• Layer thin applications of foundation

Applying excessive makeup can make your skin feel heavy and more susceptible to smudging, as the surplus product can blend with sebum and sweat, causing your makeup to become unstable. Opt for small amounts of foundation applied thinly and evenly—add another thin layer for additional coverage.

TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion SPF40 PA++ (18g) - £22.00

The iconic TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion, a multi-award-winning product, has gained popularity in Japan for its high coverage, moisturising, and long-lasting formula. It maintains a flawless semi-matte finish with a natural glow for up to 72 hours! 

• Use Face Powder Strategically

Mastering face powder application is crucial for preventing makeup meltdown throughout the day. Powder absorbs excess sebum and keeps the skin smooth and fresh. Apply a small amount to areas where you've applied colour, such as eyebrows and eyelids, as well as oily zones like the forehead, nose, and around the eyes' outer corners.

DR. ALTHEA Dear.A Face Blur Finishing Powder (8g) - £12.95

This translucent face powder targets oiliness in the T-zone, leaving your skin feeling fresh and velvety smooth. Its snow-filter powder texture applies lightly on the skin to remove shine and create a seamless tone-up effect. Enriched with Silica and ultra-fine particles, it fills fine lines, blurs pores, and keeps your makeup intact, even in heat and humidity.