Sweat-proof makeup is a must-have as the weather gets warmer. Whether it’s for a 90-degree festival weekend or a long day of running errands, opting for waterproof and sweat-proof products can help ensure your look holds up in the heat. You probably already have a waterproof mascara in your makeup bag, but that’s far from the only heat-proof product worth your while.
Here, we’ll introduce you to our best sweat-proof makeup products, including sweat-proof primers, foundations, and more. Plus, we’ll share some of our top tips for those wondering how to keep makeup from sweating off on sticky summer days.
If you anticipate getting sweaty, you’ll want to look for waterproof, sweat-resistant makeup—these formulas are designed to stay in place even if you’re sweating. If you have oily skin, consider opting for matte-finish formulas over glowy products to help keep excess shine to a minimum.
Regardless of your skin type, it’s also a good idea to look for long-wearing products that are designed to be smudge-proof and transfer-proof. This can help ensure your makeup won’t rub off if you (gently) wipe off your sweat. And, when possible, opt for lightweight formulas that allow your skin to breathe.
The heat doesn’t mean that you have to skip a full face of glam makeup—just that you’ll want to opt for makeup that is sweat-proof. Here are a few of our favorites.
A sweat-proof makeup setting spray is the first thing to add to your routine if you're struggling to keep your makeup on in sticky weather—and this sweat-resistant aerosol is among our favorites. The pro-inspired formula sprays on in an ultra-fine mist and dries instantly, locking your foundation, lipstick, and eye makeup in place for up to 36 hours. It feels lightweight and breathable on the skin (a must in hot, humid weather) and leaves behind a subtle, natural-looking glow.
Editor’s tip: If you have very oily skin, try misting your setting spray onto your makeup sponges and brushes. This can help set your makeup as you apply it, boosting its longevity and preventing cakiness for a smooth, even finish.
If you’re looking for a sweat-proof foundation to get you through the warmer months, powder foundation is the way to go. This one provides full coverage and helps blur the skin for a natural matte finish that lasts up to 24 hours. Plus, it truly is infallible—it’s not only sweat-proof, but also waterproof, heat-proof, humidity-proof, and transfer-resistant. Apply it in the morning and enjoy seamless, weightless coverage hour after hour (even in scorching heat).
Editor’s tip: For lighter coverage with your powder foundation, apply it to the skin with a clean blush brush rather than a sponge. Lightly swirl the brush into the powder and dust it across your complexion for even, lightweight coverage.
If you’d rather skip foundation but don’t want to go barefaced, a good concealer like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer will allow you to spot-treat problem areas. This one provides full coverage for scars, redness, and other imperfections on the face and body. Apply a small amount of the waterproof formula to areas of discoloration and blend for up to 24 hours of fade, transfer, and crease-free wear.
In the pursuit of all-day, sweat-proof makeup, glowiness often falls to the wayside. If you want to give your matte look a bit of radiance, this powder highlighter is perfect for the job. The long-wearing formula boats light-reflecting pigments that leave the skin looking luminous and radiant. And, like the other products in the Infallible collection, it offers up to 24 hours of waterproof, heat-proof, transfer-proof, and humidity-proof wear—so once it’s in place, it’s not budging.
Editor’s tip: Tie your glowy look together by dusting a bit of highlighter onto your collarbones.
This matte bronzer can withstand it all—think humidity, beach days, festival weekends, and everything else in between—and it’s all thanks to the sweat-proof, smudge-proof, waterproof, and transfer-proof formula. The weightless powder texture is easy to apply and melts into the skin, providing a natural-looking flush of color for up to 24 hours. Plus, it comes in eight neutral shades designed to complement a variety of skin tones.
There’s nothing quite as flattering as a sun-kissed flush. Get the look—sans sun damage—with this water and sweat-proof blush, which offers up to 24 hours of wear. Swipe your favorite shade onto your cheekbones for a subtle pop of natural-looking color or build it up for a more vivid matte flush.
Waterproof mascara is a must for steamy, sweaty days—at least if you want your look to stay put. There are plenty of waterproof mascaras to choose from, but Telescopic Instant Lift is one of our favorites. It features a patented double hook brush to load, lift, and separate lashes, and offers up to 36 hours of wear. Once it is time to remove it, micellar water or an oil-based makeup remover should do the trick.
Eyeliner is often the first thing to start melting away once heat and humidity begin to rise. To ensure your cat eye stays defined (even when you’re sweaty), you’ll want to reach for a waterproof eyeliner. We love this one because it comes in eight shades, glides on easily, and offers up to 36 hours of transfer-proof and smudge-resistant wear.
While using sweat-proof makeup is the best way to ensure your look stays put in humid conditions, there are a few other ways to help improve the staying power of your products.
Proper skin prep can help ensure your makeup applies smoothly and evenly, which may help to boost your look’s longevity. Always start your makeup routine by cleansing and moisturizing your skin, and if you’ll be going outside during the day, apply sunscreen.
While sunscreen alone won’t directly prevent your makeup from sweating off, your choice of sun protection can affect how long your makeup lasts. Thick, rich sunscreens may leave your skin feeling oily, which could disrupt your makeup application. To protect your skin and keep your makeup intact, opt for a non-greasy formula, like the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily UV Lotion. The water-based sunscreen is lightweight, suitable for all skin types, and dries down with no white cast. Plus, it helps prime the skin for makeup and helps brighten and even the skin over time.
When shopping for makeup for summer, be sure to add a mattifying primer to your list. Hot, humid weather can make the skin oilier than normal, and a mattifying primer can help keep unwanted shine at bay. We love the L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24 HR Matte Setter because it helps grip makeup in place for up to 24 hours and visibly reduces excess shine. Apply a thin, even layer to your face after your sunscreen but before applying any makeup products.
If you’re using any liquid face products—think foundation, concealer, or blush—consider setting them with a translucent setting powder. This simple step can help “lock” your makeup in place and prevent it from sliding off during the day. Powder products don’t need to be set with setting powder, but we’d still recommend using a setting spray—specifically the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Setting Spray— at the end of your makeup routine.
In warmer weather, sweatiness and excess oil often go hand-in-hand. If you anticipate a sweaty day, consider tossing some blotting sheets in your bag. These absorbent papers help soak up excess moisture to give your skin a more even, matte appearance. Be sure to press (rather than rub) the sheets onto oily areas to avoid disrupting your makeup.
If you’re really sweaty (and can’t find a nice, air-conditioned room to chill out in), a personal fan can come in handy. Aim one at your face to help cool down and evaporate sweat without having to blot, rub, or touch your face.
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