Guide to Sweat-Proof Your Summer Makeup Look

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Summer is full of wonderful things, but they don't include melting foundation, smeared eyeliner, or super-sticky lipstick. So we asked top makeup artists and experts from the Good Housekeeping Institute's Beauty Lab for their best summer makeup tips, including what looks, brands, and products to wear to keep your face looking natural, fresh, and pretty even when you're sweating on hot days.

1. Begin with the effective moisturizer

It's just as important to take care of your skin as it is to apply makeup to it. "In the morning, use an oil-free moisturiser," says Fiona Stiles, a celebrity makeup artist in Los Angeles, and match with an oil-free foundation formula. These are less likely to make your face greasy throughout the day, which is especially important in the summer. The Beauty Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute compiled a list of their top picks for face moisturisers so you know what to look for.

2. Use multiple layers of sun protection

Aside from hydrating your skin, it's also important to protect it from the sun, which means wearing broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen every day, even under makeup. (It's not fun to apply makeup to sunburned skin!)

Reapplying sunscreen every two hours is recommended, but it can be difficult when you're out and about, especially if you don't want to use your hands. Sabina Wizemann, GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist, swears by a sunscreen trick she learned from makeup artist Erica Whalen, which involves repurposing an empty makeup compact:

• Clean an old liquid foundation compact and cushion with dish soap. Allow to dry.
• In the compact, soak the cushion in your favourite face sunscreen.
• Dip a sponge applicator into the cushion and dab on your face to reapply.

Alternatively, for reapplication, use a sunscreen powder that can be dusted on top of your makeup.

3. Invest in a high-quality makeup primer

The few seconds it takes to apply a makeup primer, which goes on after moisturiser but before face makeup, will be well worth it. According to Ashunta Sheriff-Kendricks, a celebrity makeup artist in New York City, "primers are definitely the way to go in the summer." "They really help keep makeup in place without feeling like a heavy extra layer," says the reviewer. Try No7 Airbrush Away Primer, a Good Housekeeping Seal winner that uses hyaluronic acid to soften wrinkles and blur imperfections while keeping your makeup on your face!

4. Use less make-up

Say it with us: Less is more if you want to keep your makeup from creasing and caking. "If you can," Stiles advises, "just use a tinted moisturiser and concealer where needed." "When it's hot, makeup tends to move around, so the best way to avoid that is to wear less of it."

5. Use bronzer to add some radiance to your face

"Bronzer brightens your eyes, whitens your teeth — everyone looks better with a little warmth added to their skin," says Troy Surratt, founder of Surratt Beauty in NYC. He recommends applying bronzer only to the high points of your face, where the sun naturally hits you: your forehead, cheekbones, chin, and nose, to keep the results looking fresh and natural. (Covering every nook and cranny is how you get that fake, baked look, which is a major bronzer faux pas.)

Powder bronzers are the simplest to use and the least likely to smudge in the summer heat. Look for one with a variety of colours; they'll blend together for the most natural-looking results. If you have short hair or wear your hair in a ponytail, you can also use a little bronzer to blend your neck.

6. Don't use the shimmer

Everyone loves a dewy radiance, but there's a big difference between a healthy glow and an over-the-top shine. "Avoid cream foundations or anything too luminous," Stiles advises, "because the humidity will make you look extra shiny and sweaty if you have too much sparkle on your skin."

7. Opt for light-colored shades

"Rich, deep colours have their place," Surratt says, "but they can look heavy in the summer." Switch to sheer versions of your favourite lip and eye colours to lighten up your look. If you need more definition, apply a lipliner before applying lipstick, but choose a neutral shade to maintain the carefree vibe, or try "invisible" lipliner, which leaves a clear, waxy film on the lips that prevents colour from bleeding. Plus, because sheer colours are more subtle, you can almost never go wrong.

8. Make your shadow last for a long time

If you want your eyeshadow to last longer, avoid using eye cream on your lids (it will break down your makeup) and instead use an eye primer. According to Sharona Schweitzer, a makeup artist in Seattle, Washington, "it will minimise creasing and create a base for the shadow to cling to so it lasts longer." Layer a powder eye shadow over a cream eye shadow for all-day wearability. Eyeliner can also be doubled up. "Apply your regular pencil or cream liner, then press dark shadow over the liner with a small angled brush to set it for longer wear," she advises.

9. Get rid of your powder blush.

Blush brings balance and healthiness to any look, but if you're still using the same powdery formula, your flush may be cake-y faster than you can get to work. "In hot weather, stains are fantastic," Stiles says. "Apply a gel or blush stain to your cheeks, then blend a touch of cream blush on top." Try Giorgio Armani Neo-Nude A-Blush, a winner of the GH Beauty Award. "It's like that healthy vibrance your cheeks get after a jog out in the cold, but in a bottle," one tester said.

10. Experiment with bright, fun colors

Just as you're probably more likely to wear a vivid top or carry a bright bag this season, now's the perfect time to amp up the colors in your makeup palette. "Livelier colors brighten the face and bring a youthful glow to skin," says Surratt, in addition to looking summery. If you usually stick to neutrals, try a punchy blush on the apples of your cheeks, colored eyeliner, or a poppy sheer lip color on one area of your face.

11. Swap shininess for dewiness

A slick T-zone says "I'm hot" right away — and not in a good way. Blotting papers are the best way to remove unsightly shine in seconds. "They're inexpensive and simple to use — just press and go," Sheriff explains. If you need to brighten up your makeup as well, blot first, then use a pressed powder with a hint of radiance. "You want to get rid of the shine, but you still want to look glowy," says Surratt, especially in the summer.

12. Use lip stains instead of heavy lipsticks

For the summer, ditch your heavy matte lipsticks in favour of the season's simplest trend: lip stains. These long-lasting formulas provide sheer, buildable coverage, making them extremely versatile. Stiles explains, "Stains are lovely because you can always add a lip balm for moisture without worrying about the colour bleeding." Try Dior Lip Glow Color Reviver Balm, a GH Beauty Award winner that doubles as a balm and a stain, for the best of both worlds. For a more traditional summer look, use sweet pink or peach shades, or go bold with tangerine and grape colours for a more daring look.

13. Experiment with waterproof versions of your favourite products

Do you enjoy swimming? Don't worry about raccoon eyes; there are plenty of great long-wear makeup options available these days. "Get a good waterproof mascara or get your eyelashes tinted if you're blonde," Stiles suggests. Take a look at our beauty editors' top picks for waterproof makeup!

14. Keep your purse stocked with mini cosmetics

Stay prepared with purse-size products that are perfect for toting so you can fix your makeup on the go, such as a translucent powder compact with an included applicator, and you'll never look oily in a photo again. "Having blotting papers on hand is another great way to remove sweat and oil without piling on more product," Stiles says. Plus, you never know when you'll need to touch up your lip colour.

15. Always use a setting spray at the end

The final step in ensuring that your makeup lasts all day and night is to use a makeup setting spray to set your look. Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray is recommended by the GH Beauty Lab: "I definitely noticed my makeup lasting longer throughout the day, and I didn't get as slick or shiny as usual," a tester said in an evaluation.