Stop your make-up from doing the slip & slide with these sweat-proof make-up tips
Sweat-proof make-up that goes the distance? We hear you. Celebrity make-up artist, Stacey Lacey, shares her top tips on helping your make-up stay put, even when it’s a scorcher outside.
Don't sweat it
Hitting the gym, hot weather and other sweaty situations can wreak havoc with your carefully applied make-up. These little hacks can help keep make-up sweat-proof, whatever you throw at it.
Tip 1: Set the scene
If your skin is a little on the oily side, use a gel moisturiser before you apply your cosmetics. The gel formula will sink swiftly into your skin, leaving you with the perfect base for sweat-proof make-up.
Stacey’s faves
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser
Avène Hydrance Aqua-Gel 3-in-1 Moisturiser
Tip 2: Keep a cool head
Stacey warns that if you’re too hot while you’re applying your make-up, it can activate the ingredients that help keep your make-up in place, which could affect how long it lasts.
So, throw open the windows while you’re getting ready and keep cool while you’re out and about with a little facial mist or hand held fan.
Stacey’s faves
Avène Soothing Thermal Spring Water Spray
Morphe Continuous Setting Mist
Tip 3: Application is everything
Stacey rates a dampened beauty blender and nice clean brushes rather than using fingers for make-up application. It’s also easier for building up thin layers which will stay put better and help you achieve a sweat-proof make-up look.
Stacey’s faves
Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge
Morphe Dense Edged Foundation Brush
No7 Buff and Blend Liquid Foundation Brush
Tip 4: Mix things up
Combining different textures can help with sweat-proof make-up, too, says Stacey. So, use a water-based liquid blush, let it fully dry, then set with a very thin layer of translucent powder and apply a powder blush to finish.
“You’ll find that very thin layers of product work well together to keep everything locked in place,” she explains.
Stacey’s faves
Maybelline Cheek Heat Water Infused Gel Sheer Blusher
Tip 5: Prime time
Primer is key when it comes to keeping your make-up on. “They create a flawless canvas and prolong the staying power of make-up,” Stacey says.
Stacey’s faves
Benefit The Porefessional Primer
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Mattifying Primer
Tip 6: Good foundations
Everyone loves a great base, but Stacey suggests skipping the foundation if it’s a particularly hot day or you’re hitting the gym, unless it’s a sweat-proof foundation. Instead, buff a thin layer of long-wearing concealer into essential areas.
Stacey’s faves
Milani Conceal & Perfect Long Wear Concealer
Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer
Tip 7: Go steady
If you do want to use a foundation, try to keep things simple with a sweat-resistant foundation – so don’t wear anything too heavy and avoid anything greasy or oil-based. “Try to use water-based products and do things delicately,” Stacey recommends. Less is more!
Stacey’s faves
Urban Decay Stay Naked Foundation
Origins Ginzing SPF40 Energy Boosting Tinted Moisturiser
L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24hour Foundation
Tip 8: Bright eyes
Even if you know you’re going to get sweaty, you should be fine to apply under-eye concealer, as long as you stick to the inner corners. “I apply a full-coverage, long-wearing creamy concealer to cover and brighten,” says Stacey. “I find this stays in place whilst I do my workout.”
Stacey’s faves
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer
Huda Beauty Over Achiever Concealer
Too Faced Born This Way Concealer
Tip 9: Powder power
While pressing on the powder may seem like a good idea to achieve sweat-proof make-up, Stacey advices “Skipping the heavy powder as it’ll turn into a cakey mess. Instead opt for a thin veil of a fine translucent powder and apply with a very light hand to key areas like the forehead, nose and chin. Keep the edges dewy for a gorgeous finish.”
Stacey’s faves
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Setting Powder
Maybelline Master Fix Loose Setting Powder
NYX Professional Makeup Studio Finishing Powder
Tip 10: Eye eye
When it comes to long-lasting formulas, Stacey rates creamy eyeshadows. “They blend beautifully and stay put even if you get a bit hot, because that’s what they’re designed to do.”
Stacey’s faves
Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr Cream Eyeshadow
NYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil
Tip 11: Perfect peepers
Stacey’s top tip for preventing panda eyes? Waterproof mascara and eyeliner, of course! At the end of the day, simply soak a cotton pad with an oil-based eye make-up remover, place on the eye area for a few seconds, and then gently sweep away your sweat-proof mascara and eyeliner.
Stacey’s faves
L’Oréal Paris Bambi Eye False Lash Waterproof Mascara
No7 Extreme Length Waterproof Mascara
Barry M Bold Waterproof Eyeliner
Tip 12: Subtly does it
If there’s a chance you’re going to get hot and sweaty, leave the bold lip look for another day. Grab a gorgeous balm or gloss instead – any accidental smudges will be a lot less noticeable.
Stacey’s faves
Tip 13: All set
Finish your make-up with a light spritz of setting spray to lock everything in place and act as a protective barrier against humidity.
Stacey’s faves
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
Maybelline Lasting Fix Matte Finish Setting Spray
Tip 14: Matte about great make-up
Stacey swears by blotting papers for dabbing away excess oil and sweat throughout the day, without ruining your make-up. “They’re super easy to use and don’t take up space in your make-up bag – winner!”
Stacey’s faves
Fenty Invisimatte Blotting Paper
Boots Skin Clear Shine Blotting Papers
Sweat-proof make-up? No stress! These top tips will ensure you keep your cool and your make-up stays put all day long.