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By Chantelle Bester

Journalist


How to sweat-proof your makeup

If you’re really serious about making your makeup last, primers are a must!


Take it from a sweaty girl – discreetly trying to wipe droplets from your forehead without ruining your makeup is an art. Lucky for you, it’s one I’ve perfected.

So here is your guide to sweat-proofing yourself from top to toe to ensure your makeup stays in place.

1. Start with your clothing

Strange place to start in an article about makeup, right? Wrong.

The aim is to keep cool and comfortable. Wear clothing that moves and breathes, and very importantly, clothing that makes you feel confident – stress and anxiety increases perspiration.

If your not-so-festive black maxi dress is what makes you feel good, wear it to the dinner party, even if it’s less glam than some of your other options. I also always opt for comfortable open-toed shoes and non-constricting jewellery and accessories.

2. Hair

I know we’re still not talking about makeup, but hair gets ruined by perspiration in a flash, especially straightened hair. Think about an ultra-trendy braid to keep hair off your back.

If you want to wear your hair down, wavy or curled hair is more forgiving, so that’s what I tend to opt for on sweltering days or high-stress events. These styles are also more versatile if you need to pin your hair up for an hour or two. In fact, they often look even better when they’ve been ruffled a little.

3. Skin prepping and priming

At last, it’s time to move on to your actual makeup! Prep your skin by applying a suitable exfoliator and mask regularly – you’ll require less makeup, which results in less of a suffocating feeling on your skin. On sweltering days (or nights) opt for lightweight textures – watery serums and gel moisturisers are ideal.

Oil control primers reduce perspiration for some people, and they definitely assist with helping your foundation stay in place for longer. Eyelid primers are very effective to reduce makeup smudging on or around your eyes, even if you don’t wear eyeshadow. Oily eyelids and perspiration cause eyeliner and mascara to smudge, which is easily avoided by applying a miniscule amount of eye primer.

If you’re really serious about making your makeup last, primers are a must!

4. Pick your products wisely

If you’ve kept up so far, you’ve prepped your skin properly to prevent your foundation from sliding off your face and your eyelid primer will keep your eye makeup intact and prevent panda eyes.

Want to put some extra precautions in place? Opt for waterproof mascara and eyeliner to make extra sure that there won’t be any smudging.

If you’re smart about the rest of your products, you can breeze through summer. A cheek stain or long-wearing cream blush (the kind that sets, not the ones that slide around on your face all day) gives really good wear. As heat tends to make us feel a little claustrophobic already, avoid lip gloss and other moveable textures and instead opt for a long-wearing lipstick or stain.

Don’t be too heavy on the brow products as you may be left with streaks if you do get a little sweaty.

5. Set it

Once you’ve got all the right products in place and your makeup looks perfect, it’s time to make sure it stays in place. Makeup setting spray is made for this job, and a spritz of this stuff is the final step in the ultimate sweat-proof makeup.

6. Damage control

If you do feel some moisture developing, resist the urge to wipe your face and dab with a tissue or oil-absorbing blotting sheets instead. Try to get your hands on some cold water and position yourself near a window or aircon. And don’t sweat the small stuff.

Brought to you by All4Women

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