Makeup to Beat the Heat

by Kristen Seymour (Subscribe to Kristen Seymour's posts)
Jul 1st 2009 3:00PM

Sephora.com

It's summertime, and you're active. And you know what that means -- makeup melt. You covered up that blemish and added a perfect amount of blush to the apples of your cheeks, but the moment you stepped out into the sweltering heat, you felt like all your hard work was just running down your face. Now, you're just hoping that your sweaty cheeks didn't cause your mascara to run all over.

While I can't guarantee you can keep a perfectly made-up face through a big workout, there are products available to help you look fresh and put together when the heat is on.

Face. Start with a foundation primer. For starters, it will give your skin a nice, smooth finish so your foundation will go on flawlessly. More important right now, though, it gives your foundation a bit of "stick" -- it's designed to outlast heat and a bit of sweat with ease. I've had good luck with Peter Thomas Roth Max Anti-Shine Mattifying Gel, $35, but for acne-prone skin, your best bet is probably Clear Prep FX Matte Foundation Primer and Anti-Acne Treatment, $39, which is designed to give you that smooth finish while treating blemishes.

Cheeks. If you sweat, a powder can look cakey and streaky. I can't say enough about Tarte Cheek Stain, $28, which is a water-based gel that looks totally natural and has major staying power (especially when worn over the foundation primer).
Sephora.com

Eyes. If you want to wear liner, your best bet is to go with a liquid. I don't like wearing anything actually labeled "waterproof" around my eyes -- I feel like it's too hard to get off -- but I love Stila Smudge Pots, $20, because, contrary to what the name says, they really don't smudge. If you're wearing eyeshadow, once again, find a primer. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer, $17, is a fashionista favorite and will help you avoid the caked-up line of shadow that always forms once your face gets a little greasy. And, you know you need mascara. If you also stay away from waterproof mascaras, you might want to give Darac Expedition Mascara, $19.50, a try. It goes on well (it even has a brush to clean out the mascara wand bristles), and layers nicely. And, short of rubbing your eyes with a wet hand, it stays in place admirably.
Lips. Well, I have yet to find a long-wear lipcolor that doesn't dry out my lips, although I've had friends swear by CoverGirl Outlast All Day Lipcolor (and, for under $10 a pop, it's probably worth trying out again). When it's hot outside and you're constantly fighting dehydration, though, I say go with something that's pretty and hydrating, even if you have to keep applying. Too Faced Beauty Balm Seductive Lip Balm, $11, is full of essential oils to keep your pucker plump and juicy, but I'm going to share a secret. Vaseline Lip Therapy Petroleum Jelly, $1.99, might not have as pleasant a name as other options, but it makes my lips smooth, shiny and totally moisturized. Added bonus -- it's not strongly scented or flavored. Hey, I'm wearing it, not eating it. I don't need it to be super fruity (but they offer it in cherry if that's your thing).

What are your favorite products for beating the summer heat in style? Be sure to share in the comments!

Comments (4)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

anne winters 7-01-2009 @ 4:04PM

Having waterproof mascara, putting one coat on and some sun lotion, some SPF lip balm will definitely make you shine this summer. I have read on http://www.projectweightloss.com how to look good and have fun at the beach. A nice summer tan is great, but try not to get too dark or orange.

Sara Simms Bracco 7-02-2009 @ 1:53PM

Hi All! Just wanted to share a few of my favs for outlasting the summer heat and "getting your shine off." Best to you! SB

http://readmylipgloss.blogspot.com/2009/06/get-your-shine-off.html