As rising spring temperatures bring heat and humidity, keeping your make-up looking fresh can quickly turn into a losing battle against melting and shine.
From foundation separating to smudged eyeliner, warm weather demands a complete shift in your daily beauty strategy. But sweat-proofing your face doesn't mean caking on extra layers or abandoning your favourite products.
With the right skincare preparation, a strong gripping primer, and strategic lightweight setting techniques, top makeup artists reveal how to lock in your look so it stays flawless and breathable all day long.
From primer to setting spray, here are expert tips to help your make-up look fresh this spring:
Start with the correct skin prep
Before reaching for your foundation, make sure your skin is properly prepared and according to Zanele Tshilongo, a professional make-up artist and owner of Zeesprinkles, long-lasting make-up begins with a good skincare routine.
“The key to long-lasting make-up starts with proper skin preparation,” she says.
Tshilongo recommends beginning with a thoroughly cleansed face, followed by a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser.
She suggests choosing products that are fragrance-free, suitable for sensitive skin and gentle enough for eczema-prone skin.
Tshilongo also advises that sunscreen is another step that should not be skipped, even when make-up is involved.
“Most importantly, never skip a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen,” she says.
For warmer weather, Tshilongo recommends a lightweight, non-greasy and sweat-resistant formula that protects the skin without interfering with make-up application.
She also says that allowing each skincare product enough time to absorb before applying the next one.
“Rushing the process can impact the overall finish of your make-up,” she explains.
Choose a primer that works for the weather
Once your skincare has settled, primer can help create a smoother base for the rest of your makeup.
“A good primer is your secret weapon during spring,” says Tshilongo.
For those who struggle with excess shine, she recommends a mattifying or pore-blurring primer to help control oil, minimise the appearance of pores and create a base that helps make-up last longer.
Owner of Goddess Artistry and professional make-up artist Phindile Mbatha also stresses the importance of priming, especially when temperatures rise.
“The important thing when it comes to makeup during the warmer days is skin prep. Thereafter, make sure that you prime your face.
“Make sure that you use a gripping primer,” she says.
A gripping primer can help makeup adhere to the skin, making it a useful step when you want your foundation to stay in place throughout the day.
Less foundation can mean longer wear
While it may be tempting to apply more foundation to ensure your make-up lasts, Tshilongo says heavier formulas can sometimes work against you in hot weather.
“When it comes to foundation, remember that less is more. Heavy formulas can feel uncomfortable in warmer weather and are more likely to separate or melt,” she says.
Instead, she recommends opting for lightweight coverage that allows your skin to breathe while still giving you a polished, natural-looking finish.
Mbatha, on the other hand, recommends choosing a matte foundation for warmer days.
Set your make-up strategically
Setting your make-up is an important part of helping it withstand heat and Mbatha recommends baking the face properly, particularly for those with oily skin.
“Another step is to make sure that you bake your face properly because that helps when you have oily skin,” she says.
However, baking is not the only option and if you prefer a lighter finish, you can use a small amount of setting powder on areas that tend to become shiny, such as the forehead, nose and chin.
Tshilongo also recommends waterproof essentials, including mascara and eyeliner, to help prevent smudging caused by heat and humidity.
Finish with the right setting spray
A setting spray can help bring your make-up routine together, but choosing the right finish is important.
Tshilongo recommends a long-lasting setting spray to help extend the wear of make-up and protect it against sweat and humidity.
Mbatha, however, prefers a matte setting spray during warmer weather.
“You also need to use a matte setting spray to make sure that your make-up lasts longer.
“I don’t recommend using a dewy setting spray because it’s hot and your face will get oily in the heat,” Mbatha says.
For those who find that their skin becomes dehydrated during the day, Mbatha also recommends carrying a hydrating mist.
“You also need a hydrating mist to use throughout the day to hydrate your face because it helps your makeup last longer,” she says.
Keep touch-ups light
Even with the best preparation, some touch-ups may be necessary during the day.
Instead of adding more foundation every time your skin becomes shiny, gently blot away excess oil first, then apply a small amount of powder where needed.
Avoid rubbing or wiping your face, as this can disturb your make-up and make separation more noticeable.
Remember, the goal is not to make your makeup completely immune to the heat, but to give it the best chance of staying fresh.
With proper skin prep, a suitable primer, lightweight foundation and the right setting products, your spring make-up can remain polished without feeling heavy.
kamogelo.makhura@nationalmg.co.za