survive the heat and still look chic: your summer makeup strategy

Because summer makeup should stay in place, feel good, and never fight against your natural skin.

Jun 29, 2025

☀️ how to wear makeup in summer heat (without losing your mind or your foundation)

Let’s be honest—summer makeup is a whole different sport. If you’ve ever spent a morning perfecting your face only to feel it sliding off by lunchtime, welcome to the club. The mix of sun, sweat, and humidity can make even your holy grail products betray you. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be that way.

Wearing makeup in summer should feel fresh, breathable, and resilient. It’s not about skipping glam altogether—it’s about adjusting your routine so that you still feel like you, just a version that won’t melt by noon.

Here’s everything you need to know about keeping your look locked in, glowing, and fully sweat-proof this season.

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💧 skin prep is everything

Start with skincare that won’t clash with your makeup. That means lightweight, oil-free hydration and a primer that grips. If your skin is oily or combo, this step is crucial to keep things from turning into a slippery mess.

I love using the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream for a weightless hit of moisture—it’s cool on contact and layers beautifully under anything. Then I follow with Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40, which doubles as a velvety primer and won’t leave a white cast or greasy finish.

On high-humidity days, a proper gripping primer is essential. Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer is a cult favorite for a reason. It leaves a tacky base that holds your foundation like it’s on mission.

🎨 rethink your base

This is your sign to put down the full-coverage matte foundation. Trust me. Summer is about looking fresh and natural, not flat and heavy. Opt for a skin tint or BB cream that evens out your tone without suffocating your pores.

I swear by the Saie Slip Tint SPF 35 for a natural, dewy finish that lets freckles peek through and won’t feel sticky after a few hours outdoors. On days when I need more coverage, I just spot-conceal with NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer. It blends like a dream and stays put—even through sweat.

Set only the parts of your face that really need it—usually under the eyes and around the nose—with a light dusting of Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder. Skip powder on the cheeks if you're using cream products for a more natural finish.

🌺 embrace cream formulas

Creams are your summer beauty besties. They melt into the skin, look more natural, and wear better as the day goes on. Powders can settle or cake when humidity hits—so stick to dewy textures that move with your skin.

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush is wildly pigmented, so a single dot per cheek is enough. It lasts for hours and gives that fresh, just-finished-a-hike flush. For glow, try the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter—it’s a complexion enhancer that adds radiance without shimmer. Dab it on the high points of your face, or mix a little into your skin tint for an all-over glow.

Finish with a reliable setting spray like Urban Decay All Nighter to lock it all in. This step is non-negotiable if you’re heading to a rooftop or outdoor wedding.

👁️ go easy on the drama

Summer makeup is more about subtle definition than full glam. Save the smoky eyes for fall. For warm weather, it’s all about waterproof mascara, creamy shadow, and sheer lids.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara gives insane length without smudging—even on hot days. For effortless color, swipe on Glossier Lidstar in shades like Moon or Slip. They’re lightweight, shimmer just enough, and never crease.

As for brows, use a clear or tinted brow gel like Benefit Gimme Brow+ to groom and hold. Hot weather and drawn-on brows don’t mix.

💋 lips that won’t quit

Lipstick that smears? Pass. Go for a stain or hydrating tint that’ll survive your third iced coffee and whatever else the day throws at you.

The Fenty Beauty Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain is juicy, sheer, and fades beautifully. If you're a balm girl, Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm is a treat—nourishing, slightly glossy, and smells divine.

💨 keep cool and blot often

Let’s be real: no product will make your face 100% sweat-proof. But with the right setup, you can manage shine and touch up like a pro.

Tuck some Tatcha Aburatorigami Blotting Papers in your bag for quick shine control without adding more product. If you're more of a powder touch-up type, Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Powder is a godsend for combatting mid-day oil without looking chalky.

✨ final thoughts

Hot weather makeup doesn’t have to be frustrating or high-maintenance. With a few smart swaps and lighter layers, you can create a look that lasts all day, feels good on your skin, and looks just as radiant in the real world as it does in your mirror.

This summer, let your skin breathe, let your blush stay dewy, and let go of the pressure to be “perfect.” Because a little glow, a little sweat, and a lot of confidence? That’s the real summer beauty formula.

xo,
Kaitlyn
The Vogue Muse