When heat climbs and the air feels sticky, your makeup can seem to lose its grip. Makeup that stays in place is a top trend on TikTok and Instagram as we enjoy more sunny days outside. Whether you attend outdoor events, face daily routines, or simply want your look to last, having products that work in heat can change your day.
Los Angeles makeup pro Nikki LaRose shares her simple tips for a flawless summer look that feels light and never greasy. Ready to beat the heat? Here is her easy plan!
Why Weather-Ready Makeup Counts
High humidity makes skin produce extra oil and sweat. These actions break down makeup and lead to shine and smudging. Creamy or dewy formulas can slide off or look patchy on hot days. The fix is to keep it light and use products made for heat so your look stays fresh all day.
Step-by-Step Guide to Your Best Summer Makeup
Think of this as your warm-weather kit. Keep each word and step close, and your routine will feel simple and clear.
1. Prep with Less, Not More
• Skip long routines. Fewer steps mean less chance of slippage.
• Pick a light, water-based sunscreen that soaks in fast. Nikki likes Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50.
• If your skin is dry, use just a little moisturizer and let it dry before makeup.
2. Set Your Brows for the Heat
• If your brows are thin, add some powder first using a loose powder like Makeup Forever HD Loose Powder. This helps your brow pencil stay.
• Use a matte brow pencil such as Patrick Ta Major Brow Pencil in dark brown. It holds without shine.
• Lock your brows with a clear gel like Patrick Ta Major Brow Lamination Gel so hairs stay in place.
• Skip heavy pomades because they may melt off.
3. Prime Simply
• If you have oily skin, pick a matte primer. Nikki likes L’Oréal Prime Lab 24 Hour Matte Setter Primer. It feels light and cuts shine.
• You can also try a grip primer like Milk Hydro Grip for strong hold without a greasy feel.
• Use a thin layer and focus on areas prone to shine.
4. Lock It In Before Foundation
• A smart move is to spray a setting spray (such as Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray) after priming and before foundation.
• Wait until it dries. A small fan can help speed up the process.
5. Foundation: Semi-Matte is Best
• Do not use dewy foundations in the heat.
• Use a semi-matte foundation like EXA High Fidelity Semi-Satin Foundation or House Labs Trichlone Skin Tech Foundation. These work well in hot weather.
• Apply in thin layers, press it into your skin with a dense brush, and let each layer dry well.
6. Concealing and Setting
• Choose light concealers such as Glowish Bright Light Sheer Concealer or Dior Forever Skin Correct for longer control.
• Blend with a slightly wet beauty sponge, pressing gently.
• Set under the eyes with a fine-milled loose powder.
• After your blush, add a light dusting of loose powder to hold the color.
7. Blush That Lasts
• Use cream blush with a natural, non-greasy finish. Nikki prefers Persona Cosmetics Bloom Blush Multi-Stick for a soft, lasting glow.
• Tap your blush onto your cheeks with the same brush used for foundation. Press it in light, with a stippling motion, to keep it in place.
Who Will Enjoy This Guide?
• People in hot, humid climates.
• Those with oily, combination, or normal skin who need to control shine.
• Anyone with thin brows that need extra grip.
• Makeup beginners who seek a simple, effective routine.
Pro Tips & Creator Wisdom
• “Start your brows before skincare if makeup tends to move off in the heat.” This uncommon tip works well for brow hold.
• Stick to matte brow pencils to keep them in place.
• When applying foundation, press the product on with firm pressure instead of rubbing in circles.
• Use setting spray before foundation to lock in water and keep the skin ready.
• Layer a cream blush and then set lightly with powder for a long-lasting flush.
Product Picks and Alternatives
• Sunscreen:
Pick: Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50 — light, hydrating, and fast-absorbing.
Budget: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 30 — feels light and water-based.
Splurge: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Sunscreen SPF 60 — smooth and protective.
• Brow Pencil:
Pick: Patrick Ta Major Brow Pencil — matte and long-lasting.
Budget: NYX Micro Brow Pencil — good quality at a low price.
Splurge: Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil — precise and steady.
• Primer:
Pick: L’Oréal Prime Lab Matte Setter — gives a smooth, matte effect.
Budget: e.l.f. Matte Putty Primer — keeps oil down and skin smooth.
Splurge: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Matte Primer — strong oil control.
• Foundation:
Pick: EXA High Fidelity Semi-Satin or House Labs Trichlone Skin Tech — a satin finish that fights heat.
Budget: Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless — a solid semi-matte option.
Splurge: Armani Power Fabric Foundation — high coverage and lasting wear.
• Setting Spray:
Pick: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray — long wear with a clear finish.
Budget: Milani Make It Last Setting Spray.
Splurge: Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray — famous for holding makeup.
Fixing Summer Makeup Issues
• If makeup slides off mid-day, press foundation into your skin and avoid heavy moisturizers.
• If brows smudge, first add powder then your pencil, and finish with a strong clear gel or a hit of lash-hold hairspray with a spoolie.
Heat and too many layers cause slipping. Keep it light and apply layers with care.
Tips for Your Unique Features
• Deep skin tones: Pick strongly pigmented brow products and warm-toned blush that add glow.
• Hooded or oily eyelids: Use a mattifying eye primer to set eyeshadow and block sweat.
• Mature skin: Choose lightweight, hydrating formulas and press in product gently to avoid settling in lines.
Beauty Science: Why Pressing Beats Rubbing
Pressing your foundation into the skin, rather than rubbing in circles, helps keep it in place. This small change stops friction and prevents the product from moving in hot weather.
Enjoy the Sun and Your Look!
Summer makeup does not have to be a challenge. With Nikki LaRose’s simple tips and smart products, your look stays fresh and light throughout the day.
Remember: less product and smart layers keep you shining all season.
You got this!
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