How to Sweat Proof Your Makeup

By The FabFitFun Team | June 19, 2022

We’ve all had that moment. You’re out partying or dancing with friends, having a truly fabulous time despite the summer heat. Then, you go to the bathroom and catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror—only to find the soft glam makeup you worked so hard on has started to melt off your face.

While the best course of action at that point is to laugh it off and grab some tissues to blot with, what if there was another way?

Take action against summer makeup melt with a sweat proof makeup routine. By strategically applying water-resistant makeup and using some sneaky cosmetic tricks, you may find your glam look perfectly intact by the end of the night.

Ensure your summer makeup is here for a good time and a long time.

#1 Prep with Primer

One of the most critical steps to take when applying base makeup for sweaty faces comes before you even add a drop of foundation to your face.

A primer acts as a building block that provides a smooth surface and helps your base makeup stick. It also provides a barrier between your pores and your foundation (and every product that comes after).

Not only does primer help you achieve the appearance of smooth, glowing skin—it can also combat sweat-induced smudging.

A wide range of primers exists, but if your number one goal is sweat-blocking, consider seeking out primers that are:

Water-resistant – Water-resistant primer keeps the sweat from compromising the integrity of the product. Your primer should stay in place and remain a trustworthy base for the rest of your makeup.
Matte – A matte primer minimizes the dewy look that can often come from more hydrating primers. While hydration can exist in other parts of your skincare routine, it’s best not to use dewy products right off the bat when trying to combat the heat.
Rich in vitamin C – Primers infused with vitamin C can give your skin a healthy glow without adding unnecessary dewiness.¹ Add some freshness to your face to set the tone for the rest of your makeup look.

With a face primed to perfection, you can begin adding layers of makeup without fear of it smearing off before you even put on your heels.

#2 Apply Foundation

Primer lays the groundwork, but foundation sets the stage for your full makeup look. It rounds out your skin tone, blurs imperfections, and make your appearance feel more cohesive.

Different types of foundations exist for various purposes. While you may already have a go-to foundation, try taking a second glance at your foundation habits and see what you can do to fight the sabotage of sweat.

Implement some of these foundation tricks for long-lasting wear:

Use a small amount – Resist the temptation to cover your face in thick layers of foundation. Overuse can cause foundation to look thick, cakey, and dried out. Place heavier foundation only in areas that need a blurred effect, blemish coverup, or pigmentation correction. Use a blending sponge to apply a thin layer across the rest.
Go for light wear – Instead of going for a thicker, full-coverage foundation, try opting for a light-wear foundation instead. Thanks to its sheer finish, a light-wear foundation will act as a subtle veil on top of your skin. Full-coverage makeup is heavier, and thus more susceptible to melting off when introduced to water or sweat. Some light wear moisturizers include sweat-proof, long-lasting formulas to help your skin look divine all night long.
Try tinted moisturizers – You can also forego foundation altogether and try a tinted moisturizer instead. Moisturizer can easily absorb into your face rather than sit on top of it the way foundation does. With the addition of a colored tint, you can achieve a similar blurred effect that foundation provides.

Wearing a lighter foundation can help immensely with the appearance of a sweaty face. Minimize smudging or melting by using a foundation designed to grant the illusion that you’re barely wearing any makeup.

#3 Waterproof Your Eye Makeup

We know it, we love it, we can’t resist it—yet, eye makeup is often the main culprit of sweat-induced smudging. Maybe your winged eyeliner has lost its sharp edge, or your smokey eye has started to morph into more of a black eye. What started as the centerpiece of your look now appears to be more of a meltdown.

Never fear—plenty of water-resistant and sunny weather products exist that can help reduce the eye makeup smudge factor.

Resist smudging, smearing, and flaking with the use of:

Waterproof mascara – Break free from flakey mascara that spreads everywhere. A waterproof or water-resistant mascara like Full Frontal Volume, Lift & Curl Mascara can help keep your lashes from leaking makeup by resisting water permeation. For extra smudge prevention, lightly brush a tissue or makeup wipe over the tips of your lashes after applying to rid your lashes of any excess mascara.
Waterproof eyeliner – Using a water-resistant liner can decrease the probability of smearing, ensuring that your look stays sharp and spotless throughout the day.
Eyeshadow primer – Primer isn’t just for your foundation. Dab the lid of your eye with primer and let it dry before applying eyeshadow. Primer will keep the shadow in place and decrease the chance of creasing—a perfect preventative measure for those bold, colorful looks.
Eyebrow gel – Keep your eyebrows in place with a sturdy eyebrow gel. Try the Billion Dollar Brows Condition, Color & Control Bundle to give your brows a boost.

Though waterproof makeup helps keep your makeup in place, its staying power means it can be tricky to remove from your face. Since waterproof makeup repels water-based products, oil cleansers tend to remove makeup the best.²

With waterproof eye makeup up your sleeve, you can wave smudgy eyes goodbye.

#4 Set with Powder

Once you’ve sweat-proofed your makeup look and are ready for the finishing touches, you can break out the setting powder. A setting powder acts as a seal to keep your makeup in place and resist the accumulation of moisture.

Unsure of where to place your setting powder to minimize sweatiness? Hit these target areas:

Under eyes – Not only does powder under the eyes repel moisture and keep eye makeup from receding, but it can also reduce creasing. Work the powder under your eye by bouncing it with a damp sponge or blender. Using a light powder underneath the eyes can also help you achieve a stunning eye-brightening look.
Eyeliner – If your winged eyeliner took you three tries to get right, you don’t want to take any chances. Using a small brush, place some setting powder directly on your eyeliner. Lock your liner in place whether it lands above your lid or on your bottom lash line.
Contour – Keep your Illamasqua Gel Sculpt Contour from smudging by pressing setting powder beneath your cheekbones.
T-zone – The most effective way to fight sweat is to place setting powder in naturally oily areas. For most, that area is the T-zone. The T-zone includes the middle of your forehead, right above the brow bone, and the bridge of the nose right beneath it.³ Think of it as a massive T on your forehead. Buff your T-zone with setting powder for a refined, matte look that can have you feeling fresh all night long.
Lips – If you find your lipstick tends to smudge, lining your lips with setting powder can help keep your painted lips in place—even with a gorgeous satin like the Anastasia Beverly Hills Satin Lipstick in Butterscotch. Or, you can apply a gorgeous matte lipstick that stays in place on its own, like the Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Lipstick. Dust powder along your cupid’s bow and keep smiling. Setting powder can also be highly effective for a sweaty upper lip.

#5 Spray Away

Your sweat-resistant look is almost complete. Finish it off by locking everything in place with setting spray. While it may be tempting to let your powder complete your makeup, a setting spray can help to keep your overall look from slipping, even if the temperature rises.

The benefits of setting spray include:

Keeping makeup firmly in place
Locking in moisture
Giving a refreshing glow

The addition of setting spray acts as a lovely way to give your skin the necessary hydration without risking makeup smudging or melting. A misty sheen on top of your face helps it look fresh and healthy without weighing any of your makeup down.

Setting sprays often contain hydrating ingredients to promote fresh-looking skin. Some of these ingredients may include:

Rose water – For a soothing and refreshing finish and a gloriously sweet scent.
SPF – Some setting spray includes SPF, which can help protect your skin from UV damage.⁴ SPF can also help your skin look youthful longer by preventing wrinkles and other blemishes.
Green tea – Add a nourishing boost of hydration with the addition of green tea in your setting spray.
Aloe Vera – An excellent choice for those with irritable skin, aloe vera can add a soothing finish so you can feel your best.⁵

With a few spritzes of refreshing setting spray, you’re ready to go. So snap some selfies and head out the door—your sweat-free night awaits.

Refresh Your Makeup Look with FabFitFun

These sweat-proofing tips and tricks can help you fall in love with a long-lasting look that can keep up with you. But if you find yourself constantly on the go, you may not have time to go out and find the perfect products.

To explore new favorites in an effortless way, FabFitFun can help.

Enjoy the benefits of a FabFitFun membership with our seasonal boxes, teeming with fashion wellness and skin products poised to perfect your beauty routine. You can even choose to customize your boxes, so you know what products you’ll be getting each shipment.

Hit refresh on your routine. Shake it up with FabFitFun.

Sources: