Melt-proof Your Makeup

Foundation sliding, lipstick smearing, eyeshadow disappearing and mascara running. Melting makeup is just one of summer’s beauty dilemmas. If you have very dry skin, heat and humidity likely aren’t too much of a hassle for you. But if you have combination or oily skin, summertime can wreak havoc on even the most carefully applied face.

Essentially, the best way to prevent your makeup from dissolving throughout the day is to minimize what and how much you put on your face, but I’ve put together some tips to help keep your makeup looking as fresh as possible.

• Skip foundation, and opt for a tinted moisturizer with concealer dabbed on where needed.
• If you have a long commute or walk to the office, try waiting until you get to work to apply makeup.
• If you’re very pale, try using beige-gold pressed powder instead of regular powder or bronzer. It will give you a bit of color without looking fake.
• Use a light dusting of bronzing powder or peachy cream blush to add color to cheeks.
• Choose a sunscreen that is oil-free, non-comedogenic and has a matte finish, or better yet, an oil-free tinted moisturizer with a SPF of at least 15.
• Use powder-free blotting papers to soak up oil and eliminate shine.
• Avoid using heavy, overly shimmery highlighters — they will end up making you look greasy, not glowy.
• Avoid waterproof mascara since it tends to clump and drip; use a water-resistant formula instead and try a clear version so if it does run, it won’t show.
• Steer clear of gel or liquid eyeliners, as they can flake and run. Go with pencils or use wet powder eyeshadow.
• Don’t use dark colors on lips, cheeks and eyes — they’re harder to fix when they streak, melt or run.
• Go for neutrals: taupe, brown, gold and bronze for eyes; peach and bronze for cheeks; and peach, sheer pink and berry for lips.
• Avoid thick, heavy glosses and lipstick; instead opt for tinted lip balm or a sheer lip stain with a light swipe of clear gloss over top.