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  • Writer's pictureAnjana Rajbhandary

Best summer makeup

Sweat-proof makeup for summer



If you wear makeup in the summer, you know it doesn’t look as fresh as it does in the cooler months. A couple of hours out in the heat, and you may find your makeup melting down your face. To keep your skin looking good for hours, there are now innovative heat-proof and sun-proof products that can last all day without you having to reapply them.


Consider switching from heavier makeup to lightweight, sheer and multitasking products that are sweat-proof and waterproof to keep you looking fresh all day with minimum touch-ups. Here are 15 of the best makeup products for this summer.


Summer makeup FAQ


What’s the best makeup for hot weather?

A. The best makeup options for hot weather are ones that are sheer, lightweight and gel-based. Look for terms like "waterproof" and "sweat-proof" on the packaging.


Is liquid or powder foundation better for summer?

A. Powder foundations are better for summer because they absorb excess oil while providing coverage. It's also easier to do touch-ups with powder foundation than liquid ones.

Why does heavy makeup melt in humid weather?

A. Thick layers of makeup tend to melt when exposed to the combination of heat and sweat because they have a difficult time holding onto your skin. It's recommended you apply thin layers of fewer products to make it last longer during summer.


Best tinted moisturizer

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector Broad Spectrum SPF 30: available at Sephora and SpaceNK This moisturizer keeps your skin hydrated for up to 24 hours while protecting it from the sun with SPF 30. It has a natural finish and is available in 20 shades. It works well on normal, dry and combination skin types.

Best primer

Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer: available at Sephora and Ulta Beauty This gel primer can make your skin appear smooth, so your makeup can last for hours. It also has vitamins A and E to protect your skin from pollutants and stress, and it can be used on all skin types.


Best foundation

Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick: available at Sephora, Ulta Beauty and SpaceNK This waterproof foundation stick can last up to 12 hours and is suitable for all skin types. You can use a lighter shade as a highlighter and a darker shade to contour your face. It's available in 32 shades.


Best concealer

L'Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Waterproof Concealer: available at Amazon and Ulta Beauty This affordable concealer is transfer-resistant and available in 25 shades. The non-greasy formula is fade-resistant and can last all day.


Best brow pencil

Benefit Cosmetics Goof Proof Waterproof Easy Shape & Fill Eyebrow Pencil: available at Sephora and Ulta Beauty This eyebrow pencil can easily define, shape and fill the brows. It's waterproof and can last up to 12 hours and is available in 12 shades.


Best eyeshadow

NUDESTIX Magnetic Eye Color: available at Sephora, SkinStore and Ulta Beauty This waterproof eyeshadow comes in 12 matte and 20 satin finishes, and you can use it for precision lining and blending. It can also be used as a primer for your lids and can last up to 24 hours.


Best eyeliner

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner: available at SpaceNK, Sephora and Ulta Beauty This liquid liner can help you create both thin and thick lines. It can last all day without smudging and is available in eight assorted colors.


Best mascara

Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Instant Full Body Volume Waterproof Mascara: available at Sephora and Ulta Beauty This mascara doesn't clump or flake and gives your eyelashes volume to last up to 24 hours. It's free of formaldehyde, sulfates and phthalates.


Best blush

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush: available at Sephora and Ulta Beauty This long-wearing blush is infused with Amazonian clay to help control excess oil. It's very pigmented, so it looks fresh for up to 12 hours and you can find it in 13 different colors.

Best highlighter

ILIA Illuminator: available at Credo Beauty and Sephora This multipurpose cream highlighter can be used to highlight your cheeks and brow bone to give them a subtle glow. It's available in four glitter-free, dewy shades that work on all skin tones.


Best bronzer

NARS Bronzing Powder: available at SpaceNK, Sephora and Ulta Beauty This long-wearing bronzer powder can give every skin tone a glow that can last up to 8 hours. It's infused with 100% real cocoa powder and is available in four shimmering shades.


Best lip balm with SPF

Fresh Sugar Lip Balm Sunscreen SPF 15: available at Sephora and SpaceNK This hydrating lip balm can prevent your lips from drying while giving them a hint of color and sun protection. It's available in 14 colors, and you can choose from either satin or shimmer finishes.


Best setting powder

Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Setting Powder: available at Sephora and Ulta Beauty This setting powder makes your makeup last in hot and humid climates for up to 11 hours. It's translucent in color and can work with all skin tones.


Best setting spray

Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional: Super Setter Pore-Minimizing Setting Spray: available at Sephora, Ulta Beauty and Amazon This long-lasting makeup setting spray makes your skin appear smooth and helps your makeup last for up to 16 hours. It visibly reduces shine while keeping your skin hydrated.


Best sunscreen

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40: available at Supergoop and Sephora This gel sunscreen doesn't leave a white cast like most sunscreens and can be used as a primer under your makeup. It also helps you achieve a more even skin tone over time.

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