Whether you’re going from desk to dinner or filling your schedule with seasonal socials (we’re talking BBQs, festivals, weddings, city breaks and more), sweatproof make up in warmer weather is a non-negotiable. After all, there’s nothing more frustrating than spending time applying and perfecting your look only to head outside into the rising climes and sweat it all off.
Want to avoid this make up meltdown? Don’t sweat it. With summer upon us and our calendar filling up, here at Cult Beauty we’ve rounded up the best sweatproof make up primed to beat the heat – whatever the occasion.
BUT FIRST, WHAT IS MAKE UP THAT IS SWEATPROOF
Doing exactly what it says on the tin, sweatproof make up is resistant to, well, sweat. And even though not every product we recommend is 100% waterproof (sweat is made up of 99% water, after all), these summer saviours are designed to work with your routine to get you through any perspiration-provoking plans. While non-sticky setting sprays ensure your stay-all-day complexion remains intact, long-wear mascaras, eyeliners and lipsticks keep your look elevated into the early hours.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR MAKE UP SWEATPROOF
Now we know what sweatproof make up is, it’s time to uncover how to use it. Keep scrolling to find our top tips and tricks on how to make your make up sweat-and-summer-proof.
01 STREAMLINE YOUR SKIN CARE ROUTINE
When carrying out your morning skin care routine, less is more. Avoid rich, thick creams that can clog pores in the rising climes and instead opt for featherweight formulas such as gel moisturisers that are hydrating and prevent water loss. As for the regime itself? A simple yet effective cleanser, vitamin C serum, moistruiser and SPF will do. Always allow all your products to sit and absorb before applying make up.
SHOP ALL SKIN CARE >>> 02 FAVOUR WATERPROOF FORMULAS
Utilising water-resistant formulas is an easy and efficient way to prevent your make up from running or sweating off (mascara we’re looking at you). Waterproof make up is made to resist moisture and stay in place at all times – even when exposed to water. They’re typically infused with film formers and polymers that create a coat that protects against water and sticks to your skin, lashes and brows.
03 PREP WITH PRIMER
The first step to any sweatproof make up routine? Primer. Not only does it prep your complexion for a smooth finish, but it also locks in your look too. The serum-like solution acts as a skin shield to prevent make up from being fully absorbed or sliding off when under the sun’s rays. But it’s not only foundation primers you need to consider when getting hot and not-so-bothered, eye primers also eliminate the fear of your eyeshadow fading throughout the day... and night.
SHOP ALL PRIMERS >>>SHOP ALL EYE PRIMERS >>>04 TREASURE YOUR TOOLS
Using make up brushes and sponges when building your base can help to build a smooth, thin layer of colour over your skin – which lasts longer than thicker coverage. In addition to this, spritzing your tools with setting spray before applying the make up ensures the formula sticks to your skin for longer.
SHOP ALL MAKE UP BRUSHES >>> 05 CONSIDER YOUR FOUNDATION CAREFULLY
While most foundations should last if you prime and set them carefully, powders are the way to go when the heat index is at its peak. Or, for those who desire medium-to-low coverage, tinted moisturisers with an SPF 30 or higher are ideal as they’re less likely to run than full-coverage formulas.
SHOP ALL FOUNDATIONS >>> 06 PUT THE POWER IN THE POWDER
Defending against sweat, heat and everything in between, face powders not only ensure your cosmetics stay put, but they also enhance a matte finish. Extending your make up’s wear time (even in tropical climes), the everyday essential keeps your base smudgeproof while smoothing the skin to allow it to breathe. Our top tip? Keep your setting powder with you at all times, so you can dust it on and top it up when on the go or at home.
SHOP ALL FACE POWDERS >>> 07 SET THE SCENE
Letting your look go the distance, setting sprays act as a protective barrier against humidity. Once you’ve finished applying your make up, hold the spray at least 12 inches from your face and mist away – until your face is covered. Allow the formula to fully dry and avoid touching your face to prevent unwanted smudges.
SHOP ALL SETTING SPRAYS >>> BEST SWEATPROOF MAKE UP
Boosting a soft-focus, long-lasting finish, RMS Beauty's ReDimension Hydra Setting Powder melds club moss and glycerin with vegetable squalane to prevent dryness and quench your skin’s thirst. Plus, powered by the brand’s Gel2Powder Technology, it’s lightweight texture glides on seamlessly while offering antioxidant and barrier protection from environmental stressors and free radicals.
SHOP ALL RMS BEAUTY >>> Refusing to call it a night, Urban Decay’s All Nighter Setting Spray takes you from party to after-party. Renowned for its serious staying power, the mist minimises shine to keep foundation, eyeshadow, blush and concealer in place – no matter how hot the dance floor gets. What’s more, shrunken down to pint-sized proportions, it’s practical and portable so you can enjoy a refreshing spritz when busting out your best moves.
SHOP ALL URBAN DECAY >>> Forming an invisible, velcro-esque layer, Milk Makeup’s Hydro Grip Primer holds on to your make up for up to 12 hours. Supercharged with aloe water, hyaluronic acid, and B vitamins, this award-winning formula offers an additional boost of hydration for radiant results while preventing the dreaded cosmetic melting, fading and caking.
SHOP ALL MILK MAKEUP >>> A hybrid hero that bridges the gap between skin care and cosmetics, Danessa Myricks Beauty’s Yummy Skin Serum Tint unveils natural coverage while visibly smoothing and plumping complexions. Blending ceramides with cactus extracts to hydrate and soothe, the multi-tasking must-have drenches skin with dew for a glow-giving finish they’ll envy.
SHOP ALL DANESSA MYRICKS BEAUTY >>> Coating your lashes with film-forming polymers for all-day wear, Too Faced’s Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara weathers the wildest storms, soaring climes, gym sessions, happy tears and more. Accompanied with an hourglass-shaped brush that leaves no lashes untouched, it unlocks volume, thickness and powerful pigment.
SHOP ALL TOO FACED >>> SWEATPROOF MAKE UP FAQS
What is the best make up to use if you sweat a lot?Water-resistant make up is best for those prone to perspiration as they are designed to stay put despite moisture levels. Cosmetics with lightweight textures also combat sweating and avoid a cakey finish – allowing your complexion to breathe.
What type of foundation is best for sweaty skin? When looking for sweatproof foundations, it’s best to invest in a formula that is labelled long-wearing or matte. For oily skin types non-comedogenic solutions are ideal to help control sebum levels during soaring climes.
Is it possible to make your make up Sweatproof?In short, yes. By combining the tips we have advised above – from applying primer to setting sprays and powders – you can make your make up sweatproof and last longer.
SHOP ALL MAKE UP >>> 
