Summer-proof your make-up

The things that make summer so enjoyable – hot sunny days and seaside pursuits – can also wreak havoc on your hair and skin. Want to beat the heat while looking effortlessly cool? Our beauty editor Cecily-Anna Bennett has the answers.

Expert tips to ensure your look stays put

If you’ve ever walked out of an air-conditioned building into the hellish furnace of a hot day, you’ll understand the challenges. Your foundation slides off, your eyeliner smudges, your hair goes to frizz-town, and before you know it, you’re wishing you never bothered. Good news: this helpful how-to guide will ensure your look stays put from morning to night.

START WITH THE RIGHT BASE

It all begins with good preparation, advises Sydney make-up artist Zoe Slatyer. “If you have the time, swipe a toner over your face after cleansing, as this will remove excess oils.” But the real trick is in ensuring your make-up has a base to ‘stick’ to. “Find a primer that suits your skin. Not only does primer help foundation stay on longer than on a bare face, it helps to smooth the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles before make-up application,” she says. Just like foundations, primers come in formulations for every skin type whether you want to combat redness, boost hydration or add SPF.

Try Mecca Max First Base Primer with SPF 30

– it gives your face the perfect non-slip base.

FAIL-PROOF YOUR FOUNDATION

When the air feels like a sauna (or steam room, depending on where you live) less is definitely more where foundation is concerned. You want it to feel barely-there, but give appropriate coverage without the grease. Slatyer says an oil-free foundation (preferably with a decent SPF) is a must – just buff it into your skin with a brush as you go, to build colour. (Good news: the latest releases include a spate of light-feeling, long-wearing formulations). Alternatively, go for a mineral powder (such as Youngblood Loose Natural Mineral Foundation) which stays matte, allows your skin to breathe, offers cake-free touch-ups and will leave you looking more dewy than oily in sweaty weather.

SPRITZ IN PLACE

If you’ve never tried a setting spray, summer is the time to add it to your morning routine. It does for your make-up what hairspray does for your hair – keeps it in place. Many formulations contain alcohol, which can be drying for your skin, so pay special attention to the ingredients if this is something that might irritate you. Slatyer swears by Cover FX Mattifying Setting Spray (available at Sephora) if you want a shine-free finish. “One of my favourite hacks is to spray the setting spray directly onto a foundation brush before dipping it into the make-up,” Slatyer says. “Then buff the foundation into your face in circular motions and build coverage as you need it.”

KEEP COOL TOOLS AT THE READY

Two words: blotting paper. It may seem old school but a gentle press to your t-zone throughout the day will help you remove excess oils and keep you looking fresh, says Slatyer, since it removes excess oils without bothering the pigments in your make-up. Other summertime basics for your handbag? A touch-up powder with brush, an

SPF for your face (reapplying is essential whether it’s a UV-protective foundation or an SPF powder) and cotton buds – ideal if you need to perfect smudged eye make-up on the run.