High pollen levels and how to do your makeup

Most of us prefer to face the world every morning with a layer of cosmetics, but if you’re devoted to your foundation and mascara wand the hot weather can spell disaster. 

I am a hayfever sufferer and as we all know that pollen levels are soaring through the roof as well as the high temperatures so makeup can become our worst enemy when faced with them. 

 

Therefore with temperatures set to soar to 32C in parts of the UK today, you run the risk of foundation melting off and eye makeup and lipstick smudging in muggy conditions.

I have been known to look like the female incarnation of Alice Cooper in the hot sun due to my love of heavy eye makeup 🙂

 

I decided that there must be things I had been doing wrong with my summer makeup routine but after a bit of research and much-needed practice, I found that there are some tricks you can use to make sure your makeup stay where they should!

From applying mascara to just your top lashes to leaving extra time for your skincare products to sink in, these are the tips you need to stay fresh-faced no matter how hot it gets.

With some perfecting techniques, there is also no need to change what you usually wear on your face as long as you have setting powder or spray to hand.

PERFECT YOUR BASE 

There are a few key steps that you can take to make sure your makeup lasts longer in the heat.

Using a primer before applying your foundation is really important as this will not only create a smooth even base for your makeup but it will also lock your foundation in place as it gives something for it to grip on to.

Another top tip is to allow this to fully sink into your skin before applying your foundation and always allow enough time in between your skincare application and your makeup.

CHOSE LIGHTER COVERAGE

Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted moisturiser with SPF  £25 from Debenhams.com

If you are confident in your skin and don’t feel you need too much coverage, I would recommend swapping your foundation for a tinted moisturiser. As this is lighter it will wear a bit better throughout the day and it won’t clog your pores as much as a heavier foundation may.

However, if you do like a fuller coverage and prefer to wear foundation you can take steps to make this last longer. Apply this with a brush and use stippling motions to really push the product into the skin.

MAKE IT STICK

Once you are happy with this base you need to set it all over to reduce shine throughout the day and lock your base in place. The Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder is great for this and as it is really finely milled it looks invisible on the skin.

 

Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder £29 from Selfridges

I would recommend following this step with your concealer too and try to only conceal the areas that really need it.

Applying setting powder under your eyes using a damp sponge, also known as ‘baking’, is another great way to increase the longevity of your makeup as this will stop creasing and melting in the heat.

Stop Mascara Smudging

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mascara is a really tricky one in the heat and it can be difficult to avoid smudging and melting. I would recommend using a waterproof formula as this has more resistance against moisture and sweat etc.

Chanel Le Volume De Chanel Waterproof Mascara £25:20 from Debenhams

Apply a light coat of this so that lashes are not weighed down and smudging should be minimal.

It is also nice in summer to only apply mascara to your top lashes and leave your under eye free of product, this will open your eye and give you a fresh-faced feel whilst reducing mascara meltdowns.

STAY HYDRATED

 

It isn’t really necessary to change your makeup products in the summer in terms of foundation and concealer if you don’t want to, but it is important to invest in a good setting powder and setting spray.

 

Evian Brumatiseur Facial Spray £3:49 from Superdrug

I would also recommend carrying your setting spray or another hydrating facial mist around with you to refresh your skin throughout the day – this really gives your makeup more staying power.

MINIMISE TOUCH UPS

 

If you do feel you need to touch your makeup up during the day when it is hot, I would recommend using powder and avoiding adding much more product if possible.

Your makeup will wear as the day goes on but it is best to avoid putting more makeup on as this can cause patchiness and further problems.

Use your powder to gently reduce shine and get rid of oil and take your foundation brush – with no product – and buff out any edges where your makeup is beginning to move.

Tara Sara