If you have ever attended a wedding in the summer, you know what we are talking about. You put in your best effort to look your best; makeup is just how you like it, everything's fine, but for a time. Then, all of a sudden, it changes; you don't know how, even applying so much setting spray, but it does.
Your foundation doesn't look right. It feels a bit heavy, particularly the nose and chin. Kajal starts to shift a bit, not too much, but noticeably. Lipstick smudges more easily, especially if you have eaten or even if you have just spoken a lot. Then you look in the mirror, and suddenly, your makeup isn't the same as when you applied it. This is a common issue for everyone, particularly at summer gatherings. Makeup just doesn't survive the heat, humidity, sweat and time.
Not weather is something you can blame, but it's not entirely on it. If you use the right products, in the right way, professionals and beauty gurus have sworn that it will not budge. And if you're thinking wearing dewy foundation in 50 degrees will work too without skin prep and primer, then don't expect it to work. There's a better way to do summer makeup. To educate yourself on this, trust us with your makeup looks, and read the makeup game plan we have listed below to regain that confidence and dance the night away while still looking fresh.
Personalised Summer Makeup Game Plan Recommended for You
Start With a Correct Base That Doesn’t Feel Heavy
If the base is not right, everything will be off. The number one mistake people make with their summer makeup is starting with a heavy base. Sure, it may look perfect at first, particularly in the initial stages of application, but it doesn't stay put. It can also blend with sweat and oils throughout the day, which can feel heavy and can appear to be smudged.
Rather than going for a heavy base coat, it's better to use a light touch and layer on where needed. Also, go for high-coverage foundations with a matte finish, build it up in light layers, and then apply highlighter for a dewy look. Going for dewy hydrating foundations can turn out to be dangerous.
If you have no foundation, girl, then go for matte skin tints and BB creams. They are not heavy but give coverage and probably won't break you out after the events.
In terms of technique, use flat, thin brushes rather than dense foundation brushes. It will give a glass-like finish and a more natural look. And if you have hyperpigmentation and acne somewhere, first apply concealer, spot correct and then apply foundation. This saves you from putting on layers.
Here are some foundations that you should specifically buy for weddings and events: Foundation application tools for a smooth finish: Don’t Skip Primer & Setting Spray
This is what makes your makeup last longer. Many people don't use primer or setting spray, but in summer, it makes a difference. Primer provides a smooth surface, so your makeup won't slip and slide. It can also absorb oil, especially in the T-zone, where makeup can often slide around and might end up looking cakey or cracked.
Setting spray is what makes the makeup stick. It helps keep everything in place in case of perspiration or humidity. You don't need anything too fancy. All you need is to choose one that works for your skin. If you have oily skin, choose a matte primer and a setting spray that absorbs oil. If you have dry skin, choose a light, refreshing formula so that your makeup doesn't look cakey. These two products don't feel heavy, but they do help prolong the life of your makeup. It's one of those subtle things that will have a huge impact on a long day.
Primer & Setting Sprays that will be your saviour and only way out for long-lasting makeup: Sunscreen for Sun/Heat protection at Day Events
We recommend that on D-Day, you don't change your sunscreen. Wear what you usually wear. But if you are planning on changing it, you might have forgotten your sunblock. We would suggest that you go for either of the two options.
Matte SunscreensThe beauty of matt sunscreens is that they work with every skin type. If you have oily skin, it is not a boon for you whatsoever. And, even better, if you have dry skin, because of the skin prep you have done for boosting hydration, matte sunscreens lock it in and act as a film and let skincare absorb better and then give a good base for makeup. It will control excess oil, and you don't even have to worry about frequent touch-ups. And for reapplication of sunblock, go for the spray type of packaging that you can spray over your makeup like a face mist.
Dewy SunscreenYour second option is dewy gel-based sunscreen. If you are not satisfied with matte sunscreen because of location or skin concern, go for this one. Just make sure the one you are picking out is not sticky and has high filters for radiation. These are also the safest options. They will absorb better and won't interfere with your base. Give it a few minutes to settle before applying makeup. It helps everything sit better and last longer.
Best picks of sunscreens for sun protection: How to Keep Eye Makeup In Place?
You don't want your kajal to be smudged at the end of the event. Eye makeup doesn't stand a chance in summer. Even if the rest of your makeup is intact, a bit of smudged kajal or mascara can make a difference. Normal products don't work very well in summer. They can slide, smudge or pool under the eyes, particularly if you're out for a long time. The solution is waterproof and long-wear formulas.
- Waterproof kajal is less likely to smudge and run. It is recommended not to opt for very intense colours, because if they smudge, it's harder to conceal. Go for brown or white kajal to enhance or define your eyes simultaneously.
- Long-wear or gel eyeliners also don't fade as quickly. You can play with colours with these.
- And waterproof mascara is an essential; it makes your lashes look great and doesn't smudge on your skin. Opt for mascaras that come with or buy lash primers for more lash enhancement.
- If you wear eyeshadow, creams are better than powder in the summer. They don't settle in lines, and they are less likely to crease. And always form a smooth canvas with matte concealer on your eyelids so that with heat, the colours won't mix and turn chunky with no defined transition shades.
Use Cheek Tints, Then Cream Blush & Powder Blusher
Cream products, especially blushes looks more natural and don't disappear. Blush can be one of those things that works or doesn't, all due to the type of blusher you use.
During the summer, powder blush can sometimes look patchy, particularly if you're a bit sweaty. It may disappear from some parts of your face but still be obvious in other areas, creating an uneven appearance.
Creams are better because they go into your skin rather than on top of it. It blends in, so if you do get a bit sweaty, it doesn't crack. It also has a softer appearance, which won't look weird in the light. When applying cream blushes, apply cheek tints so that, even after your blush fades away, the tint is there till the reapplication. And after applying cream blushes, don't turn away from powder blushes; to set them in, you must apply powdered blush to lock them in. For an even longer wear time, you can use a powder blush to set it. But even on its own, cream blush will usually stay longer in summer heat.
Popular picks: Keep the Highlighter Glowy, Not Shiny
There's a difference between glow and oil. There's already a lot of light in the summer, particularly for daytime events. Applying a highlighter can sometimes be too much. Rather than using a highlighter with chunky shimmer, it's better to go softer. Cream and liquid highlighters work better. This will create a subtle glow rather than a harsh shine. You can just apply some on the high points of your face, such as the cheekbones and a bit on the nose. So your face looks fresh but not too shiny, which can be an issue in the summer.
Some excellent liquid and cream highlighters that work best for summer: Set it All with Compact & Translucent Powder
Just like your setting spray and primer, this is also a very important step that people usually miss out on, especially the ones who opt for minimal makeup and feel that it is not important. Whether you have done a heavy base or not, a translucent powder or a compact powder is very important because at any point of the event, you might break out with sweat and your entire base is going to be ruined.
You might have this perception that using powder products, your makeup will look cakey. True to some point, but not with translucent powders. There is a reason why this step is called ‘baking’ because after putting all the ingredients together, you are cooking them to melt together.
How to Apply:The idea is not putting powder on your whole face; it's just to control oil in the areas that actually sweat a lot and have the chance to ruin your makeup, like your T-Zone and your chin. But you can also set your entire face with it. Now there are two types of powder on the market:
CompactThese come in pressed form and give you coverage, along with setting the makeup. It's useful for quick touch-ups during the event
Translucent/Loose PowderIt's better for setting your makeup without adding any extra product. You want your makeup to last longer; you need to set your face with your translucent powder, and when you go to the event, keep a small compact in your bag so you can touch up that moment.
Pro TipWhen you apply translucent powder after making your base, leave it on for 2-3 minutes and let it soak in, and then dust the excess off with a fluffy brush. With compact powders, if you are using them as a touch-up, first pat dry your face with a towel, then apply them. Layer it with a face mist, setting spray or sunscreen spray to give hydration and glow.
Lip Products That Don't Fade in an Hour
Because you will eat, drink, and talk a lot at weddings, lipstick is probably the most difficult to wear. It will come off readily when you eat, drink and talk. So rather than having to touch up, it's better to use products that will stay put.
Lip tints are great because they change the colour of your lips, so even if the surface colour disappears, some colour is still there. You can also choose a matte liquid lipstick, particularly the ones that are less prone to smudging. For comfort, you can also use matte creamy lipsticks as long as they stay for a while.
You can simply apply a lip tint and then a thin layer of balm. This will help your lips feel less dry, and you will get some colour. So, even if it gets a bit pale, it won't completely slide off.
Popular lip tints: Popular matte liquid lipsticks: Create a Summer Wedding Makeup Kit for Survival
Don't take your whole makeup bag to the main wedding event from your room. It either sits around and gets in the way if you need a touch-up. The trick to a good kit is to select a few items that solve problems.
- First, your lips. It's the most likely thing to wear off, so you might as well. Then, have blotting papers. These are much better than applying more powder. You can just rub so the oil is removed without destroying your makeup.
- If your foundation gets blotchy, a tiny powder will help, but not too much. You don't want it to cake up. A small bottle of setting spray also helps, as it refreshes your face and sets it.
- Face mist is one such thing. It makes you feel cool and fresh, particularly when you are outside. If it feels oily, go for a mattifying mist. If it's dry, opt for something moisturising.
- Fragrances might not last as long in the heat, so have a little roll-on or travel perfume for reapplication.
- If you have kajal or liner, take it for touch-ups, particularly if you have an event.
- Humidity can also affect your hair, so carrying a small bottle of hair serum or anti-frizz spray can help keep that under control, but without making it too stiff.
- And something as simple as tissues or wipes can be helpful too, be it for sweat, smudges or just a quick freshen-up.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, it is a red summer wedding or a winter wedding. It is a wedding where there will be a lot of chaos and a lot of fun. Your responsibility is to have fun while looking flawless. So, don't overthink your makeup. Just get some steps right and use good products, and you don't have to keep checking your face every hour. It just stays put, and you will feel comfortable in your skin.
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