Clever tricks to tackle summer sweat and shine

We go on and on about summer beauty looks to try – from those that are shimmering and radiant, a little more au naturel and everything in between (even which lip colours to wear in summer).

But here’s the thing about summer and make-up: spend 10 minutes outside, and you feel like your face is essentially melting right off.

It goes a little something like this:

Which leads to:

And some of this:

And most likely this, too:

Cheers, heat and humidity, you really know how to make a girl feel like she’s wasted her time.

But before you a) think we’re having a laugh suggesting you try gorgeous looks that’ll be halfway down your neck in no time at all and b) throw in the towel and decide that summer make-up is only for those who plan to spend their day in air conditioning, try these tricks to fight shine and sweat. Because they work. Plus, it means you won’t have to do this all day:

SUMMER MAKE-UP TRICK #1: TACKLE SHINE

There’s a big difference between looking dewy and oily, and if you manage to keep your T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) under control, you’ll be able to pull off the former without a hitch.

Start with a mattifying primer after you cleanse and moisturise. This will help to absorb any excess oil and keep your make-up in place for the day.
Try: Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer

When you’ve finished dolling up your face, lightly dust some translucent powder across your T-zone, getting into those tiny crevices around your nostrils.
Try: Lush Emotional Brilliance Face Powder(added bonus: you can use it on your eyelids to prevent eyeliner from smudging!)

SUMMER MAKE-UP TRICK #2: OPT FOR WATERPROOF

Smudged eyeliner and bleeding mascara isn’t exactly what one would call a winning combination, which is why it’s an excellent idea to switch to waterproof products in the summer months.

For a super-simple daytime make-up look, just apply a few coats of waterproof mascara to give your lashes extra length and definition.
Try: essence STAYS No Matter What 24h Waterproof Volume Mascara

If you want to up the ante a bit, pick a waterproof eyeliner pencil (like Lancôme Le Crayon Kôhl Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner) that can be built up depending on the effect you want to achieve. And if it’s a sexy nighttime look you’re after, go for a liquid liner that won’t budge.
Try: Max Factor Colour X-pert Waterproof Eyeliner

SUMMER MAKE-UP TRICK #3: CREAM IS YOUR BEST FRIEND

Fun fact: powder and sweat don’t mix. Well, technically they do, but not in a great way, which is why you shouldn’t wear powdered products on those hot, sweaty summer days.
Instead, opt for cream, liquid or gel formulations whenever possible.

A cream blush applied to the apples of your cheeks will stay put for hours longer than a powder formulation, and give your skin a more dewy finish.
Try: Revlon PhotoReady Crème Blush

And the same goes for eyeshadows – choose formulations that are creamy, crease-proof and longwearing.
Try: Benefit Creasless Cream Shadow

SUMMER MAKE-UP TRICK #4: BE PREPARED

Even with all of these precautions, there’s still a chance you’ll end up on the shiny side, so it pays to keep some oil blotting papers in your handbag to dab away at any excess, unwanted oil and sweat.
Try: Swisspers Blot Off Oil Tissues

Is sweat and shine a problem for you in summer? How do you keep your make-up fresh in the heat?