Best Sweat-Proof Makeup for Hot Humid Weather

bestsweatproofmakeupforhothumidweather

Best Sweat Proof Makeup For Hot Humid Weather | Red Apple Lipstick

The weather is warming up and the hotter it gets, the less makeup most of us want to wear. Summer really is the best time for a no makeup makeup vibe. But sometimes you still want or need makeup, even in sticky heat.

So how do you keep everything from sliding, creasing, and disappearing the second you step outside? In this guide, you will find easy sweat proof makeup tips plus specific Red Apple Lipstick suggestions that behave beautifully in hot, humid weather.

Quick summer sweat proof checklist

  • Keep layers sheer and minimal rather than heavy and full coverage.
  • Favor liquids, gels, and powders over heavy creams in high humidity.
  • Prime lids, set key areas lightly, and finish with setting spray.
  • Use drier mascara and stain like lips instead of thick gloss.
  • Refresh with blotting papers and face mist instead of piling on powder.

Why You Should Keep Your Makeup Light In Humid Weather

First and foremost, no matter what kind of makeup look you are going for, keep it light. Less is definitely more when it comes to wearing makeup in the summer. Minimal is key to sweat proof makeup.

Even if you have to wear, or simply want, a full face of makeup, light layers of each product will help your look hold up better in the heat. Thin, well blended layers are less likely to slide around or look patchy than thicker applications.

Image of lady with medium skin tone, long dark hair and dark eyes. She is wearing a light makeup application of Prime Time primer on the lids, Heirloom, Blondeshell, and Buttercream eyeshadows and The Lash Project mascara on the eyes; Sundrop Bronzer and Tango Blush; wearing Coral Crush lipstick as a lip stain. All products featured are from Red Apple Lipstick INC
Noemi is wearing a light makeup application of Prime Time primer on the lids, Heirloom, Blondeshell, and Buttercream eyeshadows and mascara on the eyes; Sundrop Bronzer and Tango Blush; and she is wearing Coral Crush lipstick as a lip stain.

How To Prep Your Skin For Humidity

The first step to a good, sweat proof makeup look is to prep the skin. You still want hydration, but you want to avoid anything heavy or greasy that will slide once you start to perspire.

Choose a light yet hydrating moisturizer. Lightweight formulas will not feel heavy on the skin and will soak in quicker, leaving the skin soft, moisturized, and ready for makeup. Heavy creams are better saved for nighttime or cooler months.

If you have very oily skin, you can also apply a makeup primer after your moisturizer. To keep things light, focus primer only on the areas that get oily the most, such as your T zone (across the forehead, down the nose, and on the chin), or any areas where you specifically get the most shine. If your skin is normal to dry, a good moisturizer alone is often enough to prep the skin.

Best Sweat Proof Face And Cheek Products

Cream products can be beautiful, but in very hot and humid climates they are often less stable. They can move around, fade faster, and sometimes even get messy. In this kind of weather, gel, liquid, and powder products are usually better choices.

Foundation

  • Choose a liquid foundation if you want coverage. These tend to hold up better in heat and humidity.
  • Apply a light layer, then add a little more only where you need extra coverage, such as on blemishes or dark spots.
  • If your skin is very oily, set your foundation with a small amount of setting powder, focusing on your T zone.

Although powder products are best for oil control, remember to apply them lightly so your skin does not look powdery or cakey. A light dusting is enough, and you can even just set the areas that get oily instead of the whole face. If you do not need much coverage, you can skip liquid foundation and go with a lightweight powder foundation applied in a light layer.

Blush and Bronzer

Cream blushes are popular because they tend to look very natural, but in humid heat they often do not last as long. Powder blush or a blush stain is a better choice when you want staying power.

As long as you do not over apply, powder blushes can still look soft and natural. Red Apple Lipstick has beautiful blushes that are not heavy looking on the skin. The powder is fine and lightweight yet nicely pigmented, so you do not need much to get a healthy flush.

Best Sweatproof Makeup
Blushes and Bronzer by Red Apple Lipstick

If you prefer cream textures because you have drier skin, you can mix cream and powder for staying power. For example, if you are wearing a light liquid base or no foundation, use a light application of cream blush and bronzer, then set them with a very light layer of powder blush and powder bronzer to lock everything in place.

Red Apple Lipstick does not have dedicated cream blushes, but you can use any of the lipsticks as a cream blush.

Image of 7 Red Apple Lipstick tubes with bullet's twisted up and caps off laying in a circular pattern showcasing some colors that would make a great cream blush if preferred
Featured are some of Red Apple lipstick colors that could be used as a cream blusher if preferred.

Eye Makeup That Stays Put

Why Eye Primer Is Essential In Hot, Humid Weather

Cream eyeshadows are also very popular, but in humidity they are more likely to crease and fade. Powder eyeshadows, especially in lighter, more natural shades, are your best bet for a sweat proof look. Avoid very dark shades, which can make eye makeup look heavy in bright summer light.

If you will be wearing eye makeup, eye primer is a must. Even powder eyeshadows can crease in hot, humid weather. Prepping your lids with an eye primer helps shadows grip and stay in place all day, while also reducing creasing.

The Prime Time Eye Shadow Primer is a great option. You only need a tiny amount. It feels light, not heavy, and once it dries (give it a couple of minutes) your lids are ready for eyeshadow.

Image of Prime Time Eyeshadow primer by Red Apple Lipstick in it's round case with the lid twisted of and placed to the side.
Prime Time Eyeshadow Primer by Red Apple Lipstick

For shadows, choose lighter, more natural shades for summer. Check out RAL’s eyeshadow selection here. The Best Mattes are especially loved in humid weather because neutral mattes do not add extra shine.

Image of some of Red Apple Lipstick's over 40+ eyeshadow pans in a variety of colors to choose from
Red Apple Lipstick offers 40+ beautiful eyeshadow colors
Image of 7 of Red Apple Lipstick brown toned natural looking eyeshadows for lighter shades to wear during warmer weather when needing to avoid darker tones
Gorgeous natural looking brown toned eyeshadow by Red Apple Lipstick
Image of custom Red Apple Lipstick Z palette holding our newest 9 matte eyeshadows.
Featured are Red Apple Lipstick's 9 Best Matte eyeshadows

Mascara And Lip Tips For Humid Weather

Eyeliner

If you are going to wear eyeliner, avoid cream based formulas and choose a gel or a pencil style liner instead. To make your liner as sweat proof as possible, set it with a matching powder eyeshadow. The shadow acts like setting powder for your liner and helps it last.

Red Apple Lipstick eyeliner pencils arranged diagonally
Eye Liner Pencils by Red Apple Lipstick

Mascara

Many mascaras smudge in heat and humidity. Waterproof formulas are one solution because they are water resistant, but they can be difficult to remove and not everyone enjoys using them.

If you prefer to avoid waterproof mascara, look for a formula that is on the drier side instead of very wet. The Lash Project Mascara has a drier formula that helps prevent smudging, which makes it a great choice for hot, humid weather.

This mascara is also a lash conditioner. It contains ingredients often found in lash serums and conditioners to help damaged lashes regain their original health. It strengthens your lashes while keeping them sweat proof.

Image of The Lash Project Mascara in it's original packaging with the top casing slid off and placed underneath the product
The Lash Project Mascara by Red Apple Lipstick
Image of close up of model with gray blue eyes showcasing her upper lashes after applying The Lash Project Mascara by Red Apple Lipstick
The Lash Project Mascara is a hypoallergenic mascara and lash conditioner in one. It is classic and timeless in satin black and gives your lashes a weightless, soft, feathery look, all while defining and strengthening your lashes.

Lipstick And Lip Gloss

For lips in humid climates, it is usually best to skip very glossy formulas. Instead, choose lipsticks with a more matte or satin finish and avoid piling on too many coats. Lip stains are another great lightweight option.

The great thing about RAL lipsticks is that they can be worn as lip stains. Just apply some lipstick on your fingertip first, then tap it onto your lips for a soft, diffused look that feels light and lasts well.

Image of woman with long brown curly hair. She is demonstrating applying a lighter lipstick shade using a hand mirror all by Red Apple Lipstick

Setting, Mists And Blotting Papers

Why You Should Spray Or Mist Your Face

Finish your makeup look with a setting spray to help everything last longer and stay in place. This step helps prevent smudging and fading in humid heat.

You can also use a face mist throughout the day for a burst of freshness and hydration. A quick spritz can revive your makeup and give your skin a more comfortable feel. Keep a travel size mist in your bag so it is always handy.

Why You Should Keep Blotting Papers On Hand

Blotting papers are another great way to freshen up your makeup. They remove excess oil without disturbing the makeup underneath, so your look stays intact.

Some people like to touch up with a bit of powder after blotting, which works well, but if you do this multiple times in one day you can end up looking powdery. A better approach is to touch up with powder once, then stick to blotting papers and face mist to keep everything feeling light.

These are simple but effective ways to sweat proof your makeup in hot, humid weather. Feel free to share these tips with anyone who might find them useful.

Do you live in a drier climate? We have got you covered too. Check out this post: Best Sweat Proof Makeup for Hot Dry Weather

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get makeup to stay in humid weather?

Keep your makeup light and use thin layers. Start with a good moisturizer, add primer only where you need it, and choose lightweight bases like liquid or powder foundation. Finish with a setting spray to lock everything in place.

How do I keep my makeup on all day in hot weather?

Avoid heavy, full coverage products and focus on breathable textures. Apply each product lightly, use as few products as possible, and set only the areas that get oily. For more ideas, read the 9 tips for how to sweat proof makeup for summertime heat article.

What can I use instead of foundation in the summer?

You can switch to a lighter option such as a skin tint, tinted moisturizer, BB cream, or tinted sunscreen. You can also dust on a tinted setting powder for a sheer wash of color that helps control oils. If you do not need coverage, simply moisturize and apply SPF.

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