Today, at the temperature soared up beyond what is humanly bearable, I felt my face literally melting. I thought about the best ways to look fresh on such a scorching day, rather than looking like a hot mess.
Use a Matte Primer
With ingredients aimed at slowing sweating and absorbing oil, the Stay Matte Primer from Rimmel has a creamy consistency, that works in a similar way to an antiperspirant. This is my go-to for hot days. I apply in my sweaty spots (upper lip, nose, forehead), and blend out.
Lay a Good Foundation
If you love an even skin, use a medium coverage foundation. But, on hot days, go a little easier. My pick is the Estee Lauder Double Wear Nude – Cushion Stick Radiant Makeup was pretty good today, despite moving the studio to a new office in the city and an insane heatwave. (Note – not sold on the sponge, can’t clean it and I prefer my Beauty Blender – but the formulation is amazing).
Cushion Stick Radiant Makeup
Powder for Perfection
Powder is fantastic for reducing shine, but it can build up through the day and tends to separate in the heat, with your skin’s natural oils at full production. Most powders contain talc because it is highly absorbent. There are other powders (such as rice starch) out there, but most mainstream label powders contain talc. Because talc has nano particles, these can be absorbed into the blood stream and there are legitimate health concerns and documented issues with the use of talc on personal care items. Read more on the safety of talc…
Some loose powder options are:
Lock-It Setting Powder
Take It Easy
When the mercury soars, it’s tempting to add extra foundation, to make up for the melt off factor, however, it is better to take the less is more approach to avoid “cake face” at the end of the day.
Hyper Colour
When you are warm you do get a rosy glow, so you won’t need much colour in your cheeks. Opt for tints/stains rather than powder, as they tend to look prettier in the heat. Powders will settle in the pores, so best opt for the sheerer stains/tints.
Aye Eyes
Avoid powder/shimmery shadows as these will settle in the creases, and use a waterproof pencil and smudge it carefully. Use a waterproof mascara as well, so it doesn’t end up under your eyes. An eye shadow primer can help if you are determined to wear shadow.
Limited Edition Epic Noir – Mascara & Gel Eyeliner Collector’s Edition
Hot Lips
Gloss is going to last for about 30 seconds, so head for a lip liner, and apply twice, softening the inner edge and blotting between applications, then apply a matte lipstick. I have recently discovered Marc Jacobs cosmetics, in particular, the lip liner and lipstick which are perfect for hot weather, and do not get me started about the gorgeous packaging.
Poutliner Longwear Lip Liner Pencil
Kiss Pop Lipstick
Scent from Heaven
Please don’t over do the fragrance. Heavy fragrances are cloying and unpleasant for everyone, including your fellow commute travellers. Opt for light fragrance, the eau de toilette versions, or something light and floral. My pick hot house scents is below:
Kenzo Flower By Kenzo
Hands Up for Colour
So you had to cut back on colour on your cheeks, so why not head for bright shades on your nails? Have a look at the new OPI Infinite Shine shade “From Here to Eternity”
Bronze Age
Use a cream/liquid bronzer sparingly to add a healthy glow. Apply a shade or two darker than your current skin tone on the sides of the forehead, cheek hollows (and then blend up). A makeup artist favourite is the Nars Multiple in “Laguna”.
Cover image: Shutterstock
