5 Sweat-Proof Makeup Tips

Between warm afternoons in the sun, busy commutes to work or humid nights out, our makeup routine often needs more longwear products by the time summer rolls around. Unfortunately, our typical beauty regimen isn’t going to give us the same flawless, long-lasting base. Instead, we’ll need to turn to sweat-proof makeup that helps minimise shine and stops products from smudging, separating or sliding throughout the day. If you find that sweat is interfering with your makeup’s staying power, discover Lancôme Australia’s curated tips for how to prevent makeup from sweating off as you navigate warmer months or a more physical lifestyle.

Sweat-proof makeup tips

It’s natural that our sweat and oil glands are more active in summer, so it’s important to update your makeup for hot weather to prevent streaks, melting and uneven patches as the day unfolds. Even if the weather isn’t particularly warm or humid, if you’re hustling to reach appointments or speed-walking to the office, it’s easy to work up a sweat. Of course, a sweat-proof foundation alone isn’t going to keep your makeup in place, you’ll also need the help of a primer, setting powders and sprays, as well as waterproof eye makeup and smudge-resistant lipstick.

Below, Lancôme Australia has collated their expert advice and must-have products to stop makeup sweating.

Beauty Expert Tip:

"Don’t let a bit of sweat ruin your day – or your makeup game. Sweat-proofing your makeup just takes a little extra prep and consideration of the formulas you’re using. And there’s no need to sacrifice on full glam either. Sweat-proof makeup can take you from day to night in even the most humid summer weather."

~ Lara Srokowski, Beauty Director

Tip #1: Lay the perfect base with makeup primer

While primer isn’t just reserved for your summer makeup routine, you might find that your skin needs a different kind of primer or formula when the weather heats up and oily patches emerge. If you are already prone to oily skin and find it’s exacerbated in summer, consider an oil-free primer like La Base Pro Face Make-Up Primer to reduce shine and minimise the appearance of pores. This ultra-soft, translucent primer smooths out skin’s surface and promises makeup longevity.

Tip #2: Think about your liquid foundation formulas

If you find that you’re sweating more than normal, it can be difficult to achieve the coveted dewy makeup look without looking excessively shiny. We should also note that longwearing summer makeup doesn’t have to be heavy, especially if you tend to favour a more natural look.

The best foundation for oily skin will typically have a matte finish, since it can provide long-lasting coverage that diminishes unwanted shine. Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation offers breathable coverage and a natural matte finish that is waterproof and sweat, humidity and transfer-resistant – the perfect addition to your sweat-proof makeup routine. Dry skin types – who tend to experience less unwanted oil in summer – might opt for Lancôme’s much-beloved glowy foundation, Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow Foundation.

Tip #3: Use waterproof eyeliner and mascara

Sweat-proof makeup is about more than your base since it’s just as easy for mascara and eyeliner to run. Sweating under the eye and at the brow is common, making it all too easy for mascara and eyeliner to transfer and muddy your summer makeup look. We recommend the Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara which will still give your lashes volume without smudging when the humidity picks up. If you don’t want to give up your trademark winged liner in the summer, the Idôle Liner offers precise control and eyeliner that is waterproof and transfer, flake and smudge-resistant.

Tip #4: Apply smudge-proof lipstick and lip liner

The upper lip can be one of the first areas of the face where sweat gathers, so don’t neglect your lips when learning how to sweat proof your makeup.

One of the cardinal rules when applying lipstick is to line your lips for added definition. While this is certainly an optional step, it does prevent your lipstick bleeding – another unfortunate side effect of makeup sweating off in summer. Lancôme’s creamy-soft Lip Liner pencil is waterproof so you can define and contour your lips and keep your lipstick looking fresh for longer.

For lipstick itself, seek out matte or semi-matte formulas to improve your summer makeup longevity. L'Absolu Rouge Drama Ink Liquid Lipstick offers intense colour and 8 hours of wear without transfer or fading. This formula is also ultralight for all-day comfort.

Tip #5: Set your makeup with spray or loose powder

A sweat-proof makeup regime would be incomplete without a product to lock in your final look. Whether you opt for a setting powder or a setting spray will be depended on your individual skin concerns. For instance, oily or combination skin types might require the mattifying, blurring effect of a setting powder to absorb oil. We suggest strategically applying Translucent Loose Setting Powder to shiny patches and go in with a light hand to avoid makeup cracking or becoming cakey. If your skin is on the dryer side or you just prefer a dewier finish, mist your face with Fix It Forget It Spray to keep your complexion looking fresh and makeup in place for up to 24 hours.

If you enjoyed our sweat-proof makeup advice, explore our ultimate guide to sunscreen, SPF, UVA and UVB to keep your skin in healthy condition all year-long.