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It’s 101 Degrees Every Day This Week But These Makeup Products Still Stay Put

Beat the heat.

June 25, 2022

Amanda Ross

Amanda Ross beauty writer selfie

As I type these very words, a drop of sweat is dangling from the tip of my nose and threatening to touchdown on my keyboard — my fault for having it “in the Splash Zone” honestly. Through an infernal combination of hormones and location (I’m a native Texan), I’ve always been a rather sweaty individual. While my body’s sweat levels are mercifully normal, it’s my face that really starts to glisten even after just a few minutes outside — which means holding on to my carefully applied makeup is often a losing game. Over the years, I’ve perfected the art of working with the heat for a sweat-proof makeup and hair look that doesn’t make me appear like a melted oil painting any time the temperature reads above 65 degrees.

Even if at times it feels counterintuitive, the key to a sweat-proof look is to layer on products with finishes, textures, and consistencies that work with skin and sweat, knowing that they will move around to some extent. This technique always yields a better outcome than trying to preserve total perfection with layers of powders, primers, and setting sprays. With muggy, unbelievably hot July and August on the horizon, it’s time to lean into summer-friendly makeup products that won’t go into meltdown mode — and over the years, I’ve found the best ones. Ahead, a sweaty gal’s guide to the best products for beating the heat without sacrificing pigment, color, or your white-on-white outfit.

We at TZR only include products that have been independently selected by our editors. We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

tan-luxe bronze drops

Super Gloss Face SPF 30

Everyone knows sunscreen comes first, but TAN-LUXE’s illuminating drops take care of the broad-spectrum protection with an added, bronzey bonus. The light-reflecting drops boost radiance and warmth while prepping the skin for further makeup. I spend at least a few hours outside every day with tons of face coverage so my face is always significantly fairer than my body — these drops even me out for a bronze glow all over. Spread them over your chest, shoulders, and collarbones before heading outside, too. Not only will you be safe from the sun, but if you start to sweat, it’ll just look like dewy luminescence from the drops.

Tower 28 tinted moisturizer

SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation

SPF? Check. Solid shade range? Check. A formula that manages to not slip and slide down my chin the minute my lip starts sweating? Check, check check. Tower 28 has already earned a reputation as one of the most summer-friendly brands out there, and the best-selling SunnyDays skin tint proves why. Apply it around with your fingers to really work the product in and consider following it up with some BeautyBlender dabbing — the anti-sweat key here is to minimize the amount of excess product hanging around on top of skin.

cle de peau viral concealer

Concealer SPF 27

I’m not sure if it’s cosmetic chemistry or magic that makes this viral concealer deliver such full coverage without caking up, breaking up, or feeling heavy on the skin — I’m just glad this exists because it really pulls its own weight in the routine. I have some lingering hyperpigmentation and melasma that I don’t love so it’s important to me to cover it up at least a little bit, and Clé de Peau’s concealer is so powerful that I can skimp on how much skin tint I apply. When leaving the house, be sure to throw this in your bag — it’s easy-peasy to reapply, blending so well with existing makeup and even light moisture like sweat.

Jones Road miracle balm

I remember where I was when I opened this bad boy — we’ve been truly inseparable ever since. Something about my skin just wants to steal and absorb all my blush color, but Jones Road’s Miracle Balm sticks around and stays put in place even through major 104-degree sweat. The texture is (surprise, surprise) balmy and blendable but pleasingly pigmented. It’s excellent for applying with your fingers, too, thanks to how well body temperature warmth helps it spread and sink in. My only complaint? This thing is huge — it feels like I’m carrying a discus around. But it’s a small price to pay for always-rosy cheeks.

LYS cream contour

No Limits Cream Bronzer and Contour Stick

Like I mentioned above, so much of a sweat-resistant makeup look is finding products and textures that work with the slick sweat and heat — this new contour stick from LYS is a perfect example. While the triangle-shaped tip makes it excellent for carving out your cheekbones, it’s better to use this as a straight-up bronzer in the heat. If you’re really sweating, there’s no world in which a carefully-constructed contour stays in place the entire time. By just bronzing your cheeks, jaw, and forehead instead, you get much of the same sculpted effect without being beholden to exact lines and placement — it’s okay if it blurs out!

Loreal waterproof mascara

Voluminous Volume Building Waterproof Mascara in Black Brown

Not to be dramatic, but I made it through an actual Houston hurricane in this mascara — no runs, no smears. Trust in its powers for the pool, beach, and similarly sweaty situations, especially if you opt for the very versatile brown shade (highly recommend). Though it admittedly doesn’t do much for major length, it’s perfectly serviceable in that respect and packs a serious volume punch. L’Oréal is an all-time classic for a reason.

kevyn aucoin loose setting powder

Loose Setting Powder

Powder. Is anything so controversial in the summer? I know what you’re thinking — powder + sweat = face mud. But in my experience, if you use this powder very strategically and sparingly, you can avoid the dreaded skin sludge. After giving your cream products a little time to settle (try blasting them with a fan to expedite the process), carefully dip a small fluffy brush in a trace amount of power and put it: under-eyes, above eyebrows, in between the eyebrows, the corners of your mouth, and a finger width-sized swath on either side of the nose. Those are spots that don’t really benefit from shine or dew, but they’re also places most people don’t sweat too hard. Skip the rest of the face and just let yourself get flushed for a natural finish.

One/Size setting spray

Preserve The Serve Luminous Setting Spray

While every fiber of my being screams to gatekeep this setting spray, I know it’s the right thing to do. Preserve The Serve ticks every box necessary for a perfect final step: it’s lightweight, it’s effective, it has a cute rhyme in the name, it has pink packaging that makes me feel like a state school Elle Woods every time I use it. It really works, and the fine mist and nozzle don’t leave you soaking wet after application, either. ONE/SIZE makes two versions of this spray for matte and luminous finishes — definitely go for the latter. A radiant finish works much better with moisture and cream than a rigid (albeit lovely) matte texture.

Kosas lip oil

Wet Lip Oil Plumping Treatment Gloss

Save your lips the trouble and skip over the lipsticks and all-over pencils in favor of a light, hydrating wash of color. Kosas’ lip oils are miraculously non-sticky and deposit the perfect amount of pigment to make it look like you just went to town on a popsicle (or kissed someone who did) but it’s not so colorful or thick that you need to worry about smearing. For some extra peace of mind, softly line lips with the brand’s new Hotliners first to form a gloss-corraling barrier.