A primer is a makeup base that's applied to your skin before foundation. It reduces shine and creates a smooth surface, making it easier to apply both liquid and powder products on top of it. Primers offer other benefits as well, such as:
helping with the appearance of enlarged pores
evening out the complexion by blurring imperfections like fine lines
controlling oil production
reducing redness
You can apply this base layer after moisturizing—and before applying sunscreen—by dotting it along your forehead, nose, cheeks (including under your eyes), upper lip area (above the Cupid's bow), and chin. Blend it out thoroughly with clean fingertips until it has been evenly distributed across all areas of the face.
One of the most important steps in preventing your makeup from melting off is to set your face with powder. There are two options here—mineral powder or translucent powder.
Mineral powder not only sets your foundation, but it also helps to mattify and control oil production, making it an important step if you have oily skin (like me). I recommend Youngblood Pressed Mineral Rice Powder Foundation. It's a great mineral foundation that also doubles as a setting powder.
Translucent powders usually come in a loose form and can be applied over any foundation for shine control and added staying power. I recommend Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder, which not only gives you shine-free skin throughout the day but also creates a smooth canvas for the rest of your makeup application.
And a pro tip: avoid using the puffs that often come with pressed powder compacts or sponges that are meant to be used with loose powders. Both of these applicators can soak up too much product and apply way too much when you don't want it! Instead, use a fluffy makeup brush like MAC 159 Duo Fibre Blush Brush to pick up less product and distribute it more evenly onto the skin.
Setting sprays are liquids that, when applied to your face after makeup application, lock in everything you put on your face. "The act of setting spray itself is a misting action; some people refer to it as a setting powder in liquid form," says celebrity makeup artist and Beautyblender global pro team lead Angie DiDonato. "It helps to not only give the skin an incredible finish but also helps set the makeup so that it adheres to the skin and lasts longer."
To use a setting spray correctly, make sure your entire face of makeup has been applied first. Then hold the bottle about 8-10 inches away from your face and lightly mist all over, careful not to close your eyes or mouth while spraying. Let it dry before applying anything else or touching the sprayed area so that it fully sets. Then you can go about your day knowing that no matter how hot and sticky things get, your makeup will be safe underneath this protective layer.
You can hack the humidity by applying waterproof, smudgeproof mascaras to your lashes. They won't melt off with the heat or sweat and you'll never have raccoon eyes again. If you want to take it a step further, apply a waterproof eyeliner on your upper lids and waterline so that everything stays in place all day long even when you're out in the sun or tearing up from how delicious that gelato is.
If you're worried about not being able to remove it at the end of the day, use an oil-based makeup remover like olive oil as they do wonders for breaking down waterproof makeup. With these tips, you'll be looking fresh no matter what season it is!
Why you should use a lip stain instead of lipstick:
Liquid lipsticks are too intense for the no-makeup makeup look. They're also too intense for all-day wear when it's humid out, because they easily smudge and run.
Applying a lip stain means you don't have to worry about reapplying your lipstick every time you eat or drink something. You can just apply the lip stain as many times a day as needed!
Lip stains are more long-lasting than traditional colored cosmetics like lipstick or gloss, so they won't easily smear or get wiped away by sweat or moisture in the air. Plus, there's no need to constantly reapply them throughout the day.
Use a makeup primer. A great primer will give your skin the just-showered shine you're after, while also providing it with the hydration it needs to stay smooth and healthy.
Apply a setting spray before your foundation. A hydrating setting spray is like a quick flush of water for your skin, but in an easy formula that can be sprayed on and rubbed in at any time of day.
Opt for an SPF moisturizer if you want to wear makeup all day long. If you want to skip foundation altogether, then choosing an SPF moisturizer that matches your skin tone makes sense—but even if you plan on wearing foundation, this choice can give your face the dewy glow we love while keeping it safe from those harmful UV rays.
Ready to beat the heat and humidity? Grab our primer here.
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