Sweatproof makeupmakeup thatthat survivessurvives anyany nightnight outout

One of the biggest complaints in the makeup world is that products don’t always last. And while a permanent makeup look is an unrealistic expectation, wear time is still a concern. Finding long-wear products can be relatively easy, but often, they’re heavy, cakey, and drying. Here is our edit of the best-wearing Sweatproof makeup products for clammy days and long nights.

Step 1

Sweatproof Makeup: Moisture

If it’s so hot you’re concerned about makeup sliding, you should wear an SPF. The Neutrogena ones are cheap and cheerful, but the best part is that they leave skin with a slightly tacky, grippy finish, so whatever you apply on top has something to hold on to. The Age Shield Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 110 offers maximum protection.

You may not want to wear SPF at night, as it can cause flashbacks in photos. The original Lotil moisturiser offers a similarly grippy finish if that’s the case. If you want to look more dewy but still need to up your makeup’s wear time, the Too Faced Hangover Primer will be your BFF.

Step 2

Sweatproof Makeup: Base

Many long-wear products tend to be dry and look heavy. If you, like me, favour a sheeny, glowy complexion, go for the MAC Face & Body Foundation instead. This is a bizarre but wonderful product because you’ll feel it firm up and set as you rub it in. It never looks overly done and is an imperceptible yet buildable coverage.

However, sometimes, a light wash of colour isn’t enough. For serious situations, the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer is a total godsend. If you need something covered completely, never to be seen until you remove your makeup again, this is your guy.

For a long-lasting blush, liquid is the way to go. I’ve never met a powder that becomes one with the skin in quite the same way. Sorry to be a broken record, but if you have not tried the Glossier Cloud Paints, get on it. Beam is the perfect way to fake a tan for a pale girl, while Dusk is a soft contouring shade that suits any makeup look. 

Step 3

Sweatproof Makeup: Shine

I’ve been obsessed with the Kosas Colour & Light Crèmes if you want something a little juicer. They contain a matte creamy blush and a correspondingly toned, dewy highlighter. Both feel soft and slippery, but once applied (fingers are best), they melt into the skin and stick around. Velvet Melon is a soft coral, while 8th Muse is a beautiful classic rose.

If you’re concerned about sweat, many people skip the highlighter. Not I. Leaning into the shine is the best way to go. The Noto Botanics Hydra Highlight is incredible for this. It gives a natural shine in all the right places and makes any makeup underneath look refreshed and dewy. It also comes in a stick, meaning you can top up as you go.

But if a dewy, oil-based highlight is too much to handle, then you can fake the effect almost as well. The Nudestix Magnetic Nude Glimmer Highlighters give the effect of a glossy reflection but actually set and stay put. The shade 24K gives a flattering gold sheen to cheekbones and eyelids alike.

Step 4

Sweatproof Makeup: Finish

While I love to shine like the sun, there are times when even I think things are too much. With a few notable exceptions, I find powders too dull and chalky for my aspirations. But the Rae Morris Invisible Mattifier is an ingenious alternative. It’s a pan full of matte finish silicone, so it mattes out shine when dabbed over greasier areas. It can also be applied with fingers on the go and is a total purse essential for when your makeup’s longevity may be questioned.

For eyes, you need a high-quality primer to keep things in place. The Smashbox 24-Hour Photo Finish Shadow Primer is, I’m convinced, the best. Speaking of the best, the Viseart Matte Eyeshadow Palettes certainly have the price tag to prove it. But having a couple of these in your arsenal means you can do any eyeshadow look, and these shadows genuinely last.

To heighten your look, though, I am always pro glitter. The Stila Glimmer & Glow Liquid Shadows offer a wash of glitter that applies in seconds but lasts all night. Finish with the Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara, and rest assured, your makeup will look exactly the same eight hours later.

Sweatproof Makeup Routine

For lips, I’m not really a fan of long-wear matte lipsticks. They make everyone’s lips look smaller and drier. But I’m very into glossy stains, like MAC Versicolour Cream Lip Stain. These colours offer a juicy, hydrated finish that still stays put, no matter who you end up making out with.

The key to long-wearing makeup lies in the setting. Spritz your face like there’s no tomorrow – the Tarte Shape Tape Stay Spray is a current favourite. And if you spot yourself looking a little worse for wear a few hours later, top up with the Clarins Re Fresh Spray. Et voila. 

Feature image credit: Andras Stefuca.