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No sweat! 5 tips for flawless makeup in hot weather

Whether it's for an everyday look or a special occasion, keep your makeup looking fresh and pretty in the summer heat.
/ Source: TODAY

Whether it's for an everyday look or a special occasion, keep your makeup looking fresh and pretty in the summer heat with these tips from MAC Cosmetics senior artist Caroline Donnelly.

woman sunbathing on a beach;
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1. Start with primer.

For long-lasting coverage, as well as that all-important sun protection, start your makeup routine with an SPF-infused primer.

“When the sun heats up, we want our skin to look fabulous without looking like we've made [an] effort. As well as using your favorite moisturizer, I recommend using a primer with a high SPF to give an even clarity and a soft focus appearance to your skin tone, whilst protecting your skin from harmful UVB and UVA rays," says Donnelly.

2. Go waterproof.

Summer frequently means sweating, swimming or even happy tears (it’s wedding season after all!). So don’t forget to use waterproof mascara.

“Whether you swim in the pool or sea, or just simply like to sunbathe, a waterproof mascara is the best,” she says. “Even if you don't plan on getting your face wet, laying down with the sun on your face can make your eyes water. Technology has improved so much since the days of the spiky waterproof lash; look for a waterproof mascara with a full brush for dramatic lashes.”

Along the same lines, Donnelly suggests picking a waterproof eyeliner over regular liquid liner — or waterproof pencil if you prefer a more subtle or blended look. “A good tip here is to apply your waterproof pencil and blend out around the eye with a brush for an eye shadow look that stays put all day,” she says.

3. Know that less is more.

Summertime is the season to avoid super-heavy makeup, favoring a lighter look and feel.

“Less is best when the sun heats up,” Donnelly says. “A base that matches your skin tone well and is light in coverage will stay looking better longer than a heavier product, as it won't appear patchy.”

She recommends looking for a product that contains an SPF and has some oil control (if your skin is prone to oiliness), or a tinted moisturizer with SPF if humidity is high and your skin is dry.

4. Banish the powder blush.

When it comes to blush, a cream product stays put longer — and appears more smooth and even than powder. It’s also easier to reapply when skin is hot or damp.

“The trick is to apply the cream blusher and then set with face powder,” Donnelly says. “A nice trick to go from beach or poolside to lunch in a restaurant or bar is to get a cream product that works for both cheeks and lips. Apply with fingertips for a quick, yet pretty, touchup.”

5. Look sun kissed — safely.

While we’re protecting the delicate skin on our faces with SPF, we can still look beautifully bronzed with makeup. But you might be surprised to hear that Donnelly suggests avoiding traditional bronzer in favor of a new approach.

“Powder bronzers tend to go a little patchy or simply come off in a humid climate,” she says. “A good trick is to use a water-resistant foundation a few shades darker than your skin tone. Make sure it is very light in texture and coverage and use this like a liquid bronzer.”

Then, with a fluffy foundation brush, apply to the high planes of the face — nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead — for a natural look.

Alesandra Dubin is a Los Angeles-based writer and the founder of the lifestyle blog Homebody in Motion. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Google+ and Twitter.