Summer is in full swing, which means sweaty season is upon us. We know that there’s nothing like frizzy hair or makeup sliding off your face to dim your summer glow. But here's the good news: Beauty brands have your back with sweat-proof makeup products for when you're having fun in the sun.
We spoke with various makeup artists, including beauty expert and celebrity makeup artist Ashlee Glazer and TODAY Style correspondent Zanna Roberts Rassi, to help you summer-proof your beauty routine.
From waterproof products to summer makeup that'll give you a natural look, these pros have you covered with the beauty essentials you need to beat the heat. For reference, “a summer-friendly product is designed to be comfortable and wear beautifully even in hot and humid conditions,” explains Elimar Depaula, makeup artist and founder of Queen Cosmetics. “The main key features I look for in such products include being lightweight to avoid feeling heavy or clogging pores and smudge-proof to resist smearing.”
Keep reading to discover more sweat-proof hair, skin and makeup products experts rely on most in the hottest months. We even included some of our own top picks for making this your most confident, comfortable summer yet.
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What features make a product sweat-proof?
Of course, this depends on the type of makeup product you're using (for example, sweat-proof foundation will have different features than, say, smudge-proof mascara).
Still, “when looking for sweat-proof makeup, the most important is an oil controlling primer and a setting spray that contains a high amount of denatured alcohol to make your makeup sweat- and smudge-proof,” explains Depaula. “Non-comedogenic products are essential as they won’t clog pores, which is particularly important in hot weather since your pores will be more open. Additionally, a good loose powder will help lock your makeup in place and reduce shine.”
Additionally, Tonya Riner, celebrity makeup artist, recommends going light on the layers so your skin can breathe. Think: sheer application of both skincare and makeup. “Look for hybrids, like tinted moisturizers with sunscreen, so you can minimize the number of products overall,” she says. “I opt for mattifying, oil-free primers and use them only in the T-zone, followed by a sheer wash of tinted moisturizer strategically placed.”
Sweat-proof makeup seen on TODAY
This primer is designed to "glue" makeup on your face, for all day wear without any stickiness, white cast or transfer, according to the brand. What exactly gives it the sticky factor? Rassi says it is the maple syrup in the formula.
Rassi says it is best to stick with a lighter base in the summer months and recommends this one from Milk Makeup.
This skin tint allows up to 12 hours of wear with a buildable coverage that is weightless and naturally dewy and hydrating for skin.
This creamy glides on to skin for precise cover-ups, and the brand says the waterproof formula will help it remain in place all day.
Don't want to keep reapplying your lip color? Rassi recommends a lip stain like this one — which also happens to be a Shop TODAY Beauty Award winner!
This viral, 2-in-1 jelly blush and lip stain adds a hydrating pop of color and delivers more than 1,000 applications per stick, according to the brand.
Want some color on your cheeks? Rassi found this one from Kylie Cosmetics to be perfect for summer wear. This hybrid blush melts into your skin like a cream but dries with a soft, smooth, powder-like finish, according to the brand.
This affordable eyeliner promises all-day wear, as well as waterproof and smudge-resistant properties. How well does it hold up? Rassi said she applied it before swimming a few laps in the pool and didn't experience any leaks.
This liquid liner claims to leave behind a matte black pigment that won’t budge, even after hours of wear.
This easy-to-apply liquid eyeshadow goes on in seconds and promises to last all day — remaining crease-and fade-resistant for up to 15 hours of wear, per the brand.
This setting spray is transparent and aims to make skin glow while protecting it from harmful UV rays, according to the brand.
With this spray, makeup is intended to stay in place for up to 36 hours. The brand says it leaves your skin with a dewy, natural finish that doesn’t crack or cake.
Prep
To beat the heat, you'll need a tool to cool you down. This cryoball from Nurse Jamie, one of Hollywood's top skincare experts, should do the trick. The tool might be small, but it does wonders for de-puffing and cooling down the skin. Use with clean, dry skin or with your favorite skin care product to go around the curvatures of the face to boost circulation. Plus, it should stay cool for up to six hours.
"This setting spray sold out last year because it was used on Beyonce during her summer tour. And if it’s good enough for her, it’s good enough for me," notes Glazer. "Use a generous spritz before makeup after skincare to lock it all in to start the day the right way."
Apply
Add a touch of warmth to your skin without needing to go underneath the sun. This Makeup by Mario bronzing serum adds a touch of color/tan to the skin that doesn't appear muddy. Outside of its lightweight formula, what makes this product unique is its applicator. You can either use the pump to add color all over the face, or use the wand to apply along the curves of the face.
Afterwards, Glazer recommends applying your favorite concealer wherever you desire.
You might want to skip the liquid foundation to tackle the heat, suggests Glazer, and one of her favorite alternatives is using a powder foundation. This one from Makeup For Ever is her top pick, as it has a lightweight, medium-to-full coverage that gives a skin-like finish. But the best part of this foundation is that the brand claims it lasts up to 24 hours. Yes, really!
Touch up
In case of oiliness on parts of the face, use these blotting papers from Tatcha. According to the brand, they're made from natural abaca leaf and gold flakes, and shouldn't disrupt your makeup as you use. But, Glazer recommends to "press, not wipe onto the skin to pick up excess oil."
"If you feel super gunky, take a little micellar water on your sponge and dab," suggests Glazer. "This will remove some makeup and cleanse the skin at the same time, so you’re not fully applying makeup over makeup." Micellar water is also efficient at removing debris and grime without irritating the skin and eyes, so at the end of the day, you can use this product as the first step to your double-cleansing routine. Plus, it requires no rinse!
"Use a foundation stick for a quick touchup without the fuss," says Glazer. "Try to find something with a glow-y finish like this one from Charlotte Tilbury. It will work with the glaze of the day, giving you a glowingly refreshed look." The formula is also incredibly lightweight and hydrating, so it should be flexible enough to adapt with your movements and routine without affecting the finish.
Expert-approved makeup products for summer
“This is my fav waterproof mascara, delivering high volume without any smushing or flaking under the eyes. Waterproof is the only way to go if you curl your lashes,” celebrity makeup artist Lynn Simpson says.
Eyeliner lovers don’t have to forgo their favorite product just because the summer sun threatens to melt it off. According to Riner, this L’Oreal formula has “super saturated colors and will not budge.”
“These eye shadow sticks stay on all day, are sweat-proof, and add instant definition to the eyes in one swipe. Pro tip: Focus on one eye at a time, applying and smudging out the edges with the fingertips or the built-in sponge for a fuss-free makeup moment!” says Aaron Barry, hairstylist and makeup artist.
If you’re looking for a versatile product, stop right here. Emmy-nominated celebrity makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff-Kendricks uses this hybrid cream on her eyes, cheeks and lips. With an $18 price tag and more than 40 shades available, you might as well grab this cream in multiple colors so you can transform your summer beauty routine. Sheriff-Kendricks recommends mixing the creams to create your own palette.
Riner loves this product since it’s “waterproof and comes in gorgeous colors and finishes.” She continues, I love Latte for fair skin and Spicey for deeper skin tones.”
“This sweat-proof, waterproof brow setter will keep your brows groomed and locked in place all day,” says Simpson to Shop TODAY. The brand’s Precisely, My Brow Waterproof Eyebrow Definer — available in 12 shades — is another one of our warm-weather must-have.
“Using a primer in the summer can seriously extend the life of your makeup in the most humid and balmy weather. This clean primer works for all skin types (from oily to dry), controls shine, smooths and plumps the skin and is rich in antioxidants,” Lisa Aharon, celebrity makeup artist, says.
According to Riner, this bronzer has a new gel to powder formula that “that lets your skin breathe while adding the most natural sun-kissed glow.”
Remember when Riner recommended using fewer products? This one is all you need for a healthy summer glow. It “feels like nothing on your skin and gives a realistic, sophisticated glow,” says Riner. “Use your fingers and tap it on the high points of your face, collar bones and shoulders as the last step in your makeup application.”
In an ideal world, our makeup bags would be full of mind-blowing products we cannot get enough of. In Sheriff-Kendricks’ eyes, this full coverage foundation is truly mind-blowing. Not only does this beauty expert say this foundation controls shine and withstands humidity, but she says it offers a natural finish that lasts all day.
Sheriff-Kendricks tells all her clients, “you cannot paint your walls without primer” — and in the world of makeup, the same sentiment is true. You need primer to smooth over skin imperfections and create a “flawless canvas” for your makeup. She recommends this primer because it protects you from UV rays while hydrating your skin before a fresh face of makeup.
When applying your foundation, Glazer says a fluffy brush like Real Techniques’ Ultra Plush Makeup Brush “will give you a sheer and even distribution for a lightweight feathery coverage.” With light strokes, this process should prevent a heavy application so that your skin looks and feels like skin throughout the day. You can also use the brush to apply powder bronzer and blush.
Expert-approved serums, lotions and more for summer
“The combination of cucumber and witch hazel is incredibly cooling and rejuvenating, and the soothing alcohol-free mist helps tone down redness and keeps my complexion looking calm and clear. The Witch Hazel + Cucumber is my personal go-to for summertime, but all of Humphrey’s toner mists are the perfect size to toss into my bag or purse and take with me wherever I go. It’s a must-have product for me when the weather warms up!” Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at the Shafer Clinic tells us.
“I live in Florida so I’m very familiar with humidity and heat, especially in the summer. Rose hydrosols in a mist are my go-to for summer and travel. They act as an astringent toner, anti-inflammatory agent and hydrator all in one. Put it in the fridge for an extra refreshing effect,” Krupa Koestline, clean cosmetic chemist and founder of KKT Consultants, tells us.
Though not necessarily made to combat sweat, the right face wash is necessary in the summer. “This cleanser combines the effects of salicylic acid, antioxidants and plant extracts to keep skin appearing bright while gently exfoliating. This is especially helpful in the summer months if you are wearing sunscreen, which may block pores,” Dr. John C. Layke, DO, board-certified plastic surgeon and co-founder of the Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group says.
According to Sheriff-Kendricks, everyone should exfoliate two to three times a week during the summer because of excessive heat and humidity. She recommends this exfoliant for its gentle, deep-cleaning formula that “will give you new skin.”
Editor-favorite makeup products for summer
Associate editor Allie Wise says she is "obsessed" and recommends this waterproof mascara because it makes her lashes look full and voluminous. "The best part is that it stays on during the smoldering summer heat," she says. "I walk to work every day and often times my foundation will be a complete mess by the time I get to the office, but my mascara is always still perfect. Highly recommend!"
Senior SEO Editor Jess Bender says loves this eyeliner because she says it lives up to the promise of long-wear. "It went on smoothly, accurately and 'bodaciously black' (appropriate name for the dramatically dark finish)," she says. "Most importantly, it remained smudge-free as I ventured out in the humid city streets, the even more humid subway platform and throughout a cardio-loaded, dancehall-themed spin class where I was violently dripping sweat."
Frequently Asked Questions
Depaula recommends matte liquid foundations, since they help control oil and provide lasting coverage. She’s also a fan of powder foundations that are ideal for skin that’s already classified as oily.
“One of my favorite liquid foundations to date is the Estee Lauder double wear foundation,” she says. “It's a timeless classic and will get the job done. SPF tints are also a great option since they're lighter than traditional foundations and can offer enough coverage and skin benefits.”
“To maintain a beautiful and comfortable makeup look even on the hottest days, I recommend starting with clean skin by using a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil,” says Depaula. “Apply a moisturizer and a mattifying or oil-control primer to create a smooth base if you're going to be wearing a foundation. In the summertime, I prefer more lightweight products like tinted moisturizers to avoid a cakey look.”
She adds that you can set your makeup with a translucent setting powder for shine and add a setting spray on top of that.
Both experts are also huge fans of blotting papers. “Keep a luminous and skin-like texture by using a blotting paper before adding setting powder,” Says Riner. “The best I’ve used are by Tatcha and have been a staple in my kit for years. When adding powder, I use a fan brush so I’m picking up the slightest amount. I then lightly dust it in the T-zone, always checking to see if more is needed before going in for a second round.”
Waterproof makeup is truly resilient, which means taking it off can be a challenge. Sheriff-Kendricks says Garnier’s micellar water cleanser is “the best way to remove waterproof makeup.” Save your skin from harsh scrubbing damage by using this gentle cleanser that lifts away dirt and makeup.
How we chose
We chose summer-proof makeup through a mix of editorial review, dermatologist recommendations and makeup artist recommendations. We also included editor favorites from Shop TODAY.
Meet the experts
- Tonya Riner is a beauty expert and celebrity makeup artist with over 30 years of experience.
- Elimar Depaula is a makeup artist and founder of Queen Cosmetics.
- Ashunta Sheriff-Kendricks is an experienced celebrity makeup artist who's been Emmy-nominated.
- Lynn Simpson is a California-based celebrity makeup artist.
- Aaron Barry is a hairstylist and makeup artist based in Los Angeles, California.
- Lisa Aharon is a celebrity makeup artist based in New York, New York.
- Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, is a Mohs surgeon at the Shafer Clinic.
- Krupa Koestline, a clean cosmetic chemist, is the founder of KKT Consultants.
- Dr. John C. Layke, DO, is a board-certified plastic surgeon and co-founder of the Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group.
