Melt Proof Makeup

The mercury rose to as high as 41 degrees this Summer, with humidity levels capable of wilting souls, plants and of course – makeup.  On such days, I wish I didn’t have to go into the office & would rather work from home makeup-free wearing whatever I feel like.

Whilst I am thankful for my (now) good skin, unfortunately a lot of work goes into making my eyes look awake & bringing my eyebrows to life.  I have tried going into work without much eye makeup before (ie. concealer &  eyeliner only, no eye contouring), but a colleague who lacks verbal tact asked me if something was wrong with my eyes.  I guess if I ever want to fake a sickie, I know now that my makeup-free eyes make a convincing alibi.

When it comes to heat-proofing my makeup, I don’t actually skip the number of products, instead I select dry-touch or lightweight formulas that will defy the temptation to wilt on me & keep me looking polished.

BASE

• SPF: It goes without saying that sunscreen is a must, and I use Invisible Zinc Face & Body as physical sunscreens are the only formulas that don’t break me out.
• Primer: I only dot a small amount of Estee Lauder Illuminating & Perfect Primer on T-zone and cheekbones.  The formula is so lightweight you won’t feel a thing & adds a glow.
• Dry Touch BB Cream:  Skinfood Mushroom BB Cream is semi-matte for my dry skin type, and the yellow tones add warmth for a summer complexion.  Avoid ashy BB cream shades especially in summer.
• Concealer: I apply the minimum amount I can get away with & feather off any excess on my lash line (upper & lower) with a cotton tip.  For spot concealing, the dry waxy texture of Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage will keep acne scars & pigmentation under wraps, but I am still in search for a longer lasting under-eye concealer.
• Finishing Spray: As I don’t like setting makeup with powder (it looks aging on dry skin), I finish with Skindinavia 10 Years Younger on normal days, but switch to Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray on extra humid days to set my base and concealer.

EYES

• Primer: My bulgey eye shape doesn’t help when it comes to eye makeup smudging, so I always need a heavy duty eyelid primer.  What I like about bareMinerals Brightening Pearl Eyelid Primer is that it provides amazing grip without feeling cakey, and provides a subtle shimmery canvas for eyeshadow.
• Liquid shadow: Once the temperature rises above 35 degrees, I ditch powder shadow & switch to Clinique Lid Smoothie Antioxidant 8-Hour Eye Colour using #02 Cashew Later (flesh toned) as a base, and #11 Currant Affair (plummy taupe) to contour to make my eyes look deeper & less puffy.  Unlike other cream shadows that can feel heavy & tacky, Lid Smoothie is as lightweight as souffle and can be layered on to provide a wash of colour that stays put.
• Eyeliner: I previously blogged about the best long lasting eyeliners & so far my favourite is THREE Flash Performance Eyeliner Pencil.
• Mascara: The only mascara that defies gravity for my straight lashes is Majolica Majorca Lash Enamel Glamour Volume On.  Its waxy formula is best for short thin lashes, it’s more volumising than lengthening & won’t melt.

LIPS

• I prep my lips with Bobbi Brown Lip Balm SPF15 whilst I’m applying makeup, and once I’m in the office I apply YSL Glossy Lip Stain #15 as it’s too hot for anything but a lightweight and moisturising tint of colour.

 Do you wear makeup even when it’s scorching hot?

(and more importantly, have you ever skipped makeup to fake looking sick?)