How To Make Your Make-Up Melt-Proof
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How To Make Your Make-Up Melt-Proof

Longer days, warmer temperatures, higher humidity… there are multiple reasons why your make-up might not look so fresh at this time of year. Whether you’re commuting in the heat or have a special event coming up, we asked SL contributor Adeola Gboyega to share some smart hacks and essential products to help you look your best all day long.
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Prep Smarter: Think Matte, Not Heavy

Your base really sets the tone for how your make-up holds up throughout the day, especially in warmer weather. The goal is to keep things looking fresh and matte without feeling like you're wearing too much. Start with a gel or water-based moisturiser that hydrates without adding extra weight and from there, be intentional with your primer: apply it only where it’s truly needed, like the T-zone or other areas prone to shine. When it comes to foundation, go for lightweight, oil-free formulas that offer buildable coverage with a soft or natural matte finish. These textures tend to hold up better in the heat and still let your skin breathe. 

Powder Formulas Are Your Friends

With many people opting for cream and liquid formulas, powder bronzers and blushers can often get overlooked – but in hot weather, it’s one of the most effective textures for keeping your make-up looking fresh. While cream products can feel hydrating, they tend to move around more. Lightweight, finely milled powders, when used correctly, gives your make-up structure and staying power without making the skin look flat or heavy. I like to press powder into the skin using a puff rather than sweeping it on with a brush, as it helps the product blend in more seamlessly and hold up better in humidity – especially through areas like the T-zone, where shine tends to build through the day. With the right formulas and a light hand, powder becomes less about mattifying and more about maintaining that polished, lived-in glow.

Lock In Eyes & Brows With Long-Wear Formulas

In the summer, your eye and brow make-up can often be the first to let you down. Creamy products might blend beautifully, but they’re far more likely to crease or smudge once the temperature rises, so switching to long-wear textures is key. Opt for gel or waxy formulas for eyeliner and eyeshadow that are designed to stay put and set brows in place with a wax or clear gel to hold shape and definition. A waterproof or tubing mascara is also worth the investment to avoid transfer under and around the eyes. These subtle changes not only help your make-up last longer, but they also keep everything looking intentional from morning to night.

Seal The Look With The Right Setting Spray

Setting spray is one of those steps that’s easy to overlook but don’t skip it when the sun is shining. Not only will it help your make-up last longer, but it can also soften the overall finish, so everything looks more skin-like. Even a light mist can take away any powdery residue and bring back that natural, lived-in finish without disturbing the products underneath. That said, not all sprays do the same job. Some are designed to set and extend the wear of your make-up, while others are more about fixing the finish or adding hydration. It’s worth knowing the difference so you can choose one that suits your skin and the look you’re going for. 

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