These 10 makeup buys withstand even the sweatiest days

As we enter the 510th heatwave of the summer, it can be tempting to eschew makeup altogether in favour of a fresh face. Sometimes no makeup whatsoever is better than a full face that feels like it’s melting as soon as you step out of the front door.

But some occasions call for makeup, and if you’re looking for mascara, blusher, bronzer and bases that stay put, you’ve come to the right place…

“I always switch to brown mascara in the summer because it looks softer and more natural, and I only wear tubing formulas. This one makes my lashes look longer, more defined and beautifully fanned out. No matter how high the temperatures climb, it never smudges, budges or flakes, and it stays put until I remove it with warm water and my fingertips,” – Jo Jones, beauty expert and co-founder of Beauty Banks.

“If I had to choose one product I wouldn’t want to be without in summer, this would be it. I love makeup that still looks like skin, and this helps everything stay put without looking or feeling overdone. It gives me the confidence that my makeup will still look good hours later,” – Jennie Roberts, session hairstylist and educator.

“This is the only base I’ve used this summer. This ultra-light, skin-perfecting tint is one of Kate Hudson’s favourites, too, so I’m in good company. The formula includes SPF 20, and it adds a subtle luminosity to my skin, unifying my complexion and making me look like a fresher, more put-together version of myself without feeling as though I’m wearing any make-up at all – my top priority when it’s hot,” – Melanie Macleod, HELLO! deputy beauty and lifestyle editor. 

“My skin is on the dry side, so oil- and moisture-rich products are my go-to, but they don’t always fare so well in the heat without a little help. Summer is pretty much the only time I reach for powder, and I love this one. It’s talc-free and helps to manage shine without removing glow, so my skin still looks like skin, and I can skip foundation altogether. I tap it on with a sponge to set the concealer under my eyes – my trouble area – and then dust the lightest layer with a fluffy brush over the rest of my face, where it also adds grip for my balm-based blushers,” –  Jasmine Hemsley, author and wellbeing expert.

“My go-to product in hot weather is this moisturising tinted serum; it gives skin a fresh, healthy glow while feeling incredibly lightweight and comfortable to wear, making it perfect for warmer days. My top tip is to keep your complexion products light and breathable, rather than layering on heavy coverage. Opt for an SPF mist that you can use to top up your sun protection throughout the day,” – Aimee Connolly, make-up artist and brand founder.

“When the heat is on, I find it best to lean into the sweat and reframe it as ‘glow’ by adding even more targeted radiance. For this reason, holidays are usually the only time I touch a highlighter, but Dior’s Backstage Glassy Glow Stick in Glossy Jelly is the exception I find myself reaching for even on office days. The ultra-slidey, weightless texture glides on to the skin in a seamless swipe, and the formula is infused with deeply hydrating cherry oil to leave you with an even more beautifully smug sunlit glow,”  – Cassie Steer, HELLO’s head of beauty.

“In the summer, I like to embrace the warm weather rather than fight it, so I use balm-type textures on my eyes and cheeks – but my trick is to juxtapose them with a lip product that doesn’t budge, to make me look polished. I’m obsessing over this tint in Posh Pit, a warm rosy brown nude that pops on my skin tone, doesn’t look ashy and locks in,” – Ateh Jewel, broadcaster and journalist.

“This is a great primer to secure your makeup in the heat – but you can’t depend on just one product to solve your melting makeup. Be mindful of what skincare you’re using and, if possible, switch to gel-based formulas, which will feel lighter and fresher and work as the perfect base for makeup,”  – Caroline Barnes, celebrity makeup artist.

“For me, summer is all about pink makeup for a feminine flush, but the challenge is often keeping it in place. Balm textures are my secret to long-lasting colour in warm weather, and this multitasker is my top pick. It started as a serum stick before colour was added, so it’s 70% skincare, hydrating while adding a touch of colour for a dewy, no-makeup look that doesn’t melt off,” – Nadia Alibhai, celebrity osteopath.

“Heavy, opaque lipsticks can crack and cake on sun-parched lips, while sticky glosses act as a hair magnet in the breeze. I default to my Serum Balm, which acta like a glass of water for your lips and ensures that they stay smooth and supple in the heat. I always advise carrying blotting papers or using the lightest veil of sheer translucent powder to mop up excess shine, because piling on the powder equals a cakey finish,” – Ruby Hammer, makeup artist and brand founder.