5 Tips To "Sweat-Proof" Your Makeup, For Just The Right Amount Of Glow

For many, the Fourth of July weekend marks the height of summer fun (barbecues, poolside hangs—what's not to love?). But if you're one to wear makeup, your beauty look may pay the price. Picture it: After more than a few beads of sweat, your forehead may seem practically reflective, your mascara wilting, your concealer creasing and looking caky. And that highlighter you spent ample time perfecting in the mirror? Perhaps it's melting down your face like the condensation rolling down your cool, holiday cocktail.

In a humid, sweaty environment, you may deem it rational to skip the moisturizer and dive straight into powdery makeup. But a hydrating base is actually key for making your makeup last: When your skin becomes too dry, it tends to respond with more oil production—and thus, a sweaty face midday. So don't skimp on the skin care front; a good moisturizer is just as crucial during a hot, humid day as it is during the throes of a brittle winter.

It's no secret we love a dewy, radiant glow here at mbg. But if you're attempting a sweat-proof look, it may be best to go matte. Especially if you're prone to some serious oil production as soon as you step foot in the sun, you might want to reach for velvety, oil-free formulas from the get-go. "It can be helpful to use a more mattefying primer, or even to gently press in a lightweight face powder over the parts of your face that are most prone to glisten," says Denno.

In the warmer months, less is more when it comes to makeup. After all, piling on base layers can look a bit caky once the formulas mix with sweat. That's why Patinkin suggests applying your base—be it a BB or CC cream, tinted moisturizer, or foundation—in paper thin layers (a beauty blender will help give you that precise application). "The thinner the layers, the less chance there is of your makeup slipping, sliding, and melting when your skin gets warm."

We can't possibly chat about sweaty makeup without discussing the annoying dilemma that is smudged mascara. To avoid streaky raccoon eyes, you might think to snag a waterproof option. But many waterproof mascaras do their job too well; it can be quite the hassle to scrub it all off at the end of the day without feeling like you're plucking lashes in the process.

Here's what Denno recommends: "First swipe on a few coats of non-waterproof, and finish with a coat or two of waterproof." By layering a waterproof option on top, you'll achieve that long-lasting, smudge-free look, but the regular mascara as the foundation makes removing it a breeze.