Meltproof Makeup

Meltproof makeup sounds too good to be true but, fortunately, there are products and techniques that can keep you looking bandbox fresh for hours at a time.

Whether it’s the heat of Summer or a red carpet occasion; perhaps you're trying to keep your cool at an emotional moment or just weather an everyday hot flush/flash, take a few extra minutes preparing and you’ll be sure to hold onto your composure.

Anti-shine Sunscreen

Good skin care will give you the best base to work on so ensure that you are cleansing regularly.

Sunscreen is an essential first step during the warmer months (often a daily necessity) so choose one that's non-greasy and specially formulated for the face. La Roche-Posay provides immediate long-lating anti-shine sun protection that's lightweight and mattifying i.e. that is provides a matt appearance.

Let it thoroughly dry before moving on to the next step.

Primer is a magnet!

It's fine to add Primer over your sunscreen and it will not detract from the sun protection.

Skincare and makeup are designed to work together to create a flawless canvas ready for your makeup. Primer works between the two to smooth out the skin, hide blemishes and blur the pores.

But most of all PRIMER is a MAGNET for foundation!! A favorite of mine is No. 7 Airbrush Away which I'm surprised to see is now available in the US.

Warm it a little in your fingers and apply to every nook and cranny of your face for a velvety smooth surface.  

Foundation

You want makeup to appear as light and effortless as possible but with staying power!

Apply a thin layer of an oil free product with a damp sponge (or makeup brush) from the center of the face outwards for uniform coverage.

One of the best is MAC Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation which provides medium coverage and works well in heat and under lights. If you want a heavier makeup you can apply another layer.

Use the matching MAC Pro Longwear Concealer where you need it, you'll find it just doesn't budge!

Eyes

To keep eye make-up in place, apply a little Smashbox 24 Hour Primer - a little goes a long way. It's near bullet proof and your eye makeup will stay put until bedtime! 

Bobbi Brown long-wear cream shadow stick provides a fuss-free easily applied eye shadow to sweet over your lids and gently blend for a creamy and slightly pearly effect. You can build more color onto it and be confident that color will stay with no creasing!

A liquid eye liner will always stay far better than a kohl pencil and it's worth practicing. L'oreal Paris Lineur Intense Brush Tip Liquid Eyeliner is a good affordable option.

Check out this great article on best eyeliner tips for women over 40.

Obviously it's a no brainer to choose your favorite waterproof mascara.

Lips

I couldn't live without my lip pencil, every lipstick looks better when you work within a defined line. My personal favorite is Prestige probably available more in the US than in the UK, and I find it's worth buying 2 or 3 at a time. A pencil is very easy to lose!  

Apply your lipstick with a brush if you want it to stay, blot and re-apply. 

Stila liquid lipstick is a favorite of many top makeup artists for a waterproof top coat but is difficult to find. Maybelline Super Stay 24 hour is a similar product at a reasonable price.

Set and Reduce Shine

To set your makeup and keep shine at bay, take a fluffy brush and dust a translucent powder across the center zone of your face. 

Finish off with a fixing spray to hold that perfect face in place.  

Instead of re-powdering during the day which can look 'cakey', keep some blotting sheets in your bag. Dab a Clean 'n' Clear oil absorbing sheet over your face and soak up excess oil without spoiling your makeup.