Keeping a Cool Complexion

"How to prevent a make-up meltdown!!"

The hot days of summer call for a shift in your makeup routine. Sweltering heat and humidity can wreak havoc with your summer make-up. Foundation may seem to melt or liquefy, and no powder stands up to those little beads of sweat that collect around your hairline.

Wether you are at work in the office or having cocktails by the pool, when the temperature starts to rise you will need a few tricks to help get you through a midday make-up meltdown. "After all Ladies, we don't perspire, we glisten," or so the saying goes!

If possible, skip the foundation altogether and opt for a tinted moisturiser. If you're a fan of foundation or feel it is necessary, but hate to see it melt away in the humidity, there are a few solutions you may like to consider.

Perfect the base

1) The key to long-lasting foundation and colour is the most commonly skipped step. Using a primer will help your foundation and eye colour stay put. All you need is a small amount of a lightweight, oil-free formula and apply it to moisturised skin before your concealer and foundation.

2) Blemishes and blotchy skin don't vanish in the hot weather, but the wrong concealer definitely can. What you want is a densely pigmented (but not liquidy) cream formula. Use your finger to dab the concealer on dark circles, apply to red spots with a small brush, and then pat with your finger to blend the cover-up into the skin.

3) Try switching to an oil-free formula during the summer months or dilute your everyday foundation with an oil-free moisturiser. This lighter coverage will fare better when temperatures heat up. For more cover choose a lightweight silicone-based formula. The silicone acts as a film between your skin and the humidity, preventing foundation from seeping into your pores or sliding down your chin.

4) The less you put on, the less there is to slide off. A dampened make-up sponge is the ideal tool for applying foundation as a base so that it goes on light and sheer. Put a few drops on a damp make-up sponge or on the back of your hand if using it as a pallette, and stipple it from the middle of your face outward and limit application to the center of the face, steering clear of the hairline. Always allow it a minute or so to settle before you apply other makeup.

5) To reduce shine and set your makeup, take a large fluffy brush and dust any coverage with a little loose translucent powder across your T-zone. Because it is colourless, there's less of a chance it will cause problems in the heat, but use a light hand and look for 'talc-free' as these mattify without feeling dry. Avoid pressed powder altogether as it has the tendency to cake and clump when hit with moisture.

6) Avoid repowdering throughout the day as extra layers can cause cakey product buildup in warm weather. Blot any perspiration or oil buildup with non-powdered blotting papers dabbed over your face, they soak up excess oil without messing up your makeup, alternatively a clean tissue, pressing gently into moist areas can do the trick.

Sheer cream eyeshadows tend to cake less in hot weather (plus, they glisten in the sun).

As with powder eyeshadow, powder blush and perspiration don't mix. Instead, rub a bright pink or coral cream or gel blush on the apples of your cheeks, and blend.

No look is complete without a coat of mascara. Apply a waterproof one to help stand up to the summer’s heat and humidity.

To finish - Choose a tinted lip balm with a high wax content, it will stay longer and won't turn to mush in your bag or on your lips!

Products:

1) L'OrÈal Paris - Studio Secrets Smoothing Resurfacing Primer - Inspired by professional make-up artists, this primer masks wrinkles and uneven textures in the skin, making the complexion feel smooth and soft, with a remarkable velvety touch. Available from www.boots.com Priced £12.99

2) GIORGIO ARMANI - Luminous Silk foundation - Developed with exclusive Micro fil!" technology, for a weightless, silky texture, the oil free fluid glides on seamlessly, offering hydrating all day coverage. Available from www.selfridges.com Priced £32.00

3) DuWop Circle Block Treatment Shield - An award winning concealer, a pioneering two-tier system that helps recreate a flawless eye look. The coral-toned, water-resistant top tier cancels out the blue tone found in dark circles. The pigment-rich lower tier is a moisturising concealer that evens skin tone that sits on top of, rather than settling into fine lines, Available from www.cultbeauty.co.uk Priced £23.00

4) Beautyblender - A genius sponge created without edges in order to eliminate visible lines and streaks. It has an elliptical shape that fits perfectly to the contours of the face, its surface creates an air-brushed finish. If you have problem skin Beautyblender works really well to cover blemishes. It's latex-free, non-allergenic and odourless. Recommended by Hollywood stars like Oprah, Beyonce, Gwen Stefani, Shakira, Diana Ross and Fergie. Available from www.justbeautydirect.co.uk Priced £14.50

5) Make Up For Ever HD Powder - This powder looks white but is actually transparent, it contains Mineral Silica for a flawless finish that will look good in extreme close-up, or ‘high definition’ it doesn't accentuate wrinkles as it is so fine and talc free. Available from www.makeup-provisions.com - Priced §21.28

6) SHISEIDO 100 sheets pureness oil-control blotting paper – These are lightweight, oil absorbing papers formulated to absorb sebum and harmful lipid peroxide. They refresh the skin and eliminates shine, whilst providing a matt appearance. The 100 sheets contain a floral aroma which restricts the production of the stress hormone, cortisol. They can be used for any skin type as well as any age. Available from www.houseoffraser.co.uk Priced £16.00