Every Secret To Staying Glowy (Not Sweaty) All Summer

December 17 | 3 minute read

Words by Christie Sinclair

Radiant, sunkissed skin is synonymous with summer. A little more than bare-faced and a lot less than full glam, we’re talking the kind of luminous complexion that looks like you’ve given it no thought at all.

But when it’s hot, humid and feels like a million degrees out, this glow can very quickly turn into a greasy, sweaty mess.

Over time, I’ve discovered some foolproof tricks to keep my skin looking fresh and dewy, even when sweltering through a festive outdoor lunch with the in-laws. And, as I've learnt, it has less to do with powders and blotting paper and everything to do with preparation – with a strategic selection of hard-working formulas (though the former definitely helps).

1. Smoothing skincare

Ensuring your skin is as clean and smooth as possible will help your complexion products melt in. rather than sitting on the surface and promptly sliding off as soon as you step out of air-conditioning.

After cleansing, try a swipe of REN Clean Skincare’s Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic. It’s an MUA (including Katie-Jane Hughes) favourite for creating a smooth and glowy canvas from the get-go. Or, opt for Glow Recipe’s Strawberry BHA Pore-Smooth Blur Drops™ to lift dead skin or dry patches. The added tapioca and rice subtly blur any imperfections, help makeup wear better and reduce excess shine.

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2. Oil-free moisturisers

Believe it or not, much of your glow will come from a careful selection of skincare, rather than makeup. Since the goal is to avoid an oil slick, look for water-based formulas (rather than oil-based) with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. Mario Badescu Hyaluronic Day Cream is lightweight, oil-free and perfect for layering. Summer Fridays Cloud Dew™ Gel Cream Moisturizer is another oil-free option we love, with three kinds of hyaluronic acid for extra glow.

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3. Multitasking SPF

Facial sunscreens have undergone a major rebrand; they’re now the heavy lifters of our beauty routines, working like skincare or makeup primers (sometimes both) while providing broad-spectrum protection. Any Naked Sundays SPF will provide you with the ideal base for glowy makeup, but the SPF50+ Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Perfecting Priming Lotion is unmatched (in my opinion).

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Sunscreen is only one form of sun protection. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and reapply as directed.

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4. Hydrating primers

Choose your SPF wisely and you can forgo this step completely. Otherwise, an oil-free primer will help add another layer of protection against heat and humidity. I prefer formulas with added hyaluronic acid or glycerine for an extra boost of moisture, like Smashbox’s The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer which helps makeup stay in place when it gets steamy and leaves a radiant matte finish. By Terry’s Hyaluronic Hydra Primer will extend the wear-time of your makeup and impart the finish we’re going for: luminous, sans shine.

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5. Heat-proof foundation

You might wince at the thought of a matte base in +30C heat, but hear me out – these formulas are designed to grip onto your skin and stay there. Use a damp beauty sponge to apply a tiny amount of product like you would a concealer, just where you need the extra coverage. bareMinerals BAREPRO 24HR Wear Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation Mineral SPF20 is my choice for a beach day – this isn’t going anywhere and has additional SPF. Too Faced Born This Way Soft Matte Foundation gives a sheer and luminous soft-focus finish that looks undetectable as long as you’re not too heavy handed.

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6. Setting spray

A setting spray creates a protective layer over your makeup, helping it last longer and resist melting when things heat up. I've used Urban Decay’s All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray on a beach holiday in 80 percent humidity and even though I felt like I was boiling from the inside, my makeup looked just as it did when I left the villa. The NARS Light Reflecting™ Makeup Setting Mist packs in as much hydration as a facial mist and will prolong the wear of your makeup thanks to its Invisible Lock Technology.