Sweat-proof your skin

Don't let this intense summer melt all your perfect make-up. Try these neat tricks for a beautiful you this sunny season...

Summer is full of wonderful things — but melting make-up, smeared eyeliner and super-sticky lipstick are not among them. So, it becomes imperative to use the best tricks to keep your make-up looking fresh and pretty, even when the weather is working against you. Here’s a checklist of skincare habits to prevent melting make-up in this season:

Slather the sunscreen

If there is one step that you must follow during summer, it has to be this one. Skipping sunscreen is a cardinal sin on any given day, but the effects of it are even harsher on days when the sun is at its brightest. Look for a sunscreen with SPF 30 at least and make it a part of your daily skincare routine. A lazy-girl hack to ensure you apply sunscreen every day is to find a moisturiser that has a generous amount of SPF in it. Apply it not just on the face but also your neck, arms and chest, or any part of the body that’s exposed to the sun. As an extra precaution, you can also carry a small bottle/tube in your handbag to re-apply during the day. And if you’re planning to take a dip into the pool, use a waterproof sunscreen.

Scrub with care

While the dryness in your skin may be gone with the cool winds, you may think that you don’t need exfoliators anymore. However, it’s during these warmer months that your skin needs exfoliation the most. Gentle exfoliation during the warmer months saves you from clogged pores and removes blackheads and whiteheads, which in turn gives your skin a chance to breathe. As with any skincare product, it’s best to scan the label beforehand for red flags such as fragrances and alcohol. For sensitive skin, exfoliators with micro-beads work best.

Lighten the lotion

Moisturisers don’t have to be banished to the back ends of your beauty drawer with the dawn of summer. In fact, using light, water-based moisturisers will keep your skin soft and nourished during these months. This holds especially true for those with sensitive skin as water-based moisturisers get absorbed easily, and don’t leave a tacky layer behind. The same theory applies to body lotions. Using oil- or glycerin-based body lotions can cause acne on your back and upper arms, bringing your noodle strap top dreams to a resounding halt.

Chuck out your old make-up

We all have a soft corner for that limited edition blush or that perfect shade of lipstick we bought a few years ago. Even though our minds tell us to bin it, the make-up junkie in us begs to disagree. Summer is the time to start listening to your logic and follow the expiry dates. This includes filtering the stash and getting rid of lipsticks that smell weird, foundations that have separated, and blushes that have loose or damaged bristles. Clean your brushes at least once a week to avoid bacteria formation.

Start with a proper base

The way you care for your skin is just as important as the make-up you apply to it. Use an oil-free moisturiser in the morning. You should also opt for an oil-free foundation formula to match.

Try waterproof versions of your favourite products

Invest in good quality waterproof make-up products as they protect your skin from sweating.

Keep it light

If you want to prevent your make-up from creasing and caking, remember ‘less is more’. Just use a tinted moisturiser and a concealer. Make-up likes to move around when it’s hot, so the best way to avoid that is to wear less of it.

(The author is managing director, Mattlook Cosmetics)