LEIGH CAMPBELL: 'The $16 CC cream I swear by on hot days.'

What is your nightmare scenario and why is it this: You've perfectly applied your makeup in your air-conditioned bathroom, you step outside into the Aussie heat and, within minutes, your carefully crafted face is melting off.

We've all been there.

But before you give up and resign yourself to a makeup-free summer (which is totally fine too, btw), beauty guru and You Beauty podcast host Leigh Campbell has some game-changing recommendations for bases that actually stay put when the temperature soars.

Watch: You Beauty's Em Vernem tries the foundation hug-proof test. Post continues after video.

Before we dive in, let's talk about why CC and BB creams are having such a moment. These hybrid products — which typically combine skincare benefits with makeup coverage — have become increasingly popular as more of us embrace a "skinimalist" approach to beauty. They're perfect for those days when you want something lighter than foundation but more evening than just moisturiser.

First though, a quick PSA: If you're relying on your BB or CC cream for sun protection, we need to talk.

"You'll never ever be able to wear enough of a tinted product to be your sunscreen step," Leigh explained on a recent episode of Mamamia's You Beauty podcast.

Listen to the full episode below.

In fact, when skincare expert Hannah English tried to get adequate SPF coverage from a tinted product alone, she ended up looking like "Mrs Doubtfire put her face in the cake" (Leigh's words, not ours.)

So what should you actually be reaching for when the mercury rises? Here are Leigh and YB co-host Kelly McCarren's top picks for bases that won't ghost you the minute you start sweating:

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream SPF 50, $80.

Image: Adore Beauty

"An oldie but a goodie," said Leigh. "I would almost call it a full-coverage foundation. They call it a CC cream, but it's buildable."

Available in three variants — original, matte and illuminating — Leigh recommends the original formula for combination skin types.

"It gives you radiance, but it doesn't feel greasy."

Cancer Council Face Day Wear CC Cream SPF 50+, $15.99.

Image: Cancer Council

"The Cancer Council Face Day Wear CC cream is SPF 50+... it's definitely sort of a matte," explained Leigh.

"They say it's moisturising, but they've got a moisturising version, the new purple one, whereas this is kind of a rose gold packaging, and it's definitely the more matte of the two. Sheer coverage, but pretty decent coverage for a CC in my opinion."

Misha Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42, $15.50 (usually $25).

Image: K Beauty Australia

For those keen to explore K-beauty options, Leigh recommends this cult favourite: "So many of their makeups include sunscreen because they're so diligent with their SPF."

L'Oréal Paris True Match Nude Tinted Serum, $44.99.

If you're looking for ultra-lightweight coverage, Kelly suggests trying tinted serums instead of traditional BB or CC creams.

L'Oréal Paris True Match Nude Tinted Serum is one in particular she said is "beautiful".

Revlon Illuminance Serum Tint, $38.95.

Image: Myer.

Another lightweight option Leigh has gushed about since it launched is this Revlon option.

"It is so light; beautiful coverage," she said.

Pro tips for long-lasting coverage.

• Always apply your regular SPF first as your sun protection step, then follow with your chosen BB, CC or tinted product for coverage. If you're experiencing patchiness (annoying!), Leigh suggests using "a setting spray and a bit of powder in areas you get patchy".

• The key to preventing patchiness might be in your layering technique: "I also think the patchiness will decrease once you stop putting sunscreen on top of sunscreens," added Leigh.

• For areas that need more coverage, Kelly suggests adding "a little bit of concealer where you need".

Remember, finding the right base is about understanding your skin type and needs. As Kelly pointed out, sometimes the best approach is to keep it simple: if you've already got your SPF sorted, you might want to skip the creams altogether and opt for a lightweight tinted serum instead.

Feature image: Instagram/@leighacampbell/@itcosmetics