'I'm an over-40s beauty expert. This is exactly how I get my makeup to last.'

This article was originally published by Adore Beauty.

Hot flushes? Humidity? Scorching sun? Let's make sure your makeup isn't another thing melting away this summer.

We've all been there: standing in front of the mirror on a scorching summer day, watching our makeup slowly slip away as the heat takes over.

And if you're a seasoned 50+ beauty like me, you know that sweaty skin and melting makeup is not the vibe we're going for; we've got enough to deal with in mid-life, right? Your summer glow shouldn't come with a side of streaky foundation or patchy powder — let's fix that...

Let me introduce you to your survival kit for the summer party season: sweat-proof, long-lasting makeup that works with your mature skin, not against it. Grab your fan, a glass of something cold, and let's dive in!

Watch: Not summer-specific but still want 20-hours of wear? Here's the routine. Post continues below.

Start in the cool zone.

Image: Adore Beauty.

The tough truth: makeup and sweaty skin are not friends. Trying to apply foundation or powder to hot, damp skin is a recipe for streaks and frustration. So, before you reach for your makeup bag, get yourself into the coolest room possible.

Pro Tip 1: Skip the steamy bathroom and head to an air-conditioned space, pop a fan in front of you, stick your feet in cold water, have a hand-held fan on stand-by, whatever you need to do to get cooled down. I have been known to sit in my car with the air-con running, needs must, as they say!

Pro Tip 2: If a hot flush hits, take a beat, get out the other side of the intense heatwave, gently blot away any sweat droplets with a tissue, cool down and crack on. Once your skin is cool and you're calm, your makeup will apply more evenly and stay put longer.

Prep like a pro (hydration is your best friend).

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A quick word on skin prep. In summer, your glorious mature skin needs hydration — think of it as giving your skin a big, refreshing glass of water before the big event.

Start with a gentle micellar water to cleanse (such as Bioderma Sensibio H2O Soothing Micellar Water Cleanser), follow with a hydrating mist like the Dermalogica hyaluronic ceramide mist, a plumping serum (like the Avene Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum), and a gel-based moisturiser (try the AB LAB by Adore Beauty B3 Balance Water Gel Moisturiser with Niacinamide and Hyaluronic acid).

Then apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50 that doubles as a primer, such as Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+ Hydrating Facial Sunscreen.

Choose your base wisely.

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When it comes to foundation in summer, you've got options. For a quick, natural look: A quality loose mineral powder foundation is your BFF.

I love asap pure mineral foundation — it's light as air, blends beautifully, and gives your skin that radiant "no-makeup makeup" finish. Hyaluronic Acid Microspheres prevent this light powder from appearing chalky or visibly powdery on the skin, attracting and holding moisture for a more even "air brushed" finish.

Mineral pigments calm your skin and minimise irritation and inflammation, providing a safe option for mature skin, which tends to become more sensitive with age.

Bonus tip: If you've got dry skin, mix a couple of drops of face oil into your moisturiser before applying powder for a smoother finish.

For all-day glam: Enter the Holy Grail of long-wear foundations — Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Makeup Foundation. It's sweat-proof, transfer-proof, and stays put no matter what. The downside? It can feel a little flat on mature skin. My solution? Mix it with a water-based liquid highlighter (like L'Oréal Paris Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer) to add some glow and dimension.

Set it and forget it.

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The secret to sweat-proof summer makeup? Layering your products like a pro.

Step 1: Set your foundation in high wear and tear zones, like your forehead, chin, upper lip, nose, and that area between your nose and cheek, with a light dusting of invisible powder (try MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Loose Translucent Powder) using a gentle pressing motion starting at the bottom of your nose, working upwards with a makeup puff (like the Kryolan Powder Puff — Triangular White).

Step 2: Lock it all in with a setting spray. My current favourite is L'Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray Mist (find the red can — it's magic!). It's like insurance for your face, refreshing and hydrating while keeping your makeup in place.

Don't forget your eyes.

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Creased eye shadow is a summer no-go, which is why every woman over 40 needs a long-wear cream eye shadow in her bag of tricks. These beauties do it all: prime, colour, and stay put. My go-tos include MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Resist Smoky Shadow, Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick, and the iconic M.A.C Cosmetics Pro Longwear Paint Pot.

The finishing touches.

Lastly, don't leave home without a touch-up kit.

A folding handheld fan is a lifesaver for hot flushes and sweaty moments. (We are starting a movement, ladies, where the fan is making a chic comeback!) Tissues or blotting papers are essential — but dab, don't rub, to absorb any shine.

Try: Skoop Skincare Babe Blotter Extra Drip, Blotting Paper.

Own the summer glow.

Makeup mishaps in the summer heat are inevitable, but with the right products and a touch of light humour, you can take on the world (or at least the dance floor) with greater confidence.

Remember: your beauty is timeless, and your makeup is there to help you feel just as fabulous as you already are.

Stay cool, stay radiant, and most importantly, have fun!

For more from beauty editor Amanda Ramsey, click here.

Feature Image: Supplied/Adore Beauty.