beauty

'I'm an over 40s makeup artist. These summer beauty tips never fail me.'

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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 enough to deal with in mid-life right? 

Watch: We've found the best setting spray for summer. Post continues below.


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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!

Tip 1. Start in the cool zone.

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.

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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!

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.

Tip 2. Prep like a pro (hydration is your best friend).

Image: Supplied.

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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. Try this routine:

Tip 3. The best summer foundations for mature skin.

Image: Supplied.

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 because it's light as air, blends beautifully, and gives your skin that radiant "no-makeup makeup" finish. 

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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, try Estee 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'Oreal Paris Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer to add some glow and dimension.

Tip 4. Avoid eyeshadow.

Image: Supplied.

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Creased eyeshadow is a summer no-go, which is why every woman over 40 needs a long-wear cream eyeshadow in her bag of tricks. 

These beauties do it all: prime, color, 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.

Tip 5. Powder and setting spray.

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

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 using a gentle pressing motion starting at the bottom of your nose, working upwards with a makeup puff.

Lock it all in with a setting spray. My current favourite is L'Oreal 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.

Tip 6. Handbag essentials.

Image: Supplied.

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

A folding handheld fan is a lifesaver for hot flushes and sweaty moments. Tissues or blotting papers are essential – dab, don't rub, to absorb any shine.

But honestly, 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 tried and tested beauty recommendations, listen to the You Beauty podcast or watch You Beauty on YouTube.

At Mamamia, we independently curate and write about products we rave about in our group chats and think you should know about too. If you purchase a product we have recommended, we may earn a small commission.

This article originally appeared on Adore Beauty's Beauty IQ and has been republished with full permission.

Feature image: Supplied.

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