The Ultimate Makeup Guide For Sunny Days

Whether it’s a romantic getaway to watch the setting sun or a stylish brunch, the only way to end your outing looking like a sun goddess is by wearing makeup best-suited for hot summer days. Of course, donning SPF-infused makeup is a given but the trick is to choose beauty products that sit lightly on skin without streaking or melting. In fact, the thought of wearing a full face of makeup during unforgiving Indian summers is a daunting prospect, especially if you have combination or oily skin. Sweat, excess oil, high temperatures and humidity equals makeup meltdowns! The trick to keeping your overall look fresh is mastering the no-makeup look and selecting a tinted moisturiser, lightweight lipstick, and an oil-free compact all containing the SPF. Here are some tips on how you can combat the heat and stay fresh-faced throughout the day!

Sun Protection Comes First

Your sunscreen/sunblock is the single most important part of your beauty routine in the summer. Ideally, you should use sun protection throughout the year but it becomes even more important in the summer when the sun beats down and causes skin damage. We generally associate sun damage with tanning and skin darkening but sun exposure can also cause skin ageing, lines, and wrinkles. So, it’s vital to choose a sunscreen that works with your skin texture. Normal to oilier skin types should opt for a light lotion or gel sunscreen while normal to dry-skinned gals can opt for a cream or lotion formula. If you know you’ll be spending long periods outdoors make sure to reapply sunscreen every two to three hours. Look for the words “broad spectrum” and “non-comedogenic” (for oilier skin) while picking a sunscreen. The ideal sunscreen should have SPF 50 or higher. Choose a moisturising sunscreen if you have dry or sensitive skin.

Nykaa offers a great range of sunscreens for all skin types. Here are a few of our recommendations.

For Oily Skin

For Sensitive Skin

For Dry Skin

Long-Lasting Sweat-Proof Base

Once you’ve applied sunscreen, it’s time to start with your makeup. Ideally, use base products which also have inbuilt SPF as layering protective products enhances sun protection. A layer of base on the skin also gives barrier protection to the skin not only from the sun but pollution too. Before using a foundation or BB cream, use a primer to prevent makeup meltdown due to sweat and heat. Primers don’t just create a smooth base that helps makeup stay on longer but also smoothen and mattify the face, making it the best oil control formula for summer wear. If you have extremely oily skin, skip the liquid foundation and opt for a powder formula instead. It’s a good idea to swap foundation for tinted moisturisers that even out skin tone, add radiance, and don’t feel heavy in the heat. If you’re using a liquid product, make sure to set it well with a loose powder, especially in the T-zone area where the skin produces the most oils.

My recommendations for summer wear primers and BB creams:

BB Creams With SPF

Primers With SPF

Tinted Moisturisers With SPF

Touch Ups On The Go!

Make sure to carry oil blotting sheets and a pressed powder in your handbag. Anytime you feel your skin getting oily, gently pat the blotting sheet on the offending areas to blot away the shine. Then dab a little powder to prevent oil buildup. I also recommend a soothing face mist like Avene Thermal Spring Water to refresh and calm the skin when out in the heat.

Blotting Paper

Pressed Powders

Face Mists

Summertime Eye Makeup

Washable mascara and eyeliner are a complete no-no in summer. All you’ll end up with is smudged eye makeup that looks like panda eyes before you know it. Water-resistant mascaras are the easiest way to avoid this but if you find long-wearing formulas irritating, here’s a simple trick; sweep waterproof mascara over your regular black one to seal the colour. You can also use a tubing mascara that easily comes off when gently pulled but resists water and sweat. Then use a smudge-proof and waterproof eyeliner to keep the makeup intact even if everyone around you is having a meltdown! Here are some of our recommendations for water-proof, long-stay eye makeup.

Tubing Mascara

Water-Proof Eye Liners

Colour Up Lips And Cheeks

Long-stay lip and cheek stains are a great option since they don’t budge or smudge. The light watery texture is designed to sink into the skin completely without causing greasiness. If you have oily skin, avoid cream blushes and stick to powder formulas. Drier-skinned girls can use either but remember to set the cream blush with a light dusting of translucent powder. For the lips, I prefer sheer hydrating lip products as the heat can parch your pucker! A fresh translucent colour on the lips is a great way to lift the face. Always carry a hydrating lip balm with SPF in your handbag for touch ups on the go! No go show off your best face this summer!

Powder Blushes

Lip Balms With SPF

Liquid Lipsticks

Parting Thoughts

Summer doesn’t have to be unbearable if you have the right makeup. Opt for lightweight skin essentials to avoid that heavy, greasy feeling. When it comes to makeup, try looking for SPF-infused products that offer that extra layer of protection. And this goes without saying, always wear sunblock or sunscreen during the hotter months, if you don’t already wear it all year long.

FAQs

1. What foundation should I use in summer?

   Foundations can get a bit heavy during the summer since they are oil-based and medium coverage. We recommend skipping foundation under the sun and opting for tinted moisturisers, tinted sunscreens, or even BB creams. They are far lighter and offer hydration along with an even skin tone.

2. How to stop makeup from melting in the summer?

   The best way to prevent your makeup from melting in the summer is to use a primer before and a makeup mist after. A hydrating primer will ensure your makeup stick to your skin and the makeup mist ensures the makeup stays put while locking in hydration.

3. How to choose a summer sunscreen?

   An ideal sunscreen for the summer with has broad-spectrum protection that shields you from UVA, UVB, and blue light rays. Make sure to choose a product with SPF 50 or more for the Indian weather. Additionally, you can choose a hydrating and tinted sunscreen to avoid more products and to keep your skin feeling light and breezy.