Sizzle in summer!

Prevent a makeup meltdown and make it last longer…

A little walk in the sun in the sizzling hot can wash away your makeup due to sweating during the summer season. It is perfect weather for streaky mascara, chapped lips, running the foundation, smudged eyeliner, and meltdown mishaps.

The common question is what's the best way to make your look sweat and heat resistant and start enjoying the sunshine. Summertime makeup has a completely different set of need and minor adjustment in beauty routines can prevent melted makeup and sunburn, etc.

The golden rule for summer makeup is soft, delicate and very sparing. Water-based and powder makeup items are better during summer. Use powder eye shadows and powder blush-on.

Waterproof mascaras and eyeliners will prevent eye makeup from running during the hot and humid season. Waterproof or water-resistant lip colours and lip liners are also available. Or, go for a matte lipstick and add just a dab of gloss in the centre for a delicious pout.

Cleansing: Cleaning the skin before makeup is most important. Wash off with plenty of cool water. After cleansing, use chilled rose water to tone and cool the skin. This helps to close the pores. In hot and humid weather, wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth and wipe the face with it just for a few seconds at a time. This helps to close the pores.

For oily skin, apply astringent lotion with cotton wool, to close pores and reduce oiliness. Or apply a face serum. It is lighter than a moisturiser and provides an ideal cover. Applying primer also helps. Dab it on oily areas, like the T-zone.

It is said that Milk of Magnesia works as a primer during the humid season. It helps to reduce oiliness. Take some Milk of Magnesia on moist cotton wool or a sponge and dab it on the face. Allow it to dry.

After a few minutes, apply water-based foundation, blending with a damp sponge for a smooth finish. Use a foundation with beige tones, rather than pink. I feel beige suits Indian skin colour better. Add a drop or two of water, before applying, to provide a lighter coverage.

Then apply powder to 'set' the foundation. When you apply powder, press the powder all over the face and neck, with a slightly damp sponge. This helps it to set and last longer. Or, use only compact powder, which lasts longer and provides a smooth finish. Primers and powders help to remove the oily look.

Try tinted powders, like warm yellow tones of powder. Bronzing powders may also suit. If you want a really healthy glow without the shine, go for a bronzing powder. Avoid applying too much. It should be lightly applied, using a big powder puff. A powder puff is better than a brush in summer.

Blot your makeup with tissue: When you apply makeup, remember not to smear too much or rub it. Whether it is foundation or blusher, it is best to do it with a light touch, using a fingertip, or an applicator. It can also be applied lightly and evenly with a damp sponge.

Blusher: A hint of blusher should be used on the cheeks. A powder blusher is best in summer. Use it after you have applied powder and at the end of your makeup. Apply on the cheekbones and blend it outwards and slightly upwards.

Foundation: Applying foundation on the lips before applying lipstick keeps lipstick last longer. Go for a matte lipstick and add just a dab of gloss in the centre for a delicious pout. Use a spray mist to help set the makeup.

If you use kajal, after applying on the lower lid, just below eyelashes, apply a line of grey or brown eye shadow over it. This helps it last longer. At night, you need more colour. Applying lipstick with a lip brush helps it to last longer.

The lip colour should match the attire. However, bronze, coral, copper, burgundy and even red would look good for the night. Coral lipsticks are in fashion. A coral or dark pink lipstick may look very attractive, even with light coloured clothes.

Apply a hint of lip gloss after applying lipstick. This gives a fresh and cool look.

Makeup when travelling: Carry an eye-pencil, mascara and lipsticks that are suitable for both day and night wear. Include lip gloss, compact powder and powder blush-on. Remember to take a few tissues. If you have oily skin, or the weather is hot and humid, pre-moistened tissues are best. Take deodorant and talcum powder too.