Summer is here and despite the heat and humidity, you still try to look your best in the show pen. You’ve about had it with your foundation sweating off, your mascara and eyeliner running down your cheeks and everything you put on seems to melt away by the time you’re done with showmanship.
Unfortunately, going barefaced in isn’t an option; after all, you need to look polished in the arena. To stay fresh faced in the summer time, we asked Pro Makeup Artist Devin Territo to give her advice on what products last through the heat and humidity. Territo worked with AQHYA World Champion and professional model, Abby Floyd, to help illustrate her makeup tips and product recommendations that will keep your makeup sweat proof and long lasting all summer long.
What is the first step in achieving long wearing makeup that beats the heat and humidity?
In order to achieve long lasting foundation that is not going to budge through the heat and humidity, you have to prep the skin properly. I like to start off with a really good moisturizer that suits the skin’s specific needs.
Next step is primer and this is one of the most important steps in achieving a long wearing base. Primer will help with filling in pores and smoothing the skin, evening out skin tone and keeping foundation on for a longer period of time. Some primers even contain an SPF, which is an added bonus and important for summer. Opt for a mattifying formula if you have an oily skin; this will help control the oils on the skin thought the day. Apply primer in the areas of the face that have larger pores. This is usually in the t-zone (forehead, nose and chin).
When it comes to foundation and concealer, what products do you recommend that hold up through the heat?
When choosing a foundation for hot weather the best option is to go for something that is going set and leave a matte finish. If you have dry skin and this is not what you would typically use, make sure you moisturize your skin well before priming. Since long wearing formulas can be thicker in consistency and not as easy to work with, I like to apply the foundation while the skin is still dewy with the moisturizer. This will make for a beautiful even application that will set into a long wear finish.
A great foundation that I love for summer is the Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation. This foundation has a 15 hour staying power and stays flawless all day through heat, humidity and nonstop activity. The formula is oil-free and will set into a semi-matte, natural finish so there is no need to powder (unless your skin is more on the oily side).
A really good dupe for this product from the drugstore is the Revlon Colorstay foundation. This product is at the top of my list for liquid drugstore foundations that will not budge. It even comes in formulas for Normal/Dry skin and Oily/Combination.
My absolute favorite concealer is the MAC pro long wear concealer. This concealer is a lightweight consistency that provides medium to full coverage while still being very comfortable and lightweight on the skin. This formula was also created to last up to 15 hours so it is perfect for the summer time, hence the reason for it being a staple in my kit especially at horse shows.
If it is really hot, do you avoid foundation or use less product?
I think it really depends on the individual. I love this question because most women think to achieve flawless skin you need to use more product when that’s not always the case. I like the skin to look like skin and not like it has been painted on. When I apply foundation, I use what is needed to conceal imperfections, no more or less. Some skin can even get away with a tinted 
moisturizer or even just some concealer to even out the skin tone. There is no need to use more product if it is not needed regardless of the weather.
How do you avoid eye shadow from creasing and fading?
A good eye shadow primer is key for shadows and loose pigments. I recommend the Urban Decay Eye Primer Potion.
Crème shadows are also amazing for the summer because they act as a primer and shadow in one. I love the Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr crème eye shadows. They are very affordable and easily found at any drugstore. In my kit I like to use the MAC Paint Pots and I use them on a variety of different people. After applying your eye primer and crème shadow you want to press and dab the powder shadow into the lid. This will set the crème shadow and ensure it to last all day.
In the previous article you mentioned that you could achieve a quick look with eyeliner and mascara, what are some products that last through the heat?
The best liquid liner I have ever used is the Stila All-Day Waterproof liquid eyeliner. This stuff will not budge. If you are into using a gel liner, I really enjoy the Mac Cosmetics Blacktrack Fluidline. A great eyeliner for the waterline is the Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes. This product is waterproof and has amazing staying power. A tip I use to set the liquid or gel liner into place is to press a black eye shadow on top of it.
There are so many great mascaras out there you really can’t go wrong with drugstore or high end brands. My tip for the summer is to definitely purchase something waterproof to avoid what looks like panda eyes when your mascara starts running. I like the Giorgio Armani ‘Eyes to Kill’ mascara; however, Maybelline’s Falsies mascara is also amazing and is a lot more affordable than Giorgio Armani.
How do you achieve a long wearing lip? What products do you recommend?
The first, most important tip for lasting lip color is to make sure you have smooth, clean lips. Exfoliating your lips is important for removing excess oils and dead skin.
When you want to achieve a long lasting lip always go for a matte finish. The more moisture you add to the lips, the more it breaks down the pigment, and the more it’s likely to fade or smear throughout the day. I always start by using a waterproof lip pencil before applying lipstick. MAC Pro Longwear Lip p
encils are my go-to for a long lasting lip that doesn’t budge. These lip pencils can feel slightly drying because of the matte finish so applying a Vitamin E stick (or any brand of lip balm) before applying the lip pencil will moisturize and make application easier.
You don’t though, need to invest in a new lip product to get your lipstick to last. Rather, my trick is apply your lipstick of choice, blot a couple times on a tissue and repeat with another swipe of lipstick, followed by another blot. Do this until you score your desired color strength. Take a tissue and separate it into two halves. Place one sheet over your lips and dust translucent powder over the lips, through the tissue. This will set the color without depositing a layer of powder.
Here are some long lasting lip products that I recommend:
Stila All Day Liquid Lipstick
OCC Lip Tar
Mac Pro Longwear Lipstick and lip pencils
L’oreal Infallible Lipcolour
What are some ways to keep your skin healthy during the summer?
I am a huge fan of skincare. It’s essential you take care of your skin, especially during the summertime, when UV levels can wreak havoc on exposed skin. While those killer rays may feel amazing, the effects of sun exposure may not be as agreeable over time. Make sure to apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before you go outside and preferably on
e that is water resistant so sweat cannot easily remove it.
A very essential nutrient for healthy skin especially during the summer is water. If your skin is not getting the sufficient amount of water, the lack of hydration will present itself by turning your skin dry, tight and flaky. Dry skin has less resilience and is more prone to wrinkling, so drink up!
A gentle, daily exfoliating routine is your next best bet in the quest for softer, smoother, clearer skin. Exfoliating scrubs or soft face brushes used with cream cleansers lift and wash away dead skin cells and clean out your pores for that amazing ‘facial affect.’
I am also a huge fan of face masks and they are a staple in my skincare routine all year around. During the summertime I like to use a mask that is going to hydrate, clarify and soothe the skin.
What are some tips you recommend for oily skin?
Every skin needs moisturizer, even oily skin. However, if that’s the type of skin you’re blessed with, then make sure you opt for an oil-free moisturizer. Primers are a must and there is one I love specifically for oily skin called Becca Ever Matte Pore less Priming Perfector. The formula is sweat and humidity resistant and free of silicone and oils.
Also, when applying makeup make sure you aren’t using products that are shimmery or shiny otherwise you will give yourself the look that you are trying to avoid. You will need powder throughout the year but you are bound to need it even more in the summer. I recommend investing in a good lightweight, loose powder.
What are your final tips and tricks for long lasting makeup?
I am a huge fan of setting sprays and one that I love and highly recommend is the Urban Decay All Nighter long makeup setting spray. You can mist on this spray to give your makeup serious staying power. The formula is suitable for all skin types and features patented Temperature Control Technology. What it does is lower the temperature of your makeup to keep foundation, eyeshadow, blush, and concealer in place even in hot and humid or cold and windy conditions. The result is smoother looking skin that lasts all day or night without melting, fading, and settling into fine lines.
With hot summer days ahead, at some point we all have to accept that a little sweat is inevitable. With that said, some blotting sheets for your face is always a must.
