The best sweat-proof makeup and skincare products

It was almost 30 degrees in Sydney this week, and we’re a mere two weekends away from daylight savings. The meaning in all this? Summer is so close, I can almost taste it.

But for all the good (bermuda shorts, 7 pm swims) summer also brings sticky conditions and unbearable humidity – two things not conducive with a fresh, refined beauty look.

But it’s all good, because there’s countless tips, tricks and sweat-proof makeup and skincare product recommendations that I promise will keep you cool this season. Don’t sweat it, or do – the below info will ensure you look and feel good regardless.

Skincare

Sweat-proof skincare doesn’t mean you have to skimp on moisture. Dry complexions might actually find reprieve as the humidity increases (more moisture in the air often equals dewier skin). The rest of us should swap rich, oil-based formulas for lightweight, watery products that will afford hydration without greasiness. That, and plenty of sunscreen.

Hydrating Serums

A serum with humectant ingredients, such as Glycerin, Pentavitin or Hyaluronic Acid, will keep your skin’s water reservoirs topped up. This is the kind of hydration that will plump fine lines and give you a fresh, bouncy feeling – no stickiness or shine. If you want to splurge, I love Dr Barbara Sturm’s Hyaluronic Acid. I’ve also been testing the new Osea Hyaluronic Sea Serum and it’s so silky, you’ll notice an immediate difference. Jocelyn Petroni got me onto the the Ultraceuticals B2 Hydrating Serum years ago and it’s still one of my favourites. And I can’t leave out The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% Serum (cheap, cheerful, effective).

A lightweight moisturiser

A lightweight moisturiser that’s hydrating but not too rich is actually really hard to find. Biologique Recherche Dermopurofiante is incredible if you’re very oily or breakout-prone. It’s mattifying and basically deletes blackheads. Rationale’s No. 2 The Light Creme is a mainstay in my routine (I’d call it mid-weight), plus it’s full of antioxidants to keep you glowy. And if you’re into a one-and-done formula, Augustinus Bader’s The Cream is going to do the heavy-lifting (firms, brightens, repairs damage) while keeping your skin balanced in summer.

Sunscreen

SPF is a summer non-negotiable but so often, people aren’t into the finish. A tip from me is to opt for a mineral SPF instead. Because they use Zinc Oxide, a chalky powder in its pure form, they have a soft matte finish by default. In all my years of trying mineral sunscreens I have never found one that feels dewy all day. They always dry down. Try Summer Fridays Shade Drops Mineral Milk, or Rationale No. 3 The Tinted Serum. If you prefer a chemical SPF, take a look at Ultra Violette Supreme Screen, or Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face. Both offer great protection and a humidity-proof finish.

For your body

Of all the sweat-proof products, Deodorant is probably the most literal. I have spent most of my working life testing ‘natural’ formulas and there’s two I’d recommend: Salt & Stone and Nécessaire. Salt & Stone comes in a Santal & Vetiver scent that’s really good, and it actually neutralises body odour. Nécessaire The Deodorant Gel is genius in that it contains hydroxy acids to gently exfoliate, keeping your underarms fresh and smooth. I also have to mention Tronque, a beautiful New Zealand body brand that just released a roll-on Natural Deodorant with a ‘deo-tox’ ingredient that mimics a muscle relaxant, reducing the nerve activity that triggers sweating. High tech and it comes with rave reviews.

Makeup

There are two ways to approach sweat-proof makeup: you can fight it with matte, long-lasting products or you can lean into the ‘dewy’ finish that high humidity affords. Below you’ll find options for both.

Foundation that actually lasts

There are so many long-wearing, waterproof, sweat-proof foundations out there. My all-time favourite is Estee Lauder Double Wear. It’s a best-seller and provides really nice, fresh coverage that doesn’t pill, transfer or fade. The finish is matte enough to control shine, but not so matte that it looks unflattering. It was my wedding day foundation of choice, actually (and it was 34 degrees). It’s also waterproof, so you can go for a spontaneous swim without ruining your base.

If you prefer something lightweight, Chanel’s Les Beiges Water Fresh Tint is incredible. It’s a watery skin tint with capsules of pigment that burst when you buff it in. It feels like nothing (just cool, a little dewy) but has a surprisingly good amount of coverage.

Prefer a bare face, maybe a little bit of concealer only? I am usually a big Kosas fan but Summer calls for NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. It has a matte finish and infallible coverage. I use it on breakouts, scars, pigmentation and under my eyes.

Powder that doesn’t feel like powder

Powder is pretty divisive these days; most people are scared it will undo a radiant base. And they’re right. But if we’re aiming for sweat-proof, a little powder is necessary, you just need to choose something modern. My number one recommendation is Rae Morris’ Invisible Mattifier. It’s not a powder but a gel that blurs and sets. I’ve never used anything like it. Other powders that will dispel shine without a chalky finish include Westman Atelier Vital Pressed Skincare Powder and Kosas Cloud Set. Both are really, really good.

A swim-proof mascara

If you want a mascara that stands up to sweat, you can either opt for a waterproof formula, or a tubing one. Waterproof mascaras are, as the name suggests, waterproof. They’re great if you plan on swimming or crying. Tubing mascaras on the other hand create little ‘tubes’ around each individual lash, so instead of flaking or smudging they come off as a singular piece, almost like a stocking. This greatly minimises the risk of smudgy panda eyes, while being easy to remove. In fact, you don’t even need makeup remover for tubing mascaras, just wiggle each lash under warm water and the product will slide right off.

As for waterproof formulas, I love Diorshow. It’s not only actually waterproof, but a really good mascara. Tubing has to be Kevyn Aucoin (the original and arguably the best), or Merit Beauty. The Merit formula is an excellent mascara and claims to be tubing. I don’t think it’s a true tubing mascara, but I’ve been testing it for weeks and it’s yet to smudge.

Lips and cheeks

Want a flushed look, or a stained-effect lip that doesn’t sweat off or require too many touch ups? You need Benefit Benetint (lips and cheeks) and/or Chanel’s Rouge Allure Laque. Benetint is like a weightless raspberry-hued liquid that leaves a just-pinched finish, while the Rouge Allure Laque is a gloss that stains for a long-lasting finish that doesn’t need to be touched for hours.