Flawless makeup at sweaty music festivals is possible with the right products and technique. (Photo: Ben Ritter)
It may not be summer yet, but hot, sweaty music festivals are already wreaking have on on our makeup routines. We enlisted Sage and Tamah of The Makeup Mates (their clients include Alexa Chung, Elisabeth Moss, and Judy Greer) to weigh in on the cosmetics that won’t melt off your face and lots of expert application tips.
For starters, The MakeUp Mates believe in a less-is-more approach. “No matter what you do, make sure to keep it simple—opt for an eye or a lip, but not at the same time,” says Sage. “You want to use as few products as possible, especially if you’re going to be outside all day. Warm weather isn’t about a full face of makeup. Keep it chic and minimal.” Tamah says selecting creamy formulas is key. “Powder-based products sit on top of your skin, so they will literally melt off as you are outside. Cream-based products have staying power because they are somewhat absorbed into your skin.” Tamah says many creamy products are actually waterproof. Bonus! Here’s everything you need to know in terms of application.
Skin prep
SPF is a must, so look for a moisturizer with SPF included so you won’t have to double up. Tamah likes Kate Somerville Daily Deflector Moisturizer with SPF 50+ ($48) since it absorbs quickly and isn’t greasy. “If at all possible, skip foundation, powder, and concealer,” says Tamah. “If needed, you can spot conceal using foundation or tinted moisturizer.” She prefers sheer options like Maybelline Fit Me! Foundation ($5), Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation ($62), and Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer ($44). “Powder only if necessary in the T-zone.”
Cheeks
For cheeks, The MakeUp Mates like creams or gels to give a natural glow. Their picks: Dior Cheek and Lip Glow ($37), Tarte Cheek Stain ($30), and Benefit Benetint ($30). “A little goes a long way with these stains and you’re likely to be flushed from the heat itself, so keep the application light,” says Sage. “These three products can actually also be used on lips as well.” The color hue is your choice, but there is one major no-no: “Avoid any highlighters, anything iridescent, and any products that contain shimmer,” says Sage. “They will only draw more attention to any perspiration.” Lock everything in with Skindinavia Finishing Spray ($29).
Eyes
Waterproof is the name of the game in eyeshadows, and The MakeUp Mates love creamy formulas by Dior, Givenchy, Dolce Gabbana, Eyeko and Benefit. “Apply them sheerly with a soft brush and they should last for quite a while,” says Sage. She says waterproof liners by brands like Make Up For Ever, MAC, Bobbi Brown, Revlon, and NYX will stay put it and come in a wide variety of colors. “If you are keeping things minimal it can be fun to pick a bold color and make that your one accessory.” And brace yourselves: these ladies advise skipping mascara. “Even the most waterproof formulas will slip off in the heat,” says Tamah. “If you can’t go mascara free, definitely opt for a waterproof formula, and either way give your lashes a good curl!” Yves Saint Laurent Volume Effet Faux Cils Waterproof ($30) is known to stay in place.
Lips
“We recommend skipping gloss, or glossy lipsticks as they will melt right off your lips,” says Tamah. Instead, try a tinted lip balm that keeps lips hydrated and has the added benefit of SPF. She prefers Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments ($23) and Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm ($7). “Both have staying power and a great range of colors.” For something more pigmented, Sage likes Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar ($18) and matte lipsticks by Lipstick Queen ($22). “Just remember when you’re wearing a bold color in the heat, you’ll definitely have to touch up and reapply to keep things from moving around,” says Sage.
Touch-ups
Sage advises using tissues to soak up sweat, and following up with oil blotting papers to eliminate shine. “A small atomizer of water is great to have to refresh your skin from the heat,” she says. “Give yourself a light mist and then just let the water evaporate—don’t touch your skin while it dries. This will make you fresh as opposed to sweaty.” Tamah loves micellar water by Avene ($20) and Simple ($7), and uses Muji travel bottles ($1) to take it with her at all times. “This will be helpful if you do have some real mascara runs, or need to touch up if anything has truly melted,” says Tamah. Keep some SPF handy for touchups, too. “Having a sunburn is way worse then being a bit sweaty!”