India`s hot and humid summers can wreak havoc on the most meticulously applied makeup, and that becomes a challenge when it is accompanied by unseasonal rains. However, achieving a flawless look that does not smudge or transfer, no matter the temperature, is entirely possible.
As the heat gets to you, celebrity makeup artists reveal expert insights and practical makeup tips designed to help you master long-lasting looks that won`t smudge. It will help you discover how to create a resilient base, ensure smudge-proof eyes and lips, and apply smart touch-up strategies to embrace the summer season with confidence. Say goodbye to melting makeup and hello to lasting glam.
Get your base right
Let’s be honest, applying makeup in scorching heat feels like prepping a masterpiece just to watch it melt. “Between the heat and crazy humidity, even the best glam starts slipping by midday. But over the years (and through plenty of summer weddings and shoots), I’ve figured out what really works when it comes to makeup that stays put,” reveals Pooja Lalwani Tamang, celebrity makeup artist and founder of Fit Face.
Below she shares her most essential base product recommendations, and how to apply them:
The Base
First things first: skin prep is key. Remember less is more, so start with a light, gel-based moisturiser. This ensures your skin is hydrated but not greasy, creating an ideal canvas for makeup.
Primers
During summer, I swear by silicone-based primers. They create a smooth yet grippy surface that your base needs to stay on, helping your makeup last longer in the heat.
Foundations
For summer, go for matte, oil-free, and long wear formulas. Remember, a thin layer is more effective than caking it on, which helps prevent your makeup from feeling heavy or melting in the heat. Use a damp beauty sponge to really press it in for a seamless, long-lasting finish.
Concealer
When selecting your concealer, choose one that offers coverage but has a matte finish.
Expert tip: Face workouts are my secret weapon, they boost circulation, reduce puffiness and give your skin a natural lift. A quick 5-to-10-minute routine before makeup can make a huge difference in how fresh and tight your face looks (and feels). Think of it like a pre-makeup warmup.
Setting is key
As Tamang rightly points out, a strong base is crucial, but it`s just the first step in combating the relentless Indian heat and humidity. Truly ‘locking in’ your makeup requires a strategic approach with specific techniques and product types. The expert outlines a two-way approach that will prevent your makeup from melting or transferring in the humid summer.
Powder
Beyond just foundation, strategic powder application is crucial for preventing melt and shine in humid conditions. Target your T-zone and under-eyes with a translucent setting powder. These areas are typically the most prone to oiliness and creasing. For maximum longevity, use a puff to press the powder into the skin rather than just dusting it lightly with a brush. This pressing technique helps the powder meld with the foundation and concealer, absorbing excess oil and creating a more durable, seamless finish that lasts significantly longer.
Setting sprays
Don`t skip this step! A high-quality setting spray acts as the ultimate protective shield, effectively sealing everything in and preventing your makeup from melting, smudging, or transferring throughout the day. I find it most effective to apply it in two stages: a quick spritz after foundation helps to fuse that layer with the skin, and then again once the full look is done to create a final, long-lasting barrier. Look for sprays with film-forming polymers that create a flexible, breathable layer to lock makeup in place, a crucial feature for humid climates.
Eyes and lips: Combating sweat and humidity for lasting colour
Eyeshadow can crease, eyeliner can smudge, and lipstick can bleed or fade within hours due to sweat and humidity, enhancing the need of a seasonal routine with the right products. “Hot and humid days can be brutal on makeup, especially around the eyes and lips, so choosing the right textures and layering smartly is key,” says Kausar Latif, celebrity and bridal makeup artist.
From smudge-proof eyes to long lasting lip colours, he shares expert tips:
Eyeshadows: Crease-proof choices
For eyes, I always recommend cream-to-powder shadows or liquid formulas that dry down matte. They grip the lids better and resist creasing. A good eyeshadow primer underneath creates a smooth, oil-free canvas that holds onto pigment.
Eyeliners: Smudge-proof precision
Gel or waterproof liquid liners are your best friend as they perform beautifully in high humidity. If you’re tempted to use kajal, pick a waterproof version and keep it minimal. Tightlining the upper waterline adds depth without inviting smudging.
Mascara: Sweat-proof power
For mascara, always choose a sweat-proof, waterproof formula.
Lips: long-lasting colour tactics
When it comes to lips, long-wearing matte liquid lipsticks are ideal. Prep your lips first with balm, blot, and then apply a thin layer of colour. For extra staying power, you can set it with translucent powder using tissue as a barrier, this technique locks the pigment without over-drying.
The art of layering
Above all, keep the layers light. Let each product set before moving on to the next. When makeup can ‘breathe,’ it’s far less likely to melt, shift, or slide. The goal is always staying fresh, not just flawless.
On-the-go refresh: Quick fixes for sweat-proof glam
While a strong base and waterproof products are foundational, maintaining that fresh, ‘just-applied’ look throughout a long day out requires some smart, on-the-go strategies. “When the weather is sticky and makeup starts to break down, it’s all about refreshing, not layering. These five tricks help me (and my clients) stay polished without feeling weighed down,” shares Latif.
1. Blot first, always
Before applying any product, use blotting papers to absorb excess oil and sweat. This prevents makeup from turning patchy.
2. Hydrating mist reset
Carry a small hydrating face mist. A quick spritz revives your base, adds a bit of glow, and preps the skin for reapplication.
3. Translucent powder press
Instead of layering more base, press a finely milled translucent powder into areas that need mattifying. I recommend using a puff and focusing on the T-zone.
4. Multi-tasking tint
A tinted balm or cheek-and-lip stain can do wonders. Dab it on lips and blend a little onto cheeks—it freshens up your whole face in seconds without adding texture.
5. Quick eye fix kit
Keep cotton buds, a dab of micellar water in a travel container, and a mini liner or mascara on hand. Clean up any smudges, reapply lightly, and your eyes are back in action, no need to start over. These little resets throughout the day keep your glam looking intentional and breathable, not cakey or overdone. It’s all about touching up with care, not covering up.