I tested every summer makeup trick — here’s what actually works in high humidity

During the hot summer months, applying makeup that disappears or looks ruined due to sweat and heat can be an inevitable struggle. After years of dealing with this issue, I decided to investigate ways to maintain a fresh and confident look even when the weather is hot. The key to achieving this lies in proper skincare preparations. From using lightweight moisturizers to incorporating sweatproof products, here are the simple steps I follow to ensure my makeup stays in place and allows me to enjoy the sun with confidence.

Switch to a lightweight moisturizer (Image: © Shutterstock)

During most of the year, I use rich night and morning creams to keep my skin hydrated. However, when temperatures soar, heavy creams cause my makeup to slide off. To address this, I replace my daily cream with an oil-free gel moisturizer that hydrates my skin without adding extra weight. My favorite choice is the CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel, which absorbs quickly, leaves a dry-touch finish, and is suitable for all skin types in hot weather.

Layer on a lightweight sunscreen (Image: © Shutterstock)

Before applying any makeup, applying sunscreen daily is non-negotiable. The general rule is to put on your SPF right after your moisturizer dries, but before adding any primer. Heavier, greasier sunscreens break down makeup in high heat, so I prefer lightweight, fast-absorbing fluids that sit invisibly under cosmetics. Two of my must-haves are Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun, a K-beauty favorite that feels light and hydrating, and La Roche-Posay's Light Fluid sunscreen, which excels in humid conditions and dries matte.

Lock down your base with a skin-gripping primer (Image: © Shutterstock)

Skipping primer in the summer leads to makeup that slides away. To prevent this, I apply a gel-based, skin-gripping primer like e.l.f. Power Grip Primer. This creates a flexible base that acts like double-sided tape for cosmetics, locking my look in place throughout the day. To maximize its effectiveness, I wait about 60 seconds for the primer to set before applying any makeup, preventing my foundation from pilling due to the heat.

Swap heavy foundation for light coverage (Image: © Shutterstock)

Full-coverage foundations and high heat are not a good match. They tend to cake, settle into fine lines, and separate as soon as you sweat. During the summer, I replace heavy liquid foundations with lightweight BB creams, CC creams, or tinted moisturizers. To keep everything in place, I apply a light layer of translucent matte powder focusing on oily areas around my nose and forehead. If my shine appears later in the afternoon, a quick blot and a small dab of powder on my T-zone are enough to maintain a fresh application.