Stop your make-up from doing the slip & slide with these sweat-proof make-up tips


Sweat-proof make-up that goes the distance? We hear you. Celebrity make-up artist, Stacey Lacey, shares her top tips on helping your make-up stay put, even when it’s a scorcher outside.


Don't sweat it


Hitting the gym, hot weather and other sweaty situations can wreak havoc with your carefully applied make-up. These little hacks can help keep make-up sweat-proof, whatever you throw at it.


Tip 1: Set the scene


If your skin is a little on the oily side, use a gel moisturiser before you apply your cosmetics. The gel formula will sink swiftly into your skin, leaving you with the perfect base for sweat-proof make-up.


Stacey’s faves


Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser

Avène Hydrance Aqua-Gel 3-in-1 Moisturiser


Tip 2: Keep a cool head


Stacey warns that if you’re too hot while you’re applying your make-up, it can activate the ingredients that help keep your make-up in place, which could affect how long it lasts.


So, throw open the windows while you’re getting ready and keep cool while you’re out and about with a little facial mist or hand held fan.


Stacey’s faves


Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner

Avène Soothing Thermal Spring Water Spray
Morphe Continuous Setting Mist


Tip 3: Application is everything


Stacey rates a dampened beauty blender and nice clean brushes rather than using fingers for make-up application. It’s also easier for building up thin layers which will stay put better and help you achieve a sweat-proof make-up look.


Stacey’s faves


Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

Morphe Dense Edged Foundation Brush

No7 Buff and Blend Liquid Foundation Brush


Tip 4: Mix things up


Combining different textures can help with sweat-proof make-up, too, says Stacey. So, use a water-based liquid blush, let it fully dry, then set with a very thin layer of translucent powder and apply a powder blush to finish.


“You’ll find that very thin layers of product work well together to keep everything locked in place,” she explains.


Stacey’s faves


Maybelline Cheek Heat Water Infused Gel Sheer Blusher


Tip 5: Prime time


Primer is key when it comes to keeping your make-up on. “They create a flawless canvas and prolong the staying power of make-up,” Stacey says.


Stacey’s faves


Benefit The Porefessional Primer
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Mattifying Primer


Tip 6: Good foundations


Everyone loves a great base, but Stacey suggests skipping the foundation if it’s a particularly hot day or you’re hitting the gym, unless it’s a sweat-proof foundation. Instead, buff a thin layer of long-wearing concealer into essential areas.


Stacey’s faves


Milani Conceal & Perfect Long Wear Concealer
Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer


Tip 7: Go steady


If you do want to use a foundation, try to keep things simple with a sweat-resistant foundation – so don’t wear anything too heavy and avoid anything greasy or oil-based. “Try to use water-based products and do things delicately,” Stacey recommends. Less is more!


Stacey’s faves


Urban Decay Stay Naked Foundation
Origins Ginzing SPF40 Energy Boosting Tinted Moisturiser
L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24hour Foundation


Tip 8: Bright eyes


Even if you know you’re going to get sweaty, you should be fine to apply under-eye concealer, as long as you stick to the inner corners. “I apply a full-coverage, long-wearing creamy concealer to cover and brighten,” says Stacey. “I find this stays in place whilst I do my workout.”


Stacey’s faves


IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer
Huda Beauty Over Achiever Concealer
Too Faced Born This Way Concealer


Tip 9: Powder power


While pressing on the powder may seem like a good idea to achieve sweat-proof make-up, Stacey advices “Skipping the heavy powder as it’ll turn into a cakey mess. Instead opt for a thin veil of a fine translucent powder and apply with a very light hand to key areas like the forehead, nose and chin. Keep the edges dewy for a gorgeous finish.”


Stacey’s faves


Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Setting Powder
Maybelline Master Fix Loose Setting Powder
NYX Professional Makeup Studio Finishing Powder


Tip 10: Eye eye


When it comes to long-lasting formulas, Stacey rates creamy eyeshadows. “They blend beautifully and stay put even if you get a bit hot, because that’s what they’re designed to do.”


Stacey’s faves


Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr Cream Eyeshadow
NYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil


Tip 11: Perfect peepers


Stacey’s top tip for preventing panda eyes? Waterproof mascara and eyeliner, of course! At the end of the day, simply soak a cotton pad with an oil-based eye make-up remover, place on the eye area for a few seconds, and then gently sweep away your sweat-proof mascara and eyeliner.


Stacey’s faves


L’Oréal Paris Bambi Eye False Lash Waterproof Mascara
No7 Extreme Length Waterproof Mascara
Barry M Bold Waterproof Eyeliner


Tip 12: Subtly does it


If there’s a chance you’re going to get hot and sweaty, leave the bold lip look for another day. Grab a gorgeous balm or gloss instead – any accidental smudges will be a lot less noticeable.


Stacey’s faves


Elf Plumping Lip Gloss


Tip 13: All set


Finish your make-up with a light spritz of setting spray to lock everything in place and act as a protective barrier against humidity.


Stacey’s faves


Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
Maybelline Lasting Fix Matte Finish Setting Spray


Tip 14: Matte about great make-up


Stacey swears by blotting papers for dabbing away excess oil and sweat throughout the day, without ruining your make-up. “They’re super easy to use and don’t take up space in your make-up bag – winner!”


Stacey’s faves


Fenty Invisimatte Blotting Paper
Boots Skin Clear Shine Blotting Papers


Sweat-proof make-up? No stress! These top tips will ensure you keep your cool and your make-up stays put all day long.