I Convinced My Friends to Buy These 7 Sweat-Proof Makeup Essentials

As a beauty-obsessed shopping writer, I used the last couple of humid months to test out a slew of products, in the hopes that they would last through a 95-degree day without sucking the moisture right out of my face. I’d love to say my dry skin gets a break during the summer, but I’d be lying if I did. I use my humidifier regularly and swap out my skincare routine when seasons change. Yet, my skin still feels perpetually thirsty. Layering hydrating products onto my skin during a Midwest heatwave seems counterintuitive, but some of the items I’ve tested have actually worked well.

After testing over 30 makeup products recently, seven have become a permanent part of my summer makeup routine. They impressed me so much that I’ve successfully persuaded all my friends (who deal with similar skin concerns) to snap them up, too. My fellow dry skin girlies no longer have to fear summer with these melt-proof formulas by their side.

Must-Have Sweat-Proof Makeup Products

Nars Light Reflecting Hydrating Primer

I know exactly what you’re thinking because I initially had the same thought: Can a hydrating primer really keep everything intact through the summer heat? What I love about this formula, aside from the hydrating hyaluronic acid, reparative cacao peptides, and protective moringa seed in it, is that it feels like an instant dose of moisture for my chronically dry skin. But, it never feels greasy. The radiant sheen is the perfect base underneath a matte foundation to ensure its longevity.

Tirtir Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation

If you recognize this red compact from your TikTok FYP (For You Page), then you know all of the hype surrounding this best-selling cushion foundation. I can’t attest to the 72-hour wear claim, but I’ve had a couple of very long 12-hour days wearing this to get-togethers, festivals, and errands. I was shocked by how fresh-looking the Tirtir cushion foundation remains. The semi-matte finish is smooth, but it still doesn’t make my face look flat. 

Milani Cheek Kiss Cream Bronzer

This buildable matte bronzer is a year-round must-have. The creamy formula is budge-proof once it dries down and looks just as good as some of my other bronzers that cost me three times as much. I’ve tried using a brush, a sponge, and my fingers to apply it, and it’s looked great with each application method. Plus, it’s loaded with skincare ingredients like vitamin E along with watermelon seed, Bulgarian rose, and pomegranate seed oils.

Morphe Huephoric Rush Three-in-One Silk Blush

From the incredible color payoff to the pore-blurring effect, this new cream blush from Morphe has taken over all of the other blushes in my makeup bag. It boasts moisturizing, skin-first ingredients like collagen, vitamin E, and bamboo extract, but it still manages to have a very long-lasting formula. I use a sponge to pat this onto the apples of my cheeks and never have to worry about it fading throughout the day. It’s infused with the benefits of a primer, so I’ll occasionally wear it on its own, too.

Make Beauty Liquid Line Felt-Tip Waterproof Eyeliner

I rarely leave the house without a crisp cat eyeliner, and lately I’ve been achieving mine with these smudge-proof liners. The brand was kind enough to send me free samples of the entire Liquid Line collection to test, and I’ve been using them exclusively. I found it can be a bit tricky to get an opaque line with the lighter shades, but the darker shades are phenomenal. One quick flick and I’m out the door.

Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder

Huda Beauty’s iconic Easy Bake Powder is my secret to a blurred effect on my skin. Although the powder is marketed as baking makeup, I dust it all over my face, concentrating on my T-zone, which is prone to getting shiny. It smooths out everything and in no way feels like it’s drying my skin out. I can forgo mid-day blotting since it effortlessly soaks up any excess oils. It’s available in 10 shades, but I use the Peach Pie one, which has a subtle brightening effect.

E.L.F. Cosmetics Stay All Night Micro-Fine Setting Mist

I use a setting spray on those high-humidity days when rain sneaks up on us in Cincinnati. This spray is usually inside my tote bag, so I can have a refreshing spritz here and there. The nozzle is surprisingly fine, so I don’t feel like I’m drenching myself with each spray. As a final step in my makeup routine, I’ll mist it all over my face, then use a sponge to press it into my skin. I’ve found that whenever I use this method, my makeup stays put without requiring any touch-ups.