How your look holds up under the sun

Make-up and heat – does it work?

Above 30°C you’re more likely to think of sunscreen and iced coffee than foundation and co. But make-up and summer heat aren’t mutually exclusive if you know how to handle them. With a few clever techniques and the right products, your look can stay fresh, natural and long-lasting even at high temperatures. Whether you prefer a matte or dewy finish, you can enjoy summer without constantly checking the mirror.

Is waterproof make-up harmful to the skin?

Summer, sport, pool parties – waterproof make-up is a true lifesaver in these moments. It does what it promises: it won’t run with heat, sweat or water. Nowadays there are many waterproof options for foundation, concealer, mascara and even lipstick.

Waterproof make-up is not inherently harmful, provided you remove it thoroughly. Because these products are so long-wearing, removing them requires a bit more attention. Residues left on the skin overnight can clog pores and cause blemishes. That’s why it’s important not to just splash your face with water at night, but to use an oil-based make-up remover or a cleansing balm. These gently dissolve long-lasting formulations without irritating the skin.

After removing make-up, the skin benefits from moisturising care. This helps it regenerate and prevents dryness. If you wear waterproof make-up daily, it’s especially worthwhile to soothe the skin with calming ingredients like aloe vera or panthenol.

In fact, waterproof mascara can dry out lashes and make them brittle with frequent use — particularly if they are rubbed too much during removal.

Can you swim with waterproof make-up?

With the right make-up, even a dip in the cool water is fine. True waterproof products were specifically developed to withstand water, sweat and humidity — and are therefore suitable for swimming. Whether mascara, eyeliner or foundation: many waterproof variants keep the look in place even after submerging.

It’s important, however, to distinguish between waterproof and water resistant. The latter are ideal for everyday situations like light rain or sweating, but they don’t offer reliable protection for swimming.

Which make-up is suitable for high heat?

When temperatures rise, less is often more — including make-up. Heavy layers and intricate looks can quickly run or overwhelm the skin in high heat. A fresh, pared-back summer look that uses few products is the better choice.

BB or CC creams are ideal: they even out skin tone without leaving a heavy film. Elaborate contouring or multiple layers of eyeshadow can take a break. A light sweep of mascara is enough to define the eyes. If you fancy some colour, make a summer statement with bold lips or trendy nail polishes. That way the look stays fresh, groomed and uncomplicated even in high temperatures.

Make-up with sun protection: useless or secret weapon?

Make-up with SPF is seen as a handy all-rounder because it combines an even complexion and UV protection in one product. But even if a high SPF is listed on the packaging, it does not replace a full sunscreen. The reason is quantity: to get the stated level of protection you would need to apply far more foundation than you normally do.

Still, make-up with sun protection is not a bad buy. The mineral filters they contain, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, reliably protect against UVB and also help reduce visible light and blue light from screens. Powders or BB creams are particularly suitable for refreshing sun protection during the day.

One downside of many products is often insufficient protection against UVA rays. These penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to skin ageing.

So make-up with sun protection is not a substitute for sunscreen, but a useful complement.

Can you combine sunscreen and make-up?

Sunscreen and make-up can be combined easily if you follow a few simple rules. The correct order is crucial. After moisturiser, apply sunscreen first and then your make-up. That way the UV protection can work optimally without affecting the finish.

Ideally use a lightweight sunscreen that absorbs quickly, isn’t greasy and won’t clog pores. Many modern formulations are designed to be worn under make-up. Once the sunscreen has fully absorbed, apply foundation or BB cream evenly — preferably breathable products that distribute well with a brush or make-up sponge.

Make-up with integrated SPF or tinted sunscreens are a practical solution, especially on the go. To refresh sun protection during the day, powders with SPF or special facial sunscreen sprays are useful and can be misted over make-up without smudging it.

Heat-resistant beauty: how to achieve your perfect make-up in summer weather

• Choose lightweight skincare. In summer your skin doesn’t need heavy creams — opt for a lightweight moisturiser with a gel or fluid texture, ideally containing hyaluronic acid or vitamin C. These hydrate without clogging pores and give a fresh skin feel. That creates the perfect base for any summer make-up.
• Always apply sunscreen under your make-up. Sun protection is a must in summer — even on cloudy days. Use a non-greasy facial sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and let it absorb well before starting your make-up. This preserves protection and helps make-up adhere better.
• Allow skincare to absorb fully. Give your skincare and sunscreen about 5 to 10 minutes to absorb. This prevents patchy make-up or poor adhesion. Use this time for other tasks — styling your hair or choosing your outfit, for example.
• Use a primer as heat protection for make-up. A good primer helps make-up last longer in high temperatures. It smooths the skin surface, reduces the appearance of pores and prevents base products from settling into fine lines. Mattifying primers are especially practical for oily skin types.
• Reach for BB or CC creams instead of heavy foundation. Light products work best in heat. BB and CC creams combine care, colour correction and sun protection in one and let the skin glow naturally. They’re a good alternative to classic foundation and feel less ‘mask-like’.
• Use waterproof mascara and eyeliner. To keep eye make-up intact through sweat, tears or a swim, opt for waterproof formulas. That keeps your eye styling in place even above 30°C — without panda eyes.
• Avoid heavy layers of powder. Too much powder can become patchy in heat and unnecessarily weigh down the skin. Better are transparent mineral powders that mattify without smothering make-up. They’re also handy for touch-ups during the day.
• Use cream blush and bronzer. Cream products often adhere better than powders at high temperatures. A dabbed cream blush on the cheeks or a cream bronzer on the forehead and temples gives freshness and a healthy glow — without running.
• Apply highlights sparingly and strategically. Avoid too much highlighter in summer, since skin naturally becomes shiny. If you still want to glow, choose a fine cream highlighter in soft tones and place it sparingly on cheekbones or the tip of the nose.
• Use blotting papers instead of re-powdering. To remove shine without layering on more make-up, blotting papers are excellent. They absorb excess oil and shine without smudging your make-up and fit perfectly in any handbag.
• Refresh sun protection regularly. Even when wearing make-up, reapply UV protection every two hours — for example with special facial sunscreen sprays or powders with SPF. This keeps your skin protected without removing all your make-up.
• Don’t forget neck and décolletage. Many focus protection and make-up only on the face. Yet neck and décolletage are equally exposed to the sun — and particularly sensitive. Apply suitable sun care or a light BB cream there too.
• Set your make-up for longer wear. A transparent setting powder or setting spray at the end of your routine keeps everything in place. Especially in the T-zone, this can significantly improve longevity and mattifying effect. Ideal for long summer days or outdoor events.

Make-up in heat requires an adapted skincare routine and carefully chosen products that are lightweight, long-wearing and sweat-resistant. Prioritising oil-free textures, waterproof formulations and adequate sun protection not only protects your skin but also preserves a well-groomed look. A pared-back, well-set summer make-up delivers freshness and comfort — even on the hottest days.