Don’t Sweat It! (Your Makeup, That Is)

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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In the summer, it’s inevitable that you are going to be faced with the trifecta of makeup-melting powers: heat, humidity, and water. While it’s probably not the best idea to spackle on layers of eye makeup and foundation on a triple-digit-temp day, you shouldn’t have to go bare-faced just because Mother Nature is having a hissy fit in the form of soul-crushing (and mascara-destroying) heat.

Enter: waterproof makeup. Specifically designed to stand up to soggy situations, water-resistant primpers are known for their durability. But, those long-lasting powers are only as good as how you apply them, which is why we brought in the brilliant mind of makeup artist Valery Gherman. Having worked with Kate Upton and a coterie of submerged supermodels on the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, the man knows a little something about making cosmetics stay in place during a deluge.

According to Gherman, the biggest mistake most women make when applying waterproof makeup is using only waterproof products. “Unless you are planning on standing under torrential rain for an extended period of time, focus on products that potentially could streak and get messy, such as eyeliner and mascara,” he advises. So, no, you don’t need to buy an all-new makeup kit to get you through the sweltering summer months. Another important tidbit? “Using a light touch goes a long way, in terms of the application of products,” he says. “This way makeup won’t melt and streak.”

Here, Gherman shares his top waterproof makeup picks, plus his application secrets. So, sweat, baby, sweat — your makeup won’t pull a slip-and-slide as long as you follow this handy guide.

Gherman swears by Urban Decay’s Cannonball mascara to keep lashes looking lush without giving you streaky raccoon eyes as the day wears on. One thing to note: Waterproof mascara is hardto get off (hence its appeal), so Gherman recommends investing in a high-performance makeup remover that’s gentle on the skin, but still removes all traces of makeup. We like Shu Uemura’s Cleansing Oil or Bioderma Crealine. 

Urban Decay Cannonball Ultra Waterproof Mascara, $20, available at Urban Decay.

When it comes to your cheek products, Gherman says creams are the way to go. “Cream textures help, as they tend to blend beautifully into the skin,” he says. “They are so easy to apply, and make it easier to do touch-ups when necessary.” The exception to that rule? Girls with oily skin: Creams can sometimes take them over the line from dewy to greasy. Instead, Gherman says to opt for powder bronzers, blushes, and illuminators in a waterproof formula. 

Tarte Amazonian Clay Matte Waterproof Mineral Powder Bronzer, $29, available at Tarte.

While you could go out and buy waterproof shadows in all of your favorite shades, that is invariably going to get quite pricey. Instead, Gherman says to pick up a bottle of this genius waterproof converter by Make Up For Ever — it turns any makeup product into a waterproof one. Just dip your brush into it, mix with a powder shadow, and immediately apply to your lid.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Seal, $21, available at Sephora.

Or, you could just avoid shadows altogether and rock a waterproof liner instead. The pigments and waxes are stronger and will grab and hold onto the skin better than a shadow. 

NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Via Appia, $24, available at NARS.

When it comes to your lips, Gherman suggests grabbing a matte lipstick, lip stain, or super-pigmented lip color — they’ll hold out in the humidity and moisture better than a gloss or sheer option. Apply the color lightly on the lips with your fingertips, says Gherman. “The stain will subtly change the color of the lips, rather than sitting on top,” he adds. 

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in Divine, $18, available at Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics.

Skip the foundation and powders, says Gherman, and opt for a waterproof concealer to spot-correct instead. “At some point, you will perspire,” he says. “You want your skin to breathe. A full day on location, running in to reapply, powder eventually starts to cake up on the skin, so it’s best to work with the conditions.” Gherman says he always has blotting papers on hand when he is on a shoot in hot, humid locations to help manage oil and shine. “It’s the subtlety between a shine and glow. We want glow,” he explains. 

Lancôme Effacernes Waterproof Protective Undereye Concealer, $30, available at Nordstrom.

Illustrated by Zhang Qingyun

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