How to keep your makeup fresh in the heat with our brush & sponge tips

We all know the struggle of trying to keep our makeup looking flawless when the temperature starts to rise. Nothing’s worse than stepping out with a perfectly blended face, only to find it melting away in the heat. But don’t sweat it! With the right tools and techniques, you can keep your makeup fresh all day long, no matter how hot it gets. In this post, we’re going to spill all the tea on how to use your brushes and sponges like a pro to combat the summer heat.

So, grab your favourite iced drink, sit back, and let’s dive into the ultimate guide to keeping your makeup fresh in the heat with our brush and sponge tips.

Prepping the skin

First things first, start with a clean slate. Cleanse your face to remove any dirt, oil, or leftover makeup. This helps your makeup go on smoothly and last longer. Use a gentle cleanser that won't strip your skin of its natural oils.

Next up, moisturise! Even if you have oily skin, don't skip this step. Opt for a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser that hydrates without making you greasy. This helps to create a smooth base for your makeup and keeps your skin balanced.

Now, let's talk primer. This might just be your new best friend in the summer. A good primer not only smooths out your skin but also helps your makeup adhere better and stay put. Look for primers that are mattifying or have pore-filling properties to keep shine at bay and create a flawless canvas.

Finally, don’t forget the SPF. Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is crucial, especially when you’re spending more time outdoors. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and let it sink in before applying your makeup. Some moisturisers and primers come with SPF built-in, which is a great way to streamline your routine.

Choosing the right tools

Now that your skin is prepped and ready, it's time to talk about the MVPs of your makeup routine: brushes and sponges. The right tools can make a huge difference in how your makeup looks and lasts, especially in the heat. Let's break down the best options for keeping your face flawless all day long.

Brushes

Brushes are essential for precise application and blending. Here are some types that are particularly great for hot weather:

Stippling Brush: A stippling brush has duo-fibre bristles that work wonders for applying foundation lightly and evenly. This helps you achieve a flawless, airbrushed finish without caking on too much product, which is perfect for those hot days when you want your skin to breathe.
Fan Brush: This one might look delicate, but it's a powerhouse for applying highlighter or bronzer. A fan brush allows for a light, even application, giving you that sun-kissed glow without making your skin look oily. It's also great for dusting away excess powder.
Powder Brush: A big, fluffy powder brush is your best friend when it comes to setting your makeup. Use it to apply a light layer of translucent powder to keep shine under control. The fluffy bristles distribute powder evenly, preventing any cakey spots.
Blush Brush: A soft, angled blush brush helps apply blush smoothly and naturally. The angled shape fits the contours of your cheeks, giving you a natural-looking flush that lasts, even in the heat.

Sponges

Makeup sponges are fantastic for creating a seamless, blended look. Here are the types you should have in your arsenal:

Blending Sponge: This is a must-have for a reason. When damp, it provides a dewy, flawless finish that’s perfect for summer. Use it to apply foundation, concealer, and even cream blush or bronzer. The key is to bounce, not drag, the sponge on your skin for an even application.
Rubycell Puff Duo: This pair of puffs in two textures allows you to effortlessly apply cream, liquid and powder formulas.
Mini Sponge: These versatile sponges are great for everything from applying foundation to blending out concealer. Their shape makes them ideal for getting into the nooks and crannies of your face, like around your nose and under your eyes.

Now that you’ve got the right tools, let’s get into the techniques that will keep your makeup looking fresh and flawless, even in the heat. The way you apply your makeup can make a huge difference in its staying power. Here’s how to use your brushes and sponges like a pro.

Applying Foundation

A damp beauty blender or makeup sponge is perfect for applying foundation in hot weather. The moisture helps to sheer out the foundation, giving you a light, breathable layer that doesn’t feel heavy. Here’s how to do it:

Dampen the Sponge: Run your sponge under water and squeeze out the excess until it's just slightly damp.
Apply Foundation: Dot your foundation on your face or apply a small amount directly to the sponge.
Blend: Bounce the sponge gently over your skin, using a stippling motion. This helps the foundation blend seamlessly without streaks, giving you a natural, dewy finish.

For a more airbrushed look, a stippling brush can be your best friend. It’s great for applying foundation evenly and lightly:

Apply Foundation: Put a small amount of foundation on the back of your hand.
Dip the Brush: Dab the brush into the foundation, picking up a small amount of product.
Stipple: Using light, circular motions, stipple the foundation onto your skin, focusing on blending it outwards from the centre of your face.

Setting Your Makeup

Setting your makeup with powder is crucial to prevent shine and keep everything in place:

Choose Your Powder: Opt for a translucent setting powder to avoid adding extra colour or weight.
Apply Powder: Dip a fluffy powder brush into the powder, tap off the excess, and gently sweep it across your face. Focus on areas that tend to get oily, like your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin).
Press and Roll: For extra staying power, press the powder into your skin using a rolling motion with the brush. This technique helps lock in your foundation and prevent it from melting away.

A fan brush is ideal for applying bronzer or highlighter without going overboard:

Lightly dip the fan brush into your bronzer. Tap off any excess product.
Sweep the brush along your cheekbones, temples, and jawline for a natural, sun-kissed look.

For a natural-looking flush, an angled blush brush is your go-to:

Swirl your brush in the blush and tap off the excess.
Smile to find the apples of your cheeks and lightly sweep the brush upwards towards your temples. Blend well to avoid any harsh lines.

With these techniques, you’ll be able to apply your makeup in a way that’s light, natural, and heat-proof. Next, we’ll cover some quick tips for touching up your makeup throughout the day to keep you looking fresh and fabulous.

Midday Touch-ups

Even with the best application techniques, a little midday maintenance can go a long way in keeping your makeup looking fresh in the heat. Blotting papers are a lifesaver for absorbing excess oil without disturbing your makeup:

Blot, Don’t Rub: Gently press a blotting paper onto oily areas, such as your T-zone. Avoid rubbing to prevent removing your makeup.
Multiple Sheets: Use multiple sheets if needed, but always blot gently to maintain your makeup's integrity.

After blotting, you might need a light dusting of powder to restore a matte finish:

Dip your fluffy powder brush into translucent powder and tap off the excess.
Sweep the brush over shiny areas to set your makeup and reduce shine. Use a light hand to avoid caking.

Refreshing Makeup

A damp makeup sponge can help refresh and blend your foundation without adding more product:

Lightly dampen your sponge if it’s dried out.
Gently press and roll the sponge over areas where your makeup has settled or faded. This will help blend the existing makeup and smooth out any creases.

A setting spray can revive and set your makeup, providing a fresh, dewy finish:

Hold the setting spray about 8-10 inches away from your face.
Close your eyes and mist your face evenly. Let it dry naturally for a refreshed look.

Consider carrying a small touch-up kit with essentials like a travel-size setting spray, blotting papers, a mini powder brush, and a compact powder. This makes it easy to do quick fixes on the go. By incorporating these midday touch-up techniques, you can ensure your makeup stays fresh and flawless, no matter how hot it gets.

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