Spring is in full swing and heat waves begin to creep into Southern forecasts. Warmer weather calls for active days outside and the not-so glamorous reality of dripping sweat and sticky humidity. These conditions are not ideal for achieving flawless, long-lasting makeup. The last thing anyone wants is separating, melting makeup at an important outdoor event, work or a party. While sweat and heat are inevitable, preventing them from altering your makeup is possible. Locking in a fresh look from sunrise to sunset through proper skin preparation and a strong, compatible base routine will keep your makeup stuck like glue!

Understanding what type of skin one has is crucial for constructing the perfect, heat-proof base routine that is effective and nourishing. Made up of hydrating skincare and primer, a base routine is the groundwork for makeup; it ensures a smooth, clean canvas that makeup can grip onto. Five primary types of skin are recognized by the American Academy of Dermatology: dry, combination, normal, oily and sensitive. Skin type is easily determined by how much natural oils are produced on the face, called sebum, and by observing characteristics of how the skin looks and feels. Environmental factors also play a huge role in skin type; hotter and humid climates promote more oil production than drier, colder climates.

An easy way to determine skin type at home is by watching how the skin reacts after gently cleansing with soap and water. This is known as the “watch and wait method” or “bare-faced method.” After cleansing, do not apply any skincare products and wait, observing how it feels after. Oily skin will appear greasy, especially around the T-zone. Dry skin will be tight and flaky, possibly appearing rough depending on its severity. Combination skin is a blend between dry and oily, looking shiny in some places yet feeling tight in others. If it feels similar to its state before washing and appears hydrated, then it is normal skin. Sensitive skin is determined by its reactivity to products and climate instead of sebum production. Redness, irritation and burning after applying skincare products are indicators of sensitive skin. Oily, dry, combination and normal skin can all be considered sensitive for different reasons. Still, the most common reason is from a broken skin barrier.

Skin prep is the first and most crucial step to achieving a melt-proof base for makeup. If skin is not properly hydrated and treated underneath, it will eventually show externally through product separation and cakiness. One’s skin type determines what products will provide the best extended care. Oily skin would not benefit from a rich moisturizer the way dry skin does, while dry skin would not react well to sebum-controlling ingredients like benzoyl peroxide. Consequently, skin type and product incompatibility can lead to worse conditions that can be detrimental to the skin barrier, causing increased sensitivity. There is no need to excessively layer different skincare products; one to three solid products will do the job and prevent pilling to achieve all-day wear. Thinner, gel-like consistencies pair well with oily skin to provide lightweight hydration and decrease shininess. Thicker, cream-like consistencies pair well with dry skin to retain moisture and prevent roughness. Sensitive skin should avoid formulas with fragrances and harsh ingredients to prevent irritation. SPF is also important for every skin type! Finding products that work as a moisturizer or serum with included SPF is a good way to avoid excessive layering.

Now that the skin is adequately prepared with skincare, the final steps for the base are primer and setting spray. When appropriately used, primer can smooth out pores and keep makeup in place throughout the day. There are thousands of primers on the market, but finding the best one lies in the ingredient list. Face makeup and primers are typically formulated with either silicone or water –two very different ingredients. Silicone-based primers feel silky with a velvety consistency. Silicone is best for filling in texture imperfections and blurring skin. Water-based primers are lightweight and breathable without clogging pores, which is best for a natural finish. It is important to note that with face makeup and primer, silicone and water do not mix well; combining the two ingredients on top of eachother will result in separation and pilling as they chemically repel one another. To achieve long-lasting results, look at the first ingredients listed on the foundation and concealer, then use a compatible, tacky primer after skincare. Silicone goes with silicone, while water goes with water. To lock in each product, spray a light layer of setting spray between each layer and allow it to dry completely before the next application, especially if powder products are being used on top. Setting spray helps extend makeup wear and prevents transferring, like hairspray, but for makeup. This “sandwich method” of layering setting spray locks in the hard work of creating a beautiful base.

There is no need to break the bank to add a primer to one’s routine. Some of the best primers can be found at the drugstore or online for under $15. For water-based primers, e.l.f. Cosmetics has fantastic, affordable options through their Power Grip Primers, retailing at $10 with a regular formula and one with 4% niacinamide for acne-prone skin. Milani Conceal + Perfect Blur Out Smoothing Primer is another fair option, retailing at $13. These water-based primers layer well with skincare and grip makeup on the face. For silicone-based primers, e.l.f Cosmetics has a Poreless Putty Primer that smooths out imperfections for $10. Maybelline Facestudio Master Prime, retailing for $12, also provides similar results. These affordable products put up a solid fight with the Texas Sun. Beat the heat once and for all!

Written by Ava Whelan, Photography: Nadely Abdalla, Social Media: Rena Elhachem, Styling: Avery Elkins

Stuck Like Glue