Begin with Smart Skin Prep
A long-lasting base begins before you even pick up a foundation brush. The key during the monsoon is to control excess oil without stripping your skin. Start by cleansing your face to remove any impurities and excess sebum. Follow up with a lightweight,
water-based, or gel moisturiser. Heavier, oil-based creams can feel greasy in humid weather and cause makeup to break down faster. Even though it's cloudy, UV rays are still present, so finish your prep with a lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen to protect your skin.
Don't Skip the Primer
Primer is a non-negotiable step for monsoon makeup. It creates a smooth canvas for your foundation and, more importantly, a barrier between your skin's natural oils and your makeup. Look for a mattifying or silicone-based primer, as these are excellent at filling in pores, controlling shine, and helping your makeup grip the skin for much longer. Apply a thin layer, focusing on your T-zone and any other areas where you tend to get oily.
Choose a Lightweight, Waterproof Base
Heavy, full-coverage foundations are a recipe for a makeup meltdown in humid conditions. Instead, opt for lightweight formulas like a skin tint, BB cream, or a long-wear, water-resistant foundation. The mantra for monsoon is 'less is more'. Apply your base in thin layers using a damp beauty sponge, pressing the product into the skin rather than rubbing it. This technique helps the makeup meld with your skin for a more natural and durable finish. For blemishes or dark circles, spot-conceal with a long-wear concealer instead of applying a thick layer of foundation all over.
Rethink Your Colour Products
While powder blush and bronzer are often favoured for their staying power, some experts suggest cream formulas can be a great choice in humidity, as they tend to fade more evenly. However, if you have oily skin, powder formulas might be better at absorbing excess oil. For a truly budge-proof look, try layering: apply a cream blush first, then set it with a light dusting of a matching powder blush. This technique locks in the colour for hours. For eyeshadow, consider cream formulas that set or stick to an eyeshadow primer to prevent creasing.
Waterproof Your Eyes and Lips
Smudged eyeliner and running mascara are common monsoon makeup woes. To avoid this, waterproof formulas for your mascara and eyeliner are essential. These products are specifically designed to withstand moisture and will keep your eye makeup looking crisp and clean, even through a sudden shower. When it comes to lips, glossy and creamy lipsticks can feel sticky and are prone to bleeding in the humidity. Matte liquid lipsticks or long-wearing lip tints are a much better option as they set down and resist transferring.
Set It and Forget It
Setting your makeup is arguably the most crucial step for monsoon-proofing your look. First, use a translucent setting powder, but apply it strategically. Use a powder puff or a brush to press the powder onto your T-zone and any areas prone to creasing or shine. This helps to absorb excess oil and lock your base in place. The final, essential step is a setting spray. A good setting spray creates a protective film over your makeup, shielding it from humidity and rain. Mist it over your entire face to seal everything in for a look that lasts all day.
