I’m an Over 40s Makeup Artist & These Are My Top Humidity-Proof Makeup Hacks
Amanda Ramsay is an award-winning professional makeup artist who specialises in makeup content and education for mature skin. Known as your over 40s makeup expert, Amanda has worked with thousands of Aussie women, including celebrities and personalities like Julia Gillard, Sophie Monk, Delta Goodrem, Collette Dinnigan, Jackie O, Miranda Kerr and Mia Freedman.
On a family trip to Kakadu and the Northern Territory, I had an epic ah-ha moment on how humidity impacts our makeup.
As in, I experienced first-hand just how swiftly hot, sweaty situations can transform your makeup into a slippery, cakey-looking mess.
As an over 40s makeup expert - who also happens to be 49 and in the weeds of perimenopause - Kakadu took my understanding of “sweat-proof makeup” to a whole new level.
So trust me, I really get the struggle of maintaining the best summer and dewy makeup look.
Add trying to survive belting heat, humidity, and hormones on top and, well, I'm sweating just thinking about it.
Makeup isn't bulletproof. Any decent makeup artist will tell you there's only so much you can do to sweat-proof makeup completely.
But there are some tricks and products you can try to help as best as possible.
Read on for my top tried-and-tested sweat-proof makeup tips, product recommendations… and some real talk.
1. Hydrating Serums & Skincare Face Mists.
Hydrating mists and hydrating serums really are the secret sauce.
Stay hydrated. And I don’t just mean drink all the water you can get your mitts on (of course, that is advised too!).
Choose products in your morning routine that include hydrating ingredients and lightweight textures (think hyaluronic acid serums, light mists and gel-texture moisturisers).
And use your hydrating mist like your life depends on it. Not only will it prevent your skin from getting thirsty throughout the day, but it’ll also provide sweet cooling relief.
Here are my top bargain and bougie hydrating serums and mists:
Watch this YouTube video below for more details on the best hydrating serums:
2. Best Mineral-Based Primer.
Using a lightweight, mineral-based primer will help skin perform its function, give makeup something to grip to, and absorb excess oil.
Nude By Nature Perfecting Primer Blur and Mattify 30ml is my pick for summer because it’s designed for oily and combination skin.
And we all get a bit oilier during summer, don’t we?
But the brand also make Nude By Nature Perfecting Primer Smooth and Nourish 30ml for true dry skin types or anyone who wants a smoother base.
Shop these mineral-based primers here:
3. Choose the Best Summer Foundation For Your Skin.
Even though long-wear foundations are meant to be sweat and humidity-proof, sometimes, it’s the last thing you want on your face when you’re shvitzing.
If you are comfortable with sheer to light coverage summer foundations, here are my two favourites:
1. Nude by Nature Mineral Cover Foundation.
Mineral powder foundations perform really well in sweaty times, but they can leave skin looking dull and flat.
A quality mineral powder foundation like Nude by Nature Mineral Cover Foundation will feel weightless and look natural on your skin, while cleverly mopping up excess oil.
Pro tip: Always blot any excess perspiration with a tissue before reapplying powder to avoid clumps.
2. Ella Baché Superfluid Great SPF50+.
A lightweight, tinted broad-spectrum SPF product like Ella Bache Superfluid Great SPF50+ is another great option if you have normal to dry skin and want a dewier finish.
The extra sun protection on top of your primary SPF is a bonus.
Plus, you may find the light, fluid texture a welcome alternative to a traditional foundation when it’s hot and humid.
Shop these summer foundations here:
You can learn more about this foundation in my mature skin foundation comparison article here and YouTube video below.
4. How to Make Eyeshadow Last Longer.
My next tip? Get amongst a long-wear eyeshadow crayon!
I’ve written about my love for eyeshadow sticks and how they enhance mature eyes before, but they’re even better in summer.
Eyelids are oily little friends. Plus, powder eyeshadows get broken down by excess oil and perspiration.
Long-wear eyeshadow crayons and cream eyeshadow sticks are a game-changer for mature skins, and even more so for those of us in humid climates or living through the joys of menopause.
Fool-proof and easy to use, they deliver a polished, effortless finish.
Here are my top two eyeshadow sticks:
5. The Best Smudge-Proof Mascara Is a Tubing Mascara.
If you’re having trouble with mascara smudging or transferring onto your eyelids, then a tubing mascara is a great option.
Tubing or tubular mascaras like Designer Brands Absolute Lash Blackest Black are smudge, sweat, tear and water-proof, but they won’t damage your eyelashes because the tubes easily fall away when rinsed with warm water.
Shop this smudge-proof mascara here:
6. Swap Cream & Powder Blushes For A Blush Stain.
If you’ve not yet tried a cheek and/or lip stain, where have you been?
But seriously, these two-in-one products literally “stain” your skin, which is ideal when the weather (or hormones) have other plans for you.
Benefit ChaCha Tint Lip & Cheek Tint is a great option if you’re seeking more longevity from your blush and lipstick.
Shop this cheek & lip stain here:
7. Swap Setting Powder For Setting Spray.
When you have mature skin, powder plus sweat = Cakey McCake Face.
Actually, same goes for everyone.
You still can lightly powder only in the areas you need it. Otherwise, choose a hydrating setting spray to help “set” your makeup instead.
M.A.C COSMETICS Prep + Prime Fix+ provides more staying power while also hydrating your skin.
Shop the M.A.C Prep + Prime setting spray here:
Those are my seven sweat-proof summer makeup tips for mature skin… or anyone who sweats or is prone to a menopausal moment.
But also, remember that our skin is meant to perspire.
Sure, these tips will absolutely help you, but be mindful that makeup is not bulletproof.
That’s what touch ups are for.
You can watch more of my humidity-proof makeup tips in this YouTube video below.
For all the “how to’s” for mature skin, check out Amanda’s online makeup masterclass series The Shine Sessions.
It’s your bite-sized makeup tutorial series that teaches you all the basics for your face now so you can shop with confidence.
Keep reading more of Amanda's product reviews and tips for mature skin in these articles below:
