Makeup That Survives Sweat, Tears and Humidity

Start with grip, not glow

A long-wear face is built from the base up. Use a gripping primer on the areas that move most — the centre of the face, around the nose and the inner corners of the eyes — and keep hydrating products to the outer cheeks so your base has something to hold onto.

Thin layers beat thick ones

Two sheer passes of foundation will outlast one heavy coat every time. Thick layers crack along expression lines as soon as you sweat.

Lock each layer as you go

Set cream products with a whisper of powder before moving to the next step. Powder over cream, cream over cream, and everything sealed at the end — that order is what makes a look waterproof rather than water-resistant.

Seal it and leave it alone

Finish with a waterproof sealing spray held about eight inches from the face, in an X and then a T motion. Let it dry down completely without touching. Blot, never rub, if you get shiny during the day.

Emergency kit

Blotting sheets, a mini sealer and a cotton bud are all you need for a mid-day reset. Blot first, re-seal second, and skip adding more powder — that is what causes cakey patches by evening.