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How to Do Your Makeup When You Sweat a Lot

For a look that’s dewy, not dripping.

Model with glowy makeup on white background Model with glowy makeup on white background

How is it that every summer, we somehow forget how easy it is for our makeup to melt off our faces? That’s why sweat-proof makeup products are essential for any long-wearing summer makeup routine—and all it takes is a few simple swaps. To help you lock in your lock on the hottest days of the year, we asked Shawn Fisher, Milk Makeup’s Field Sales Manager, for all of his best sweat-proof makeup tips to help your makeup stay put through any forecast.

How do you make makeup sweat-proof?

To protect against the summer heat, Shawn recommends using a setting spray instead of a setting powder. Apply it after primer and before foundation for an additional sweat-resistant layer. “Traditionally, some makeup artists use a translucent powder on top of primers before foundation to help prevent slip-n-slide foundation,” they say. “However, I find that setting spray does this job very well, without feeling as heavy.” As for the easiest way to waterproof any eye makeup look: “Get yourself a waterproof mascara or water-resistant tubing mascara! It’s essential for summer days and festivals."

What are the best Milk Makeup products to use for a sweat-proof makeup look? 

When it comes to our best sweat-proof makeup tips, our lineup of makeup-locking primers and setting sprays have your back. “These will help you with sweat; they just give different skin finishes,” says Shawn. Choose Hydro Grip for dewy hydration, Pore Eclipse for a soft-matte filtered finish, or Cloud Glow for an instant brightening boost. 

If you’re looking for a surge of glowing hydration, use Hydro Grip Primer, and our Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray “to balance hydration, give a glow, and grip your makeup for up to 12 hours,” says Shawn. If you prefer a soft-matte finish (or have oily skin), try Pore Eclipse Mattifying Primer or Pore Eclipse Matte Setting Spray, which mattify, blur pores, and help absorb excess oil. “Pore Eclipse will lock on your makeup for 12 hours while giving that filtered matte finish,” he says. Need to touch up on the go? Pore Eclipse Matte Blur Stick lets you stick it to shine and sweat anytime, anywhere. If you prefer a weightless foam finish with a brightening kick, prep your skin with a puff of Cloud Glow Foam Brightening Primer. Not only does it float over your skin for the most lightweight hydration and natural glow imaginable, it also holds your makeup for up to 12 hours.

When it comes to lashes, you’ve got plenty of options. Shawn loves RISE Waterproof Mascara for lashes that stay “lifted, curled, and long” through any workout. “It even survived my hot yoga class,” they say. You can also crank up your lashes with a swipe of our KUSH High Roll Tubing Mascara, which uses next-gen tubing technology to wrap each individual lash and stay water-resistant and smudge-proof for up to 24 hours. While RISE gets you lift and length, KUSH High Roll combines natural volume, definition, and length in one formula. Whichever finish you choose, rest assured your mascara will stay locked to your lashes until you take it off.

Shop Kush High Roll Mascara


How is sweat-proof makeup different from regular makeup? 

You may already have some sweat-proof makeup in your collection without even realizing it. “Powder-based makeup products can help set cream and liquid makeup and make them more water- and sweat-resistant,” says Shawn. The same goes for setting sprays, which help “form an invisible layer on top of your makeup to prevent separation." 

Is waterproof makeup also sweat-proof? 

Generally, water-resistant formulas protect against sweat, too. "Our sweat contains 99% water, so adding your favorite waterproof formulas to your makeup bag for the summer is essential,” says Shawn. Even better? That means the same beauty products you wear to keep your look set for a sweaty day will also work for a beach or pool day. We love a multitasker. 

How to Do a Sweat-Proof Makeup Look

It’s natural to want to adjust your makeup routine when it feels like a sauna outside. To avoid a cakey finish, our best advice is to go easy. "Less is more when it's summertime,” says Shawn, who advises against layering too many different liquids and creams on your face. Go for sheer formulas and choose your products strategically. If you need extra help, we asked Shawn to walk us through their expert-approved routine for a makeup look that can stand up to sweat. In six easy steps, you’ll be set for summer.

1. Start with SPF.

After applying your moisturizer of choice, sunscreen should always be your first step—any season.

2. Prime.

“Prep your base with primer for that extra insurance,” says Shawn. For eye makeup, try ourHydro Grip Eye Primer, which keeps your eyeliner, eyeshadow, and under eye concealer smudge-proof for up to 8 hours.

3. Conceal.

Instead of using a full-coverage foundation, go in with concealer only where you need it. “Take your favorite concealer and spot-conceal,” says Shawn. OurFuture Fluid All Over Cream Concealer, which offers blendable, medium-to-full coverage and hydrating skincare ingredients, is the perfect way to even out all skin tones without wearing a heavy base.

3. Get glowy.

It’s summer, so amp up your glow with your favorite bronzer or cream blush. If you like the ease of swiping on a stick, Shawn recommends our buildable, blendable Matte Bronzer and Lip + Cheek. For a watercolor tint, grab our viral Cooling Water Jelly Tint, which creates a truly budge-proof stain. Just bounce it onto cheeks or swirl a brush over top, enjoy the refreshing cooling sensation, and blend quickly before it sets.

Half-face close-up portrait of model applying Milk Makeup Future Fluid All Over Cream Concealer on white background

Shop Future Fluid Cream Concealer

4. Add lashes.

Sweat-proof eye makeup is best when it stays simple. If you want to keep it minimal, Shawn says the only thing you need is your favorite waterproof or water-resistant mascara. Try RISE Waterproof Mascara for lifted lashes, KUSH Waterproof Mascara for serious volume, and KUSH High Roll Tubing Mascara for 24-hour definition without a smudge in sight.

5. Set your look.

For even more staying power, Shawn recommends finishing with a setting spray. Whether you spritz on a layer of Pore Eclipse for a matte finish or Hydro Grip for a dewy look, we guarantee you can’t go wrong this season.

Meet the Expert

Shawn Fisher (he/him they/them) is the Field Sales Manager at Milk Makeup. In his role, he’s responsible for managing and training retail support. When they’re not traveling around the US spreading the Milk Makeup Vibes, Shawn loves to skate, thrift, game, or sit on a beach with a burrito.

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Lindy Segal (she/her) is a freelance beauty writer and editor. She has held editor roles at Glamour and People, and regularly contributes to Harper’s BAZAAR, WhoWhatWear, and Fashionista, among other publications. She lives in New York City with her Chihuahua mix, Barney. See more of her work at lindysegal.com.

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Lindy Segal (she/her) is a freelance beauty writer and editor. She has held editor roles at Glamour and People, and regularly contributes to Harper’s BAZAAR, WhoWhatWear, and Fashionista, among other publications. She lives in New York City with her Chihuahua mix, Barney. See more of her work at lindysegal.com.

All information is created for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.