Skip to content

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! 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, both our Hydro Grip and Pore Eclipse Fam have your back. “Both will help you with sweat; they just give different skin finishes!” says Shawn. Both options also feature oil-free formulas and wear comfortably on all skin types.

For a dewy finish, 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 matte finish (or have oily skin), try Pore Eclipse Mattifying Primer and Pore Eclipse Matte Setting Spray, which are mattifying, 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. 

When it comes to lashes, nothing beats our RISE Waterproof Mascara. “It makes your lashes lifted, curled and long,” says Shawn. “It even survived my hot yoga class.”

Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Matte Setting Spray on white background

Shop Pore Eclipse Matte Setting Spray

Milk Makeup RISE Waterproof Mascara on white background

Shop Rise Waterproof 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 our Hydro 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. Our Future 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

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 mascara. Try RISE Waterproof Mascara for lifted lashes or KUSH Waterproof Mascara for serious volume.

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.

{"

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.

\n", "markdown"=>"**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](https://www.lindysegal.com/)."}">

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.