Whether you love curling up with a book and a warm cup of tea when it’s pouring down or hate the humidity and the potholes – monsoon is upon us, and here to stay (well, at least for the next couple of months).
The rain can be a real dampener when it comes to your hair and makeup, no puns intended, but there are a couple of tricks that you can follow to ensure that your makeup won’t come melting down even on the most humid day. Below, find our top beauty tips for monsoon to ensure you’re always putting your best face forward – rain, hail or storm.
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1. Swap to lighter formulas
The first thing you want to do is to swap your regular skincare and makeup products with more lightweight formulations. Instead of a heavy moisturising cream, pick a gel-based hydrator that quickly absorbs into the skin. Similarly, trade in your full-coverage foundation for a hydrating, lightweight foundation or even a serum-infused skin tint if you’re good with light to medium coverage. For your base, you can also substitute a foundation with a BB or CC cream to even out your complexion followed up with a hydrating concealer to cover up any blemishes. A lighter base is less likely to look cakey or smudge away in humid or rainy weather.
2. Lip and cheek tints are your best buddies
When it comes to blushes, placement is everything, which is why you want a blush which will not budge through the day. While cream blushes run the risk of smudging in the humidity, powder blushes are a more practical alternative as they will also mattify any excess oil on your skin. However, the only blush formula that can survive a total downpour is a good old lip and cheek tint. The tint will stain your skin in the prettiest way and stay intact throughout the day. Use it on your cheeks and lips for a natural-looking flush that lasts long.
3. Waterproof everything
This one’s a no-brainer, and you’ve probably already started filling your cart with waterproof makeup. Especially waterproof eye makeup because no one wants to end up with the dreaded raccoon eyes. Unsurprisingly, it turns out that it’s pretty wise to invest in waterproof formulas for the monsoon. If you’d rather just buy one waterproof makeup pick for the monsoon, make it a mascara. You can also opt for waterproof eyeliner to add some extra (and smudge-proof!) definition to your eyes. A long-lasting, waterproof matte lipstick will take you from brunch to dinner without the colour bleeding out, so make sure you’re stocking up on your favourite shade this season.
Pro tip:
If you find matte lipsticks a little too drying for your taste, go for a smudge-proof, long-wearing lip liner in a shade of your choice. Next, fill in your lips with a lip tint or a tinted lip balm for a perfectly done-up yet nourished pout.
4. Set with powder
Increased humidity can make your skin feel tacky and oily and is possibly the most popular perpetrator of shiny foreheads during monsoons. To minimise this, avoid sticky products like heavy primers or setting sprays. Instead, use a compact or loose powder to set your makeup, keep excess oil at bay, and keep your glam monsoon-proof all day. Stash your trusted compact in your handbag for quick refreshes throughout the day. Powder can not only make your makeup last longer but will also keep your skin looking fresh, matte, and grease-free.
5. Take it off
While taking off your makeup is imperative all year round, paying extra attention to this step is crucial during the monsoon. Waterproof makeup tends to cling to your skin even more strongly than regular makeup and cannot be completely washed away with just facewash and water. Use an oil-based cleansing balm or micellar water to completely melt away all the makeup before you follow up with your regular cleanser.
Remember, many people also face increased skin sensitivity this time of the year, so applying a balancing essence or toner might be quite useful. Some popular skin-soothing ingredients include aloe vera, glycerin and Centella Asiatica. Don’t forget to end this ritual with a moisturiser to seal in all that hydration.
