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How-to: Streak-Free Makeup on Your Tropical Vacay

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I have a tropical vacay planned next month — because every February I need a break from the cold. And as much as I love a hot weekend getaway, the sunshine always catches me by surprise. See, in the dregs of winter, I forget that heat melts my makeup and makes my hair limp.

This year, I’m planning ahead and taking steps to avoid sticky gobs of eyeliner or streaking foundation on my face. (I’ll tackle the hair issue next week!)

7 Hacks for Streak-Free Makeup

Powder Power

Catherine Brock applying Mineral Veil powder.
I’m daydreaming about my tropical vacay while applying my favorite powder finish: Bare Minerals Mineral Veil.

I love how creamy blushes and foundations help make my skin glow. But the heat often takes me from creamy to cakey faster than I can say, “where’s the AC?”

My beat-the-heat solution? I’m investing in a light-reflecting powder and leaving the cream at home. Applied over moisturizer or even primer, a powder can lost longer than a cream and deliver that porcelain-perfect finish.

Maybelline 24K Nudes Eye Shadow Palette
You can see my shadow palette is well used! I turn to these powder colors year-round, but rely on them exclusively when it’s hot. This is Maybelline’s 24K Nudes Palette.

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Powder is not just for foundation either. When it’s hot, skip the cream shadow and choose a good powder shadow. You’ll spare yourself from creases and blotchy color.

Get an Oil Change

Forego your oil-based anything and opt for water-based products instead. Oil-based and balmy don’t quite go together, at least not well.

Oil + Heat = Slippery Face.

Also, I like a sponge applicator (and not the old fingertips) when applying foundation. Fingers’ natural oils can also contribute to meltdowns. Every little bit of oil avoidance helps!

Get a Grip on Yourself

In the heat, less is more. Skip the thick, creamy moisturizer and opt for something that absorbs quickly.

Purattitude moisturizing gel cream
My favorite lotion right now: PURattitude Moisturizing Gel-Cream. At $68, it’s splurgy for sure. But it absorbs fast and keeps skin hydrated all day.

You know that concealer you’ve had in your pocketbook for longer than you can remember? The one rolling around in a dark abyss of bank pens and lint? Ditch it!

Old, expired makeup isn’t that great at staying on your face. And makeup that’s exposed to drastically changing environments — say, from beach tote to air conditioned car and back again the next day — loses its luster pretty fast.

Pay attention to how long you’ve had your makeup, and let it go when it’s time is up. As a rule of thumb, we like to hold to powders and foundations for no more than one year.

Be a Shady Gal

Sometimes, keeping your makeup from melting is more about what you put on your head than what you put on your face. To keep a case of Niagara Falls Face at bay, try relaxing in the shade by sporting a stylish hat.

Catherine Brock wearing a floppy hat and sunglasses.
I have a collection of floppy hats. Find yours at Target or Walmart.

A floppy hat is a great-looking summer accessory that’ll reduce those “is my face ok?” mirror checks.

Be Prepared

Cliché, but true: it never hurts to be prepared. Sometimes your morning can turn into an afternoon out . . . and an evening out (gotta love those days).

That’s all fine and dandy, but that well-behaved makeup might start throwing a serious tantrum seven hours into a summer day. Skip that fate by carrying oil blotters in your bag.

Go Bare (Almost)

Much as you think you need makeup, you may consider lightening up on the usual routine. Not that we don’t love getting glam, but you’d be surprised at how a quick swipe of lip gloss and an eyelash curler can keep you melt-free and still gorgeous. Go easy, beautiful!

Enjoy that tropical vacay and let your worries — not your makeup — melt away.