11 Tips for Getting Meltproof Makeup

"Loading up on powder can make you look cakey as the high temperatures take their toll," says makeup artist Meredith Baraf who has worked on America Ferrera and Heidi Klum. "Be a little Taoist about it and dab on a cream blush or bronzer when you feel like you need a spot of color. Just remember, a little bit of cream-based makeup goes a long way in the heat."

We like Revlon Cream Blush, $9.50; amazon.com.

No news here: Waterproof mascaras just last longer. But they can also dry out lashes. "If you're on vacation, though, you never know when someone might splash you while you're napping by the pool," says lash expert Juliana Landis, who caters to LA's socialite circles. So, before you jet-set (or hit the road), pick up a moisturizing, stay-put mascara to prevent smudges and brittle lashes at the same time.

We like CoverGirl NatureLuxe Water Resistant Mouse Mascara, $10; amazon.com.

Let's be honest: makeup touch-ups can be a pain in the neck when you're out enjoying a beautiful afternoon. Then you get stuck in the sun too long and feel the splotchiness, dryness, and, yes, even greasy skin set in. Prevent this by applying a lightweight complexion-perfecting gel on naked skin, under foundation, or even over makeup to keep you shine-free and smooth out any uneven tones without taking a trip to the ladies' room.

We like Givenchy Mister Radiant, $37.50; sephora.com.

...On your lips! Wear a shiny gloss alone to enhance your natural glow or layer one on top of your lip color to preserve your highly-hued pout. If you plan on partaking of any windy water sports, though, we recommend looking for a non-sticky version that won't act like glue for your whipped-around hair.

We like Maybelline New York Shine Sensational Lip Gloss, $6.99; sears.com.

"The most challenging thing for women to deal with in the summer is excessive perspiration," says Landis. "It can cause makeup to pill up or slide off the face and is embarrassing to boot." Resist the urge to keep reapplying powder over perspiration, and dab away excess moisture with blotting papers infused with acne-fighting ingredients. This will ensure better-looking skin in the short term and the long term.

We like, Rodan and Fields Unblemish Blot Papers, $23; rodanandfields.com.

"Stay away from dark, smoky eyes as the mercury rises," says Landis. "They can look extremely harsh in the summer. Plus, when darker makeup drips or moves, it's far more noticeable." Let the golden sunsets inspire you, and search out a brown or bronze eye shadow palette to create softer (sexier!) looks for balmy nights, that can also double for boardroom-bound days.

We like Estee Lauder 5 Tone Shimmer Powder for Eyes, Cheeks, and Face, $38; esteelauder.com

This goes for your skin as well as for the rest of your body. It might seem counter-intuitive, but you can outwit the heat and keep your makeup from melting by spritzing your mug with a hydrating mist. (Well-moisturized skin is the best canvas for long-lasting makeup.) Keep a bottle in your beach bag or purse and mist it on your face and neck whenever you need a pick-me-up.

We like Evian Facial Spray, $17.50 for three 1.7-oz. bottles; drugstore.com.

"People are oil-phobic and they shouldn't be," says celebrity makeup artist Christopher Drummond who has worked with Jennifer Lopez and Halle Berry. "Plant-based oils can really help balance out combination skin to give you an even glow." That said, should you only want oil-free makeup during the sticky summer months, look for products with an illuminating finish to get the benefit of dewier makeup without the possibility of a breakout.

We like The Balm Mary Lou Manizer, $28; amazon.com.

"If you need extra coverage, use lots of thin layers of concealer, foundation, or setting powder instead of applying a lot at one time," says Drummond. Not only will your makeup last longer, but you will create a much more natural-looking finish by using a lighter hand. Drummond's extra tip? Apply concealer under your lip products. "They will stay on much longer!" he exclaims.

We like Christopher Drummond Duo-Phase Hydrating Concealer, $22.50, christopherdrummond.com

"As much as you might hate it, your body and face need to sweat to release heat in the summer," explains Landis. "So the more you allow this to happen, the healthier your skin will look without makeup." Stick to the essentials and just apply concealer under your eyes and around broken blood vessels near the nose, and use a cheek stain to freshen up your face. For allover glow, use a bronzer on areas where the sun would hit your face (the forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin), and opt for a formula that tints skin gradually over time.

We like Physicians Formula Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Sun Stones, $14.95; physiciansformula.com.