Exactly How To Weatherproof Your Make-Up

To live in the UK is to be prepared for rain at any moment, but this winter looks set to be even wetter than usual due to the impact of an El Niño so strong it will impact weather patterns here in the British Isles, prompting a wetter than usual and more humid winter. For celebrity make-up artist Maria Asadi, durability is always a priority. She shares her expert advice as we head into winter, below.

The ways wet and warm weather can affect make-up

Rain can cause make-up to run (time to introduce water-resistant products to your routine), while humidity can prompt the skin to produce more sweat and sebum. “This can cause the foundation to break down, separate or lose its longevity, particularly around the T-zone. It starts just looking worn out much quicker,” explains Asadi. “Oily skin may become shinier, with make-up more prone to slipping, while dry skin can still experience dehydration, which may cause foundation to cling to dry patches or appear uneven. Combination skin often requires a more targeted approach, with different products used across different areas of the face. The key is understanding your skin and adapting your preparation and application accordingly.”

How to prep the skin

Rather than packing on the rich creams, Asadi recommends starting with well-cleansed skin and layering lightweight, hydrating products as needed. “Allow each skincare product to settle into the skin before moving on to the next step. As I usually say, let it ‘marinate’ for three to four minutes,” says Asadi. “A lightweight moisturiser and a suitable primer can help create a smooth canvas without overloading the skin. The aim is to achieve balanced, hydrated skin rather than trying to eliminate all moisture or oil.” For dry skin, Asadi recommends Obagi’s Hydra Luxe cream, while she prefers Sisley’s Matte Face Primer for oilier complexions.

Try long-wearing, water-resistant products

Asadi says to keep complexion products feather light, which will reduce the chances of separation. Lighter products are also often more comfortable to wear in muggy weather. As for her favourite long-wearing, water-resistant products? “I recommend the Lancôme Idôle Waterproof Mascara as it defines the lashes and is non-clumping, which will make sure you don’t have any mascara under the eyes after rain. Laura Mercier Real Flawless Foundation is the best for flexible, water-resistant coverage,” she notes. “Prada’s eyeliners stay locked in like no other! And Sweed Beauty lip pencils aren’t going to move.”

Application tips for flawless staying power

The old saying is true: less is more. To apply product in thin, controlled layers, Asadi suggests lightly pressing products into the skin using a brush or sponge, building coverage only where necessary. Rainy conditions don’t automatically mean that you should pack on the powder to set your face. Instead, Asadi says to strategically apply to your oil-prone zones, touching up with blotting paper throughout the day. For a hack to keep your lip in place, Asadi suggests applying your preferred long-lasting lip liner to your entire lip, to lock the colour in all day.

As for her don’ts? “I would avoid constantly adding more foundation to areas where make-up has started to break down. It is usually better to blot away excess oil, lightly refresh the area and reapply only what is needed. The goal is to keep the complexion looking fresh, rather than trying to make it completely immovable. Another thing I would avoid is too much bronzer – you could have rain marks on the face that are significantly lighter than your skin – similar to tear streaks!”

When it’s time to take it all off…

Make-up that stays all day is great, until it’s time for bed. Asadi has advice for that, too: “When removing water-resistant make-up, I recommend an oil-based cleanser or a dedicated bi-phase make-up remover. These help dissolve long-wearing formulas without excessive rubbing, particularly around the delicate eye area,” she says. Perhaps, like Kylie Jenner, you could give cold cream a go? To follow, Asadi says, a gentle cleanser – her favourite is Clarins’s One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser – will help to remove any remaining residue.