"I always recommend avoiding heavy layers of makeup -- especially in the summer," says Rodriguez. "You're hot in the summer so you want to keep it light." And the last thing you want is a caked-on look. Remember the more you put on, the more is at risk of melting off.
Opt for a tinted moisturizer if you have dry or combination skin. "For most skin types, I recommend the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 Oil-Free, $42, which has an SPF factor of 20 to keep you protected from the sun. It's light, and you can use spot-concealer for blemishes," says Landis. Try Cle de Peau Concealer, $70. For oily skin, sebum production becomes especially challenging to handle in the summer. Rodriquez suggests reaching for mineral foundation, as these are powder formulas that help soak up oil and provide sun protection. He recommends Jane Iredale Pure Pressed Base Mineral Foundation SPF 20, $34.50, which stays put.
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Melt-proof makeup tip #3: Use powder
"I recommend using a setting powder in the t-zone area only. That way you can maintain a dewy look," says Rodriguez. Dust some loose powder on your nose, chin, upper lip (where you tend to get oily), and the center of your forehead. Leave everything else glowy. We recommend Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Airbrushing Loose Powder SPF 30, $13.99.
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Melt-proof makeup tip #4: Use a multipurpose product
An easy way to keep the number of products you use to a minimum (to avoid that dreaded, overdone look)? Use a multipurpose product like Nars Multiple, $39, which you can dab on your cheeks, lids and lips for a quick, put-together look. For touch-ups throughout the day, Kae recommends carrying a 2-in-1 product in your bag. "When I�m working in Miami, I�d be lost without Stila Convertible Color, $25. I quickly dab on a little color to cheeks and lips to instantly brighten the face," she says.
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Melt-proof makeup tip #5: Use oil blotters
Even though you're only using oil-free, non-comedogenic products, sometimes shine can still occur during the day. Instead of applying more powder, which can lead to looking cakey, use an oil blotter to get rid of excess shine. Rodriguez likes Tatcha Aburatorigami Japanese Blotting Papers, $12. "They're really good for blotting off any excess shine around the eyes."
Next: See hot-for-summer makeup trends
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Summer makeup trend #1: Neon lips
Bold colored lips were hot on the runways for 2011, spotted at shows like Jill Sander's. Kae loves the longwearing Lime Crime Countessa Fluorescent Opaque Lipstick, $16 for bright colors. If lipstick feels too heavy for you, try colored gloss like Nars Lipgloss in Wonder, $24. Orange is the "it" color of the season and is particularly fab on sun-kissed skin, which is another hot summer makeup trend.
Melt-Proof Makeup Tip: To prevent your lipstick from bleeding, use lip stains instead of fussing with lipstick and liner. Rodriguez loves Stila Crush Lip and Cheek Stain, $24, which he says is "wonderful for summer."
Summer's here, and there's an extra spring in your freshly-pedicured step for good reason: We actually can't help but love this time of year because the sun actually increases our serotonin levels, the "happy" moderators in our brain that lift our mood. (And you thought your new, cheery outlook was just about all the pool parties, cute sundresses, and fun new makeup trends to try.)
But as all of us can agree, a surefire way to burst that summer lovin' bubble is to spot yourself in the mirror with your pretty makeup literally melting off your face.
Yikes.
If that brings back painful memories from summers of your past, you're not alone. While most of us know how to treat our skin during the far more forgiving climates of fall, spring and winter (moisturize like it's your job!), keeping makeup from melting in the scorching heat of summer is a battle we often lose.
To give you a fighting chance at making sure your makeup can withstand the heat this season, we went to makeup artists Stella Kae and Juliana Landis to get their take on what products you should use to keep your face on -- not running down your barely there couture. We also talked to makeup artist Geoffrey Rodriguez to find out how to wear seven of the hottest trends spotted on the runway and red carpet this season.
