Want to keep looking fresh in the sweltering summer months? Here are makeup tips and the must-have products in your beauty kit, according to Rustan’s The Beauty Source.
Summer is indeed the most enjoyable season, with beach vacations, glamping, and mountain trips topping the to-do lists of many folks who want to get out and about. But let’s face it, messy makeup and a sweaty face aren’t as nice to experience—or even see.
When exposed to the season’s hot and humid climate, most of us end up having cakey foundations, shiny foreheads, smeared mascaras, and smudged lipsticks on dry lips. That, of course, is far from the Instagrammable summer escapade you pictured in your head while spending time and energy creating what you thought would be the perfect look.
Don’t lose hope, though. There are many ways to sweat-proof your makeup and keep yourself looking fresh and pretty, even when the weather is working against you. Take it from Rustan’s Beauty Source, one of the popular destinations for luxury beauty products in the country.
The boutique, located within Rustan’s Department Stores, held its sixth “GRLPWR” event last March, which highlighted not only the fun in being a woman but also the importance of looking good and feeling good during the hot summer season. The fair featured vibrant installations, exciting activities, and exclusive promos curated by premium beauty brands to celebrate the joys of summer.
Just like the event, looking glam in the hot weather is supposed to be all fun and feeling your best self. For that, The POST interviewed Rustan’s merchandising manager for makeup, Marla Imperial-Velez, for tips on how to sweat-proof your makeup this season. Velez shared not only tips but also must-have products in your makeup kit for a fabulous getaway in the coming weeks. So, read on and take down notes to keep your summer make-up on-point and flawless wherever, whenever.
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1. Opt for a hydrating primer
No matter the season, a good rule of thumb is to start prepping your face with a good moisturizer that hydrates the skin and prevents makeup from caking. Right after that, grab a primer that does more than just help your makeup stay in place longer. It should, first and foremost, hydrate your face.
“During the hot and humid summer months, keeping makeup fresh and intact can be a challenge. A great primer makes all the difference,” Velez said. For a summer-proof option, consider using the Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer, which comes in three variants: Hydrating, Illuminating, and Blurring.
“These primers are not only lightweight and breathable but also hydrating and silicone-free, ensuring that makeup stays smooth without drying out or flaking,” Velez continued. “It has skin-conditioning ingredients, which help maintain moisture while creating a smooth, even base. Plus, it extends makeup wear, preventing it from melting or caking even in high heat.”
2. Less is more for base makeup
When it comes to sweat-proof makeup in the hot weather, less is always more. The more you limit the products you apply to your face, the less you’ll have to worry about them melting away. And if you’re a foundation girly, choose one that’s lightweight instead. They are less likely to look cakey and clog your pores when mixed with sweat.
“I absolutely agree with the idea that ‘less is more’ when it comes to foundation,” Velez told The POST. “The goal is to enhance the skin’s natural beauty rather than mask it. A lightweight yet buildable formula allows for a flawless look without feeling heavy.”
You can bet on the NARS Light Reflecting Foundation as it “combines skincare benefits with makeup—blurring imperfections while boosting the skin’s radiance. It also contains light-reflecting technology, which enhances the skin’s natural glow, making it perfect for a fresh, breathable, and luminous finish.”
If you can ditch the foundation, head on straight to a concealer that has “multi-benefit formulas that keep your makeup looking fresh, natural, and effortlessly beautiful,” according to Velez. Not sure which one to use? Give the Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer Stick a try, as it has a “creamy yet lightweight texture, delivering seamless, long-lasting coverage without feeling heavy or cakey. Its skincare-infused ingredients hydrate and brighten the skin over time, as well as effortlessly cover dark circles, blemishes, and discoloration while still looking incredibly natural.”
3. Play it up with pastel eyeshadow
Dark eye shadow sure adds drama to any look, but summer is the season of play for everyone. It’s time to ditch your go-to smokey eye look for ones that evoke the carefree youthful vibe of these colorful months. For a refreshing, sweat-proof look, use pastel hues and natural tones that let your complexion peek through underneath.
Velez recommends the Stila Liqua-Play Eyeshadow, which offers “a mix of classic neutrals and bold statement colors, especially for the summer.” She said it features a liquid-to-powder formula that is crease-resistant, lightweight, and lasts all-day.
She added, “A versatile shade like Crema Matte—a soft, warm neutral—creates the perfect base for any look, whether you want something subtle for daytime or a sultry, layered effect for the evening. On the other hand, a pop of color like Peekablue Matte, a striking yet wearable blue, adds an exciting touch that’s perfect for making a statement.”
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4. Go for a water-resistant mascara
Choosing the best mascara for hot days can be tricky, as some tend to smudge when mixed with sweat. It can be frustrating, especially if you’ve already been walking around with panda eyes hours before you check yourself in the mirror. To prevent this, use a waterproof formula, allow the mascara to dry completely before opening your eyes, and gently clean smudges with a makeup wipe.
For smudge-proof, long-lasting lashes, Velez recommends the Jane Iredale Lash Fixation Tubing Mascara. “Unlike traditional mascaras, this one uses tubing technology, which means it wraps each lash in lightweight, water-resistant tubes that won’t smudge, flake, or smear—even in the hottest weather,” she explained.
“It provides all-day hold while still feeling comfortable and weightless,” she continued. “Another reason to love it? It’s infused with conditioning ingredients that help nourish and protect lashes, so you get beautiful definition without the dryness or stiffness.”
5. Ditch the cheek tint
Want smooth, rosy cheeks that last throughout the day? Ditch the cheek tint for a powder blush during the sweltering summer months. Powder blush offers a more matte, buildable finish and a softer look than a cream or liquid blusher.
Velez explained, “While cheek tints are popular for their longevity, I recommend a powder blush for summer, especially the RMS Beauty ReDimension Hydra Powder Blush. The reason? It offers the perfect balance of buildable color, blendability, and long-wearing performance—without the risk of patchiness that some liquid or tint formulas can have in the heat.”
“This blush is a standout because of its silky, baked formula that melts into the skin, delivering a natural, lit-from-within glow,” she continued. “What’s more, it contains skin-loving ingredients like wild buriti and organic jojoba oils, which help keep the skin nourished while giving that gorgeous, sun-kissed flush.”
6. Cream over matte lipstick
When it comes to summer makeup, cream lipsticks are often preferred over matte lippies because of their moisturizing properties, smoother application, and natural-looking shine that works best with dry lips. Velez elaborated, “Matte lipsticks, while long-wearing, can sometimes feel too dry, especially in the heat when lips are more prone to dehydration. A creamy formula keeps the lips nourished, comfortable, and plump while still delivering rich color.”
To summer-proof your makeup, opt for cream lipsticks like the Jane Iredale Colorluxe Lipstick, which is “packed with botanical oils and hydrating ingredients that keep lips soft and smooth all day. It provides vibrant, long-wearing color with a luxurious, creamy feel, making it perfect for a natural summer beauty.”
Then there’s RMS Beauty’s Legendary Serum Lipstick, which Velez said is “infused with skincare benefits like rejuvenating oils and antioxidants, offering intense hydration with a weightless, buildable tint. It’s the perfect hybrid of lip care and color, giving lips that fresh, healthy glow that feels amazing in warmer weather.”
“So for summer, it’s all about hydration, comfort, and a fresh, radiant look—and creamy, nourishing lipsticks are the way to go!” she concluded.
You can shop all these summer-proof beauty products at Rustan’s The Beauty Source found within Rustan’s department stores in Makati, Shangri-La, Alabang, Gateway, and Cebu. You can also order them online via Rustans.com or through its Personal Shopper service at +63917-111-1952.
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