How to Get Your Outdoor Makeup to Last All Day, According to Celeb MUAs

Because there's nothing worse than realizing your eyeliner has migrated to your chin. 

Outdoor makeup
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We apply our makeup in the morning with the hope that it will last all day. Of course, this can get tricky when we're spending time outdoors. That's why melt-proof makeup comes in so handy during the summer — or any time we're dealing with excess sunshine, heat, humidity, and even rain. Fortunately, according to celebrity makeup artists Katie Jane Hughes and Neil Scibelli, there are certain application methods and products that will prolong the wear of our makeup and ensure that it stays put from AM to PM — regardless of the forecast.

Keep scrolling for MUA-approved outdoor makeup tips to try on your next outing.

Control Oil With Makeup Primer

Start your makeup routine with a good oil-control primer and keep skin-care products to a minimum, Hughes tells us. "Your skin will naturally get beautifully dewy anyway throughout the day, so you might as well let it hydrate itself," she says. Scibelli agrees, adding that opting for a mattifying primer, like Make Up For Ever Mini Step 1 Primer Shine Control, will keep sweat at bay and refine your pores.

Opt for Lighter Coverage

Sheer out your makeup more in the hotter months by opting for a tinted moisturizer or water-based foundation with built-in SPF, advises Scibelli. Unless you prefer full coverage, go for a mattifying primer, concealer, and mineral powder. "This will keep your regimen minimal and prevent cakey-ness. You can even use a powder puff mid-event to absorb excess oil," he explains.

Keep Blotting Papers Handy

Hughes suggests using blotting papers — instead of powder — as another means to absorb oil. She explains that the more layers on your skin, the harder it is to manage as the day progresses. If you finish with powder, you will need to continue to add more powder as you move about your day.

Use Your Beautyblender to Refresh

As it turns out, your Beautyblender is more than just an application tool for your foundation. "If any areas of your makeup become heavy or patchy, you can take a damp Beautyblender and smooth out any kinks throughout the day. And it will feel super refreshing, too." Don't have a Beautyblender? Then simply use your favorite makeup sponge instead.

Choose Water-Resistant Products

Eye makeup has a tendency to run, smear, and not stay put. Scibelli suggests looking for water-resistant eyeliners and mascaras, particularly the Urban Decay 24/7 liner because they are great for the outdoors and last all day long.

If you're going to wear eyeshadow, don't forgo eyeshadow primer (not to be confused with regular makeup primer, which uses a different formula). This will keep creasing at bay and your eye makeup on point.

Consider a Balm-Lipstick

This hybrid lip product is one of our go-tos for summer, delivering on both hydration and color. There are even some formulas with SPF for added protection, which is ideal if you're spending a lot of time outdoors. To keep color from bleeding or fading, try prepping your balm-lipstick with a water-resistant lip pencil or reach for a long-wear formula. Our product pick? Glossier Ultralip — hands down.

Swap Out Your Powder Blush

When deciding which type of blush to go with for your outdoor beauty look, consider cream and stain formulas over powder ones. They will blend into the skin rather than sit on top of it (the effect of which can appear cakey) and last longer, too.

Finish With Setting Spray

If you're dealing with humidity, setting spray is ace at locking in your makeup. Simply spritz it on your beauty look for a flawless finish with a side of glow. For best results, try a multipurpose formula with good-for-your-skin ingredients. We love Lawless Glam Guard Long-Wear Setting Spray.

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