A Celebrity Makeup Artist Reveals the Best Melt-Proof Beauty Products for Summer

Summer sometimes makes me feel like I’m on my very own reality show ... and unfortunately I don’t mean this in a glamorous Lisa Vanderpump kind of way. What I’m talking about is how frustratingly similar I imagine the sun's makeup-melting effects must be to spending hours under a studio’s baking lights — yet unlike Lisa, I don’t have my very own makeup team to do touch-ups the moment my liner migrates or my foundation starts to slide.

“It’s always a challenge to find a formula that won’t melt off, bleed or smudge when the skin gets hot,” says makeup artist Jared Lipscomb, who’s experimented with literally hundreds of products on set in the quest to keep his celebrity clients — including faces from Vanderpump Rules and Shahs of Sunset — smudge free. Ahead the 6 miracle-workers that made the cut.

Why Lipscomb loves them: “I’ve been loving these easy to use ‘airbrush’ foundations lately. I like both the Dior and Sephora brand equally, just depending on what shade I am in need of (and price point I feel like hitting!). These foundations look soft and subtle on the skin, but can definitely provide full coverage if needed. They’re oil free, so they won’t add shine during the warm summer months. I also find the unique airbrush formula lasts such a long time, and since it is so lightweight it doesn’t ‘melt off’ under any circumstance.”

Pro tip: “I like to spray a small amount of foundation on to a damp beauty blender. Then I dab all over the face and start to blend. Remember: Less product is more — especially in the summer.”

Why Lipscomb loves it: “I use this mascara on EVERYONE, in every situation! It’s formulated with coconut oil so it doesn’t get dry or flaky, but since it’s waterproof it doesn’t smudge either! Any ‘summer safe’ mascara should be waterproof, but at this price point I highly recommend the Total Tempation. I also love how buildable it is, so feel free to do one swipe or 10, depending on your desired look.”

Pro tip: “Runny mascara often comes from sweaty, oily eyelids. To try and avoid this, be sure to apply primer and/or powder to your lids. This step will help control sweat and keep your mascara from running.”

Why Lipscomb loves it: “Primer is key when it comes to making sure your makeup lasts. This lightweight primer absorbs excess oil and is the perfect base for your makeup. Make Up for Ever offers various formulas and shades of primer to fit all your needs, but when I know my clients’ are battling heat, I stick to the mattifying formula.”

Pro tip: “I like to use my hands to apply primer, I even dab a bit on the eyelids to ensure they stay matte. I also wait a few minutes before applying foundation so the primer has time to dry on the skin.”

Why Lipscomb loves it: “Often in the heat, powders can be very tricky. Sweat can cause them to run, get cakey or look discolored. But a great powder can perfectly absorb oil without weighing down the skin. Charlotte Tilbury’s lightweight micro powder sits gently above the skin without clogging pores and softens any shine. As with any summer heat makeup application, use sparingly!”

Pro tip: “I like to use a fluffy brush and just apply to the T-zone and above the eyelids. Because I love a natural glow, I skip powder on the cheeks unless it’s absolutely necessary.”

Why Lipscomb loves it: “In the hottest months, I typically recommend a tinted balm with SPF, but sometimes occasions call for a bright and bold lip. If that’s the case I definitely recommend this incredible liquid lipstick. LimeCrime’s lipstick truly lasts all day — through eating, drinking and yes, sweating — and although the finish is matte, it isn’t drying or uncomfortable. The fact that it’s highly pigmented and offers a wide range of colors is just an added bonus.”

Pro tip: “As with all matte lipsticks, I highly recommend prepping the lips with a balm — and possibly even a lip scrub — before applying. This ensures the lips look smooth and flawless from the beach to the bar.”

Why Lipscomb loves it: “In general, I’m a big fan of gel liners. The consistency and color payoff is bold like a liquid liner, but you have more control like a pencil. This gel in pencil form is absolutely ideal to create a multitude of eye looks. It is waterproof and lasts 24 hours, meaning no matter how hot you get, the line will stay! I really love how smooth this pencil is. It simply glides across the lid or even in the water line.”

Pro tip: “Sometimes, for extra ‘insurance’ I will use a small angled brush and tap black eyeshadow on top of the liner. Not only will this gently diffuse the appearance of the liner, it will also set the liner in place (like when you use powder to ‘bake’ your concealer!).”