It is more than just a case of mascara running this season; the weather is hard on the skin as well. Dermatologists will tell you that piling on thick, waterproof products only serves to trap in sweat and grime, inviting dullness and blemishes. For wear that holds up in the damp, it is better to let your skin have some air with a lighter application.
Why heavy makeup backfires in monsoon
When the air is at its stickiest, long-wear or silicone-laden formulas can be counterproductive. The combination of being covered up, plus the sweat and moisture in the atmosphere, is a recipe for clogged pores and even folliculitis if one is not diligent about an evening cleanse.
“Products with a lot of wax, occlusive oils and heavy silicone hold sweat and sebum right up against the skin,” says Dr Karuna Malhotra, a cosmetologist and the head of Cosmetic Skin and Homeo Clinic. “You end up with more congestion and a greater likelihood of a breakout. In a way, a base meant to be bulletproof can draw in trouble.”
Dr Deepali Bhardwaj of Elska Clinics points out yet another thing to watch for. If a product is highly scented or has a high alcohol content, it can be an irritant to a barrier that is already under strain from the season. Any stinging or tightness after you put it on is a sign the routine is too much for the monsoon.
Build a breathable base
The key is to simplify. A mild cleanser and a gel or thin moisturiser should be followed by your sunscreen. Let the skincare, and the SPF in particular, sink in before you start with makeup so there is no slippage when the humidity rises.
Put aside the rich creams for an oil-free, water-based gel to get some hydration without the grease. When it comes to coverage, a BB or CC cream, or a simple skin tint, will do the job of evening out your tone without putting a sweaty film over your face like a dense foundation would.
Primers that work when it is sticky
There is no need to smother the face to keep the T-zone in check with a good mattifying primer. Oily-skinned types might put some on the chin, nose and forehead and then put a light, oil-free top layer over it. A well-chosen formula is better than a lot of them.
Eyes and lips that actually last
Let the rest of the face be, but put in some extra effort where it shows. Waterproof options for the eyes will save you from any rain-induced raccoon effect. On the lips, a stain or a matte colour that does not get gloopy is what you want.
This kind of approach gives you the staying power you need without making the whole face feel like it is in a mask. It is also easier on the skin to have less to put up with in this kind of weather.
Set smart, cleanse smarter
A little powder goes a long way. Press some translucent into the areas that tend to shine and then hit it with a setting spray that can stand up to the elements. No need for the cakey finish.
If you see some mid-day luster, a blotting paper is a good fix. But for the evening, a double cleanse is what the dermatologists suggest to get rid of the day’s makeup and sunscreen. Do not make do with a face wipe; they have a way of leaving something behind.
According to Dr Malhotra, it is not about how many products you use, but whether they are right for you. A few well-considered steps will give you steadier makeup and clearer skin once the skies open up.
Quick fixes for humid days
Some tried-and-true moves to have on hand when the shine is coming on:
– Make sure the sunscreen is in before you apply anything else
– Blotting papers over more foundation
– Translucent powder on the T-zone, and only the T-zone
– A setting spray with some heft to it
– Steer clear of anything with a strong smell or too much alcohol
In the end, monsoon makeup is a matter of common sense. You get better results by being strategic and letting the skin be, rather than going for full-coverage. Trim it down and you will be fine for longer than the rain lasts.
