The region’s heat is officially in full swing, and if your makeup has been struggling to keep up, you’re not alone.
Between the humidity, the relentless sun, and AC-to-outdoors temperature swings, even the most reliable products can start to slide, crease, or just give up by midday. It’s the kind of weather that demands a complete revamp of your routine, because what worked in cooler months simply isn’t built for this.
So, we caught up with celebrity makeup artist Hindash, the creative force behind those cult-favourite Color Fluids, for his real, unfiltered tips on making makeup last through the heat.
From the skin prep that actually makes a difference, to the sunscreens that double as primers, and the holy grail products he never leaves his kit without, he’s sharing the exact formulas and techniques that keep his clients camera-ready no matter how high the temperature climbs. Consider this your go-to guide for surviving the summer season without sacrificing your glow.
Cosmo-ME: What skin prep actually makes a difference for a long-wear summer look?
Hindash: Switch to serums, toners, and lightweight textures when you’re prepping for makeup. I like to do all my actives at night, so I can go lighter during the day. Exfoliating the night before with a chemical exfoliant is a great way to ensure your base and makeup look flawless. I love the Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel, the iS Clinical Active Serum, and the Skinceuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser! If you’re oily, you can even just do eye cream and sunscreen as skin prep.
Cosmo-ME: Which sunscreens wear well under makeup?
Hindash: For makeup, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Hydra Prime SPF 50 is an incredible sunscreen primer! I use it on all my clients; it’s hydrating, nourishing, and just perfect. If you want a lighter, barely there finish, I love the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum (SPF 50) and the ISDIN Fusion Water MAGIC Urban SPF 30. Sunscreens make incredible primers, and these are my favourites for all skin types.
Cosmo-ME: How do you stop a base from moving when the heat hits?
Hindash: The OneSize On Til’ Dawn setting spray is absolute perfection. Obviously, I would try to minimise heavier layers and work in thin layers when it’s extremely hot and humid out. Choose thinner, full coverage concealers applied strategically all over the face instead of a full layer of foundation, for example. I’m also a huge fan of powder foundation. Don’t be scared of powder foundation. Once you apply it over sunscreen, it starts to melt in throughout the day and looks absolutely stunning. I love the L’Oreal Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Powder Foundation and the MAC Studio Fix Foundation!
Cosmo-ME: What are your holy grail products right now?
Hindash: My Hindash Cosmetics Color Fluids, of course. They never leave my kit; they are multi-purpose, heat and humidity-resistant, and waterproof. They’re basically liquid pigments that don’t budge but are ultra-thin and beautifully pigmented. You have enough playtime and mixing time, and once they set, they’re there until you take them off. They’ve definitely become a cult favourite for the brand, and I just expanded into two new shades + two hero restocks. Sculpt is a new toasty caramel shade that’s perfect for summer and looks great all over. And Concrete is a true grey colour that can be mixed into anything to mute it down and desaturate it, which is perfect for olive tones and fairer skin. It still has enough depth to work across a range of skin tones. And Carve is our hero contour brown shade, that’s joined with our shimmer champagne shade, Boy Tears!
Cosmo-ME: What ingredients should we look for and avoid in summer-ready products?
Hindash: I would say look out for actives in certain skincare/makeup items. I know it’s very popular to pick makeup and lip products with actives, so make sure you’re not applying a lip oil or a sunscreen that has exfoliating properties to it if you’re out and about. Instead, look for nourishing protective makeup with a touch of SPF for that added protection. Always protect your face!!! A touch of Guerlain’s Terracotta Bronzer is way better than baking in the sun
Cosmo-ME: How do you touch up on the go without it looking cakey or patchy?
Hindash: I’m a huge compact powder / powder foundation fan. As I said, I love the MAC Studio Fix and the L’Oreal powder, but for something with less coverage that’ll just blot and refresh you, the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder is an icon. I also love the Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Pressed Powder. If you did lose coverage and want a cream touch-up, the NARS Soft Matte Concealer is my favourite and doesn’t add an emollient layer to the skin.
Cosmo-ME: How do you keep eye makeup from migrating when it’s this hot?
Hindash: By using my Hindash Color Fluids! They’re the base to all my looks, if not the full eye look. I love layering, so creating a look entirely from budget-proof cream/liquid shadow is the way to go. Then I lightly go over it with my gradient palettes for a full airbrushed finish that lasts all day and night.
Cosmo-ME: Any tips for keeping skin clear while wearing makeup in humidity?
Hindash: Double-cleanse immediately when you’re home and done with the day, and use a gentle chemical exfoliant, as I mentioned above, to remove any buildup. Seal everything with a nourishing serum and moisturiser that best fits your skin type! Gentle exfoliation really is key.
Cosmo-ME: What’s one thing most people get wrong about summer makeup?
Hindash: Not switching up their makeup to fit the season. You have a summer wardrobe, a fall wardrobe and a winter wardrobe. Your makeup staples should also reflect that. Go for thinner, long-wearing, water-based formulas. Or you can tailor your look, but it has to be strategic, for example, if you’re extremely dry under the eyes, you can still use your moisturising concealer, but layer it thinly and then set with a thin layer of translucent powder. And then work with more long-wearing formulas everywhere else. You’ll see a major difference, plus it’s fun to mix your makeup wardrobe!
Next, check out our summer travel essentials guide!