1. Ease up on your normal routine

Under a blazing sun, a full face of makeup can turn runny, so be strategic about what you apply. When possible, choose a powder formulation since it will help soak up any oil. To cover a blotch or a blemish, skip an overall foundation and use a spot concealer instead.

2. Opt for multitasking makeup

The easiest way to both moisturize and even out skin tone, when necessary, is to use a tinted lotion. Even better: Look for one that contains sun protection. Because a tinted lotion is sheer, you don’t have to match it to your skin exactly, as you have to do with foundation. You can even go slightly deeper to warm up your complexion. Apply it like a basic moisturizer.

3. Go easy on color cosmetics

Heat makes blood rise to your cheeks, so you don’t need to add much color to your skin. If you want a hint of color, use a stain, tint or liquid blush that won’t run or smear.

4. Think about going matte

Matte makeup stays on better than more emollient (creamy or glossy) makeup, and since it is formulated without mineral oil or petrolatum, it won’t crease, either. Plus, it’s a boon for those with oily skin: By definition, matte makeup is oil-absorbing. If you need shine control but matte makeup is not for you, try adding a salicylic acid toner to your morning routine, right after you cleanse: It whisks away the dead cells that sit on top of the skin and retain oil. To avoid stripping skin, look for a toner that contains either 0.5% salicylic acid or salicylic acid that is naturally derived.

5. Skip eye shadow

Because eye shadow can crease or run in the heat, you might want to forgo it and swap in kohl eye liner instead. If you feel naked without shadow, sweep on a primer before applying it: The primer will give it longevity and help prevent slippage.

6. Look for waterproof mascara

No surprises here. To avoid runoff, go for a water-resistant or waterproof formula since any kind of moisture—humidity, tears, or sweat—will make regular mascara come off. Lightly touch the wand to your lashes and apply in quick layers before the formula starts to dry. Applying after the mascara dries can cause clumping and flaking.

7. Apply lip color the right way

Steamy heat tends to melt lipstick, causing it to smear and run. Spend 30 seconds applying lip liner first to keep color in place. (Lip pencil will also keep color from migrating into lines around your mouth, should you have any.) Keep liner from looking too severe by matching it to your lipstick or to your natural lip tone—your best bet when choosing a sheer lipstick or gloss.

8. Gloss over it

When wearing gloss, prep your lips first with an emollient balm. Glosses may look slick, but they don’t provide the moisture your lips need: Unlike your skin, your lips have few oil glands and can get chapped, even in summer. Ultrasensitive lips are also susceptible to UV damage, so go with the highest SPF you can find. Bonus: A balm will also help color go on more smoothly.

9. Use this lip trick

Makeup artist Kate Lee also suggests dabbing lips with blotting paper after applying lipstick or pencil. “Unlike a tissue, it’s designed to absorb oil, leaving behind only a stain of pigment.”

10. Skip heavy fragrances

Go subtle by scenting your hair, instead: Spray perfume onto any soft elastic. Slide it into your ponytail before getting ready in the morning. Remove it, and finger-tousle your hair as you’re walking out the door.

11. Use powder bronzer

For, ahem, “natural” summertime radiance, nothing beats well-done bronzer. Powder bronzer is easier to apply than a liquid or cream. Pick one that is no more than two shades deeper than your skin tone. After dabbing on your tinted lotion, wait a few minutes before sweeping on the bronzer; if your skin is still damp, the color will go on patchy or streaky. Swirl the brush over the top of the compact and tap off any excess on the back of your hand. Sweep the brush along your temple, down toward one cheekbone and then to your jawline, completing a number “3” figuration. Repeat on the other side. Finish by dusting the powder over your nose and neck (even the back, if your hair is up), making sure to blend at the neckline.

12. And, of course, don’t forget sunscreen

Sunscreen should be part of your regular routine, but when you’ll be outside for an extended time, you need to be sure you’re applying one that’s broad-spectrum. Look for a sunscreen with stable UVA shields, like Mexoryl and Helioplex, which can be used on the body, too. Be careful where you stash it, though—as in, never in a glove compartment, especially during the summer (ditto for lip balm with SPF). Once the car heats up in the sun, the high temperatures can cause the sunscreen’s active ingredients to degrade, which means you won’t be getting the SPF that’s indicated on the bottle. In fact, you might be applying nothing more than a thick moisturizer. (And the lip balm can melt, to boot.)

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