Soaring temperatures and high humidity bring on sweat, perspiration, and oily skin--a troika that means disaster for many makeups.
But while certain blush and lip colors may simply fade away as the day heats up, a mascara meltdown will leave you looking like a pro quarterback painted with eye black. Here are a number of ways to keep lashes fabulous, flirty and smear-proof even in three-digit heat.
1. Go colorless. Clear mascara will thicken and darken your lashes without leaving a residue.
2. Use a lash curler. You'll need less mascara. Sanitize utensil before use and work it with care. Always curl lashes before applying mascara.
3. Mascara will smudge when in contact with oily or over moisturized skin. Since warm weather kicks oil glands into high gear, gently blot away excess oil from lids before applying. Switch to a lighter moisturizer in summer and wait until it's been fully absorbed into the skin before opening that mascara tube.
4. Apply mascara only to tips of upper lashes. The closer mascara gets to either lash line, the greater the chance for smearing when perspiration moistens lids. Leave bottom lashes bare or apply colorless mascara to them.
5. Try a waterproof, smudgeproof mascara. According to WebMD.com the less water a mascara formula contains, the the lower the chances it will smear. Find a good waterproof mascara by checking product reviews at MakeupAlley.com or the Good Housekeeping Research Institute's waterproof mascara testing results at GoodHousekeeping.com.
6. Depending on the brand, waterproof mascaras can also have lengthening or volumizing properties.
7. Waterproof, smudgeproof mascaras often require an eye makeup removal product for thorough cleansing. Choose a gentle one and follow its use by washing your face with soap and water.
8. Contact lens wearers and those with sensitive eyes should check with their eye doctors before using waterproof and smudgeproof mascaras.
9. When you apply mascara--whatever the season--don't pump the applicator wand, say the pros at CoverGirl.com. Doing so will add air to the container, causing the mascara to thicken, which can clump when applied. And clumpy mascara is more likely to flake on your skin.
10. Apply summer mascara with a light hand and use a lash comb to prevent clumping.
11. Buy a lower lash mascara product for easier, cleaner application.
12. Avoid rubbing eyes. Summer's high pollen counts often cause itchiness. It's not good to rub eyes under any circumstance, and if you're wearing mascara you'll end up looking like a raccoon.
13. Removing mascara smudges. If the mascara is wet, let it dry. It will be easier to flick off without leaving a residue. Then take a dry Q-tip and gently dab away the mascara flakes.
14. Summer, winter, spring or fall, the pros recommend not keeping your mascara--waterproof or otherwise--more than 3 months.
15. Read the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) guidelines for more tips on eye cosmetic safety.
Catherine Phelan - Catherine Phelan has been the editor of In Fashion, an editor for Harper's Bazaar in Italy, and author of four books on design and ...
Join the Conversation