When there are so many exciting things to do, sights to see, and events to experience, how do you keep your makeup from melting under the Dubai sun?
From finding the best foundation in Dubai to some essential makeup tips and tricks, we give you a list of makeup must-dos to keep your face fresh amidst the heat of the city.
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Face the Heat
Some people have learned to live with Dubai’s tropical desert climate, while newcomers may need some more time to get accustomed to it. Hot and sunny conditions pervade the emirate for most of the year. It can be sweltering during the summer months, with temperatures reaching 40 °C and higher.
While it can get colder in December to February (dropping to as low as 12°C even), humidity can still be an issue. So just to help out girls who have some trouble coping with this scorching situation, we’ve rounded up simple ways to keep that makeup from melting.
Aside from getting permanent brows or taking advantage of fantastic eyelash extension offers, here are five things you can do to maintain that easy, breezy, and beautiful look:
1. Start Clean
Start with a clean face. Healthy, smooth, and supple skin will be the perfect canvas to paint on. When you cleanse, exfoliate, tone, and moisturize your skin, it ensures that dirt and excess oils are removed, paving the way for flawless makeup application.
Good skin will also help makeup last longer. Makeup will not quickly wear off if you start with a clean and hydrated face. Skin that is too dry can make foundation crack, while skin that is too oily will make it harder for makeup to adhere to your face.
Start by washing with a daily facial wash from trusted brands like Clinique, Estēe Lauder, or La Mer. Apply a facial toner like Phenome’s Sustainable Science Enlivening Toner, followed by a facial moisturizer, oil, or serum. You can try Grown Alchemist’s Antioxidant and Treatment facial oil, Chanel’s L’Extrait de Crème, or Clarins Double Serum.
2. Prep and Prime
Apply primer after cleansing. This game-changing innovation in cosmetics provides a solid base from which you can build your makeup. It allows the smooth application of your foundation by blurring lines and breakouts. Primers also help prevent makeup from melting under the heat.
It’s important to choose a hydrating and non-greasy formula. It will also help if you can get one with sun protection and antioxidant properties such as Lancaster Sun Perfect highlighting primer SPF30 or Make Up For Ever’s UV primer SPF50. You can also go for Lancôme’s Fresh Mattifying Primer, Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Blur Primer, or Diorskin Forever Primer Base 001.
3. Keep It Light
If you want to avoid that heavy feeling on your face with layer upon layer of foundation, then better opt for lightweight ones. Thanks to science, you can still get good, long-lasting coverage.
For a weightless and natural feel even when it’s humid, try La Mer’s Soft Fluid Long Wear Broad Spectrum SPF20 with 17 different shades to choose from. There’s also Diorskin Nude Serum Foundation, Estēe Lauder’s Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup, or Shiseido’s Global Suncare Protective Liquid Foundation.
4. Don’t Miss the Mist
To set your foundation and makeup in place, makeup experts recommend that you use face sprays. These mist-ifying creations lend you a cool and composed look even when under Dubai’s noonday sun.
For an instant glow boost, why not try Dior’s Backstage Airflash Radiance Mist? For that on-the-go spritz, keep a bottle of Shiseido’s Ibuki Quick Fix Mist or Max Factor’s Lasting Performance Setting Spray, and you’re set for the day.
5. Powder Power
Another fool-proof way to lock in your makeup is to pat on some powder.
For example, create an invisible finish with La Mer’s light-diffusing loose powder by brushing it on top of your concealer. For a fresh, sun-kissed look, you can try brushing some of Chanel’s Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder over your cream contour. To keep your lipstick on for longer, try this trick of dusting a small amount of setting powder on your lips. You can try Yves Saint Laurent’s All Hours Setting Powder or Givenchy’s Prisme Libre Loose Powder to seal the deal.
Other girls also carry around a packet of blotting paper for that quick touch-up. Choose ones infused with bamboo charcoal, rosehip oil, or vitamin C and E to nourish your skin while removing dirt buildup, sweat, shine, and unwanted oil.
Fresh and Fierce
Dubai may be hot, but armed with the right knowledge and a curated set of facial products and cosmetics, you can surely conquer anything that comes your way. Face the challenges with your stash of makeup and skincare finds, now made readily available through online shopping.
Don’t let warm temperatures and humidity ruin your makeup or your day. Take cues from the tips we’ve shared above and get ready to flaunt a fresh and fabulous face.
AUTHOR BIO
Nick Vinckier is Head of Growth at Chalhoub Group, the largest luxury retailer in the Middle East. In his current role, he focuses on taking Faces.com from 0 to 1, transforming the beauty retailer into the GCC’s fastest growing online beauty platform.
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