With countless exciting attractions, stunning sights, and vibrant events in Dubai, how can you keep your makeup flawless under the relentless sun and heat?
From choosing the best foundation in Dubai to mastering essential makeup makeup tips and tricks, we have compiled a comprehensive list of must-know beauty hacks to keep your face fresh and radiant amidst the city’s soaring temperatures.
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Face the Heat
Dubai’s tropical desert climate can be intense, with scorching hot days dominating most of the year. Summer temperatures often soar above 40 °C (104 °F), while the cooler months from December to February can still reach lows of around 12 °C (54 °F) with high humidity levels.
For newcomers and even long-time residents struggling with the heat, maintaining a fresh makeup look can be challenging. Beyond permanent beauty solutions such as permanent eyebrows or taking advantage of exclusive eyelash extension offers, here are five essential tips to keep your makeup intact despite the heat and humidity:
1. Start Clean
Begin with a thoroughly cleansed face. Healthy, balanced skin creates the perfect canvas for flawless makeup. Use a gentle daily facial wash from trusted brands like Clinique, Estée Lauder, or La Mer to remove dirt and excess oil.
Follow with a toner such as Phenome’s Sustainable Science Enlivening Toner to restore your skin’s pH balance, then apply a nourishing moisturizer or serum to keep skin hydrated and supple. Recommended hydrating products include Grown Alchemist’s Antioxidant and Treatment Facial Oil, Chanel’s L’Extrait de Crème, or Clarins Double Serum.
Properly cleansed and moisturized skin helps makeup adhere better, preventing cracking on dry skin or faltering due to excess oil.
2. Prep and Prime
After cleansing, apply a high-quality makeup primer. Primers smooth the skin’s texture, minimize pores, and create a protective base that helps foundation last longer — essential when facing Dubai’s heat.
Choose a lightweight, hydrating, and non-greasy formula. Primers with added sun protection and antioxidants offer extra defense against UV rays and environmental stressors. Top picks include Lancaster Sun Perfect Highlighting Primer SPF30, Make Up For Ever’s UV Primer SPF50, Lancôme’s Fresh Mattifying Primer, Yves Saint Laurent’s Touche Éclat Blur Primer, and Dior’s Diorskin Forever Primer Base 001.
3. Keep It Light
Opt for lightweight foundations to avoid the heavy, cakey feeling that worsens with heat and humidity. Modern formulas deliver natural, long-lasting coverage without compromising comfort.
Recommended weightless foundations include La Mer’s Soft Fluid Long Wear Broad Spectrum SPF20, available in 17 shades, Diorskin Nude Serum Foundation, Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup, and Shiseido’s Global Suncare Protective Liquid Foundation.
4. Don’t Miss the Mist
Setting your makeup with a face mist helps lock it in place and refreshes your complexion throughout the day. These mists provide a cool, dewy finish that combats dryness and helps makeup withstand the heat.
For a radiant glow, try Dior’s Backstage Airflash Radiance Mist. For convenient on-the-go use, carry Shiseido’s Ibuki Quick Fix Mist or Max Factor’s Lasting Performance Setting Spray.
5. Powder Power
To further set your makeup and reduce shine, lightly dust translucent or loose powder on key areas. Powder minimizes oiliness and gives your face a polished, matte finish.
La Mer’s light-diffusing loose powder creates an invisible finish when brushed over concealer. Chanel’s Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder adds a sun-kissed radiance when applied over cream contours. For longer-lasting lips, dust setting powder such as Yves Saint Laurent’s All Hours Setting Powder or Givenchy’s Prisme Libre Loose Powder after applying lipstick.
Additionally, carry blotting papers infused with ingredients like bamboo charcoal, rosehip oil, or vitamins C and E. These help absorb excess oil and sweat while nourishing your skin during quick touch-ups.
Fresh and Fierce
Despite Dubai’s challenging climate, with the right skincare and makeup techniques and products — now more accessible than ever via convenient online shopping — you can maintain a fresh, flawless look all day.
Don’t let heat and humidity ruin your makeup or confidence. Follow these expert tips to stay cool, fresh, and fabulous no matter the weather.
AUTHOR BIO
Nick Vinckier is Head of Growth at Chalhoub Group, the leading luxury retailer in the Middle East. In his role, he drives the growth of Faces.com, aiming to establish it as the GCC’s fastest-growing online beauty platform.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best foundation for hot and humid climates like Dubai?
Lightweight, long-wear, and oil-free foundations with SPF protection work best in hot, humid climates. Products like La Mer Soft Fluid Long Wear SPF20 and Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup are excellent choices as they offer coverage without feeling heavy or greasy.
How can I prevent my makeup from melting in Dubai’s heat?
Start with a clean and well-moisturized face, use a primer with SPF, choose lightweight and sweat-resistant foundations, set your makeup with powder, and finish with a setting spray or mist for long-lasting hold.
Are there any face mists that help refresh makeup during the day?
Yes. Face mists like Dior’s Backstage Airflash Radiance Mist and Shiseido’s Ibuki Quick Fix Mist are perfect for refreshing makeup and hydrating your skin throughout the day without disrupting your look.
Is it necessary to use blotting papers in Dubai’s climate?
Absolutely. Blotting papers remove excess oil and sweat, helping to control shine and keep your makeup looking fresh, especially in Dubai’s hot and humid environment. Opt for ones infused with nourishing ingredients to benefit your skin while you blot.
Can makeup products with SPF replace sunscreen?
While makeup products with SPF provide some sun protection, they should not replace your daily sunscreen application. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen underneath your makeup to ensure adequate protection from harmful UV rays.
