Case of Melty Makeup Face: An 80-Degree Winter Day Confirmed I’m Not Yet Worthy

It’s currently winter in my midwestern hometown of Cincinnati.  For the past few months I have been slathering moisturizer on like it’s going out of style since my skin was getting blasted by cold winds and dried out by artificial heat warmer than the fires of hell.

Winter was putting my makeup and hair products to the test.  My BB creams were struggling to not look like it was some color of paste too orange covering sandpaper and my volumizing hair products were falling flat. But I was determined – exfoliate and moisturize.  Moisturize, moisturize, exfoliate, moisturize.

Then yesterday happened and I was reminded yet again of why I have 8,000 products in my closet and what happens when I am ill-prepared. It decided that it would be 80 and swampy.  I used the same products as I have the rest of the winter.  My skin’s oil production was kicked into high gear of gross and felt like only a squeegee would do. My air-drying hair took on a volume of lion mane-like proportions.  My eyeshadow creased and melted, mascara left lines by the end of the night, and only a rubber band could save me from my hair. WTF.  More fodder for me to hate you, winter.

So, as crazy winter days transform and spring time approaches, it’s a good reminder to revisit the products we’re using as the seasons change.

Here’s some tips to arm yourself with the best types of products and techniques to save you from feeling like a melty-faced swamp monster.

Proper Skin Prep:

Two of the most important things when humidity and warmer weather kicks into gear are lightweight-yet-effective moisturizers and exfoliants that can penetrate into the pore to remove dead skin and clear out gunk.

• ReadHead Favorites: Neutrogena’s Rapid Clear lotion provides a lightweight salicylic acid treatment that’s effective.  A super cool technology of a gel that turns into water, Dr. Jart+ Water Drop Hydrating lotion is fantastic and fun to use.

Proper Makeup Prep:

Extra oil production, sweat and humid conditions can break down makeup, causing oxidation, unwanted shine, or even an overall disappearing act.

Primers have come a long way – you can find some with acne treatments, moisturizers and brighteners – and can create a sleek canvas and hold your makeup.  Primers are especially important in the t-zone and eyelid area if you have oily skin.

• ReadHead Favorites: Urban Decay Complexion Primer Potion or Smashbox’s PhotoFinish primer.

Set it off:

Setting your makeup with powder will take away additional shine. They have come a long way from cakey to translucent and finely milled.  A good powder is worth the investment.

• ReadHead Favorites: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Powder, Yves Saint Laurent’s Poudre Compacte Radiance and one you’ve likely never heard of but is my secret arsenal that’s hard to find is Physician’s Formula CoverTox10.  It’s so finely milled and looks beautiful, rivaling the expensive competitors.

Lastly, spritzing a makeup setting spray will keep you going all night long and hold your makeup in place.

• ReadHead Favorite: Urban Decay All Nighter does exactly what it says.  It will hold that beautiful handiwork for up to 16 hours!  I use this in limited amounts though, as it is high in alcohol and can irritate my acne-prone skin.  It’s still a Certified ReadHead Best.

Have a technique that works for you? Drop us a line in the comments!