I’ve lived in UAE all my life.
It’s HOT there – really hot.
And now I stay in India and shuttle back and forth between tropical countries.
Since I have problem skin, I do wear makeup, and that involves some foundation to cover up my scars.
So, I have tried and tested this make-up routine and now I use this all the time when I go out.
This post includes budget-friendly and high-end makeup. In some cases, I haven’t found budget-friendly products, so I’ve included what works best.
Let’s begin, shall we?
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1. First, double cleanse!
You have to double cleanse – because your skin needs to be clean before you apply makeup.
Because a water-based cleanser does not wash off your sunscreen/skincare thoroughly.
I double-cleanse with:
- Oil-Based Cleanser First, you use an oil-based cleanser. The oil breaks down all that gunk that builds up on your face throughout the day—think makeup, sunscreen, and pollution grime. The oil grabs onto these impurities and lifts them off your skin. I have used many oil cleansers, but I love this one by Kiehl.
- Water-Based Cleanser Next, you wash it off with a water-based cleanser. It can be a gel, foam, or cream cleanser—whatever feels best for your skin type. Because I like to keep my skincare simple, I’m using Cetaphil’s gentle cleanser.
I’ve been using these cleansers for over 2 years, and they do not break me out.
2. Never skip sunscreen
Let’s say you’re feeling lazy.
And you’re too tired to do your skincare in the morning – that’s okay.
Wash your face and apply SPF.
Do not (at any cost) skip sunscreen!
You can use any sunscreen, but right now, I am in love with La Roche Posay.
3. Use a Waterproof Primer
Never, ever skip primer because your makeup needs to stick to something to last long.
Since I have acne-prone skin, my pores are big.
So, I like to use this Pore-minimizing Waterproof Primer by Smashbox. I actually got the mini from Sephora as a sample and loved it so much that I got the big tube.
4. IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Concealer – for Dark Circles, Fine Lines, Redness & Discoloration – Waterproof
If you don’t use a concealer, skip to the next point about foundation.
This is a waterproof concealer that also is EXTREMELY effective.
I discovered this brand when my makeup artist friend used it on me scarring and I was shocked at how my pigmentation just disappeared.
It’s also amazing for fine lines and under eyes – and I know it works.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly version, then try the TrueSkin Concealer which is a drug-store product but is also waterproof.
5. My go-to Waterproof Doube-Wear Estee-Lauder Foundation
My shade is 3W2 Cashew.
I have been wearing this foundation for years now – it quite literally lasts all day.
I have worn this in airports, and mostly in tropical countries – it does not melt and it looks more natural as the hours pass.
It blends so well and the formula is liquid gold – it covers my hyperpigmentation and I don’t wear a concealer because I want my skin to breathe.
It isn’t heavy and it’s buildable. I love, love, love this foundation.
If you’re traveling a lot, get the smaller bottle – it will fit nicely into your makeup bag.
Also check out how I pack my makeup when I’m travelling by plane.
6. Use a 24-hour liquid lipstick for blush and lips
Maybelline doesn’t break me out.
And I don’t do it as much but if I want my makeup to be waterproof and sweatproof, I do this hack and it works!
I use the Maybelline Superstay Vinyl Lip Color to do both – my lips and my cheeks and it looks awesome!
I like the shades Peppy, Punchy and Cheeky because I have an olive undertone.
7. Waterproof Brow Kit
Because my eyebrows are basically non-existent, I always do them even when I’m going for the clean-girl makeup look.
And this will make or break your face.
So, use this waterproof eyebrow kit and you’re good to go!
8. Waterproof mascara
This mascara is so budget-friendly but it’s SOOOO good!
It’s waterproof and it adds so much volume to your lashes! I’m talking about the Essence Lash Princess Mascara!
9. Waterproof eyeshadow
I like to keep my eyes simple, so I just use a waterproof eyeshadow stick to add some shimmer since my eyes are already pigmented.
A quick recap of all the products mentioned:
- Smashbox Pore-Minimizing Primer
- It Cosmetics Waterproof Concealer
- Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation
- Maybelline Superstay Vinyl Lip Color – for both cheeks and lips
- Waterproof Eyebrow Kit
- Waterproof mascara
I wish you a beautiful summer!
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