Monsoon season brings humidity, unexpected showers, and makeup meltdowns. But with the right products and techniques, you can maintain a fresh face all day long.
Prep Your Skin
Cleanse Thoroughly
Start with a gel or foam cleanser to remove excess oil. Double cleanse if wearing waterproof sunscreen.
Use Lightweight Moisturizer
Heavy creams will slide off in humidity. Choose gel or water-based moisturizers that absorb quickly.
Wait Before Makeup
Let skincare absorb for 5-10 minutes before applying makeup. This prevents pilling and improves adhesion.
Primer is Non-Negotiable
A good primer creates a barrier between your skin and makeup:
- Mattifying primer: For oily skin, controls shine
- Silicone-based: Creates waterproof barrier
- Color-correcting: Addresses redness or sallowness
Pro tip: Use a setting spray before AND after makeup for maximum staying power.
Foundation Choices for Monsoon
Best Formulas
- Water-based, long-wear foundations
- Matte finish formulas
- Buildable coverage (light layers last longer)
Avoid
- Dewy or luminous foundations
- Heavy, creamy formulas
- Powder foundations (they cake)
Waterproof Eye Makeup Essentials
Eyeshadow
- Use eyeshadow primer – this is crucial
- Set cream shadows with powder
- Choose waterproof formulas
- Avoid cream eyeshadows without setting
Eyeliner
- Gel or liquid waterproof liners only
- Avoid kohl or pencil (they smudge)
- Set pencil liner with matching eyeshadow
Mascara
- Waterproof mascara is mandatory
- Tubing mascaras are even better (remove with water, won’t smudge)
- Apply mascara after curling lashes (waterproof holds curl better)
Lip Tips for Rainy Days
- Liquid lipsticks: Transfer-proof, long-lasting
- Lip stains: Natural color that won’t budge
- Tinted lip oils: Hydrating with subtle color
- Avoid glossy lipsticks that transfer easily
Setting Your Makeup
Powder
- Use translucent loose powder on T-zone
- Press, don’t swipe
- Avoid heavy powdering (causes cakiness in humidity)
Setting Spray
This is your secret weapon. Apply in an X and T motion across your face. Let it dry naturally – don’t fan or blow on it.
Touch-Up Kit Essentials
- Oil-blotting papers or sheets
- Compact powder
- Waterproof kajal or liner
- Lip product
- Mini setting spray
- Cotton swabs for cleanup
Quick Fixes for Makeup Mishaps
Mascara Smudges
Use a cotton swab dipped in micellar water. Let it dry, then touch up concealer.
Foundation Sliding
Blot with tissue, then press powder on top. Don’t rub!
Lipstick Transfer
Blot lips, reapply color, press with tissue.
Makeup Dos and Don’ts for Monsoon
Do
- Keep skincare light and oil-free
- Use waterproof everything
- Carry blotting papers
- Set makeup in layers
- Use minimal products (less is more)
Don’t
- Skip primer
- Use heavy creams or oils
- Touch your face frequently
- Forget setting spray
- Use shimmer on lids (creases faster)
With these tips, monsoon won’t stand a chance against your makeup game!
