How to Monsoon-Proof Your Makeup Look Using Concealer
Monsoon season brings its own set of challenges for makeup lovers: unpredictable rain showers, increasing moisture levels, and constant shine. And your current makeup kit will not be able to hold the fort for long. That is where smart applications and smarter product choices, like investing in a good sweat-proof concealer, can be a game-changer.
Let's break down how to create a breathable, weather-proof base that withstands both stormy afternoons and steamy commutes.
Monsoon Makeup Tips - Primer, Sweat-Proof Concealer, and More
1. Start With Calm, Balanced Skin: Follow skincare to remove oiliness and use a mattifying primer
2. Apply Sweat-Proof Concealer: Dab sweat-proof concealer to add glow and create an even tone
3. Skip the Full Foundation: Use lightweight makeup alternatives like skin tints
4. Set With Precision: Layer your look with a setting spray to keep it intact in monsoon
5. Add Texture, Not Weight: Use lightweight and waterproof cheek tints to add colour without adding weight
Monsoon Makeup Tips - Primer, Sweat-Proof Concealer, and More
1. Start With Balanced Skin
Good skin prep is the groundwork for your successful rainy makeup look. In the monsoon, your skincare is doing half of the work for you in terms of prep for your base. Opt for a lightweight, gel-based moisturiser that will hydrate your skin without being greasy or shiny. In high humidity, heavy creams can feel claustrophobic and will almost always cause your base to slip. After you've moisturized, try using a mattifying primer on the T-zone. This will ensure a seamless canvas and allow your makeup to grip better, especially around the nose and forehead, where oil often peaks midday.
Tip: Choose a water-based or gel formula that will layer nicely underneath your other base products and will not leave you feeling sticky. A light-weight SPF is non-negotiable even on the most grey, rainy, and cloudy of days. Try using makeup with SPF for added protection.
2. Apply Sweat-Proof Concealer Strategically
The keyword here is strategically. In the monsoon, concealer becomes your best friend, but only if used with intention. Rather than painting it across the face, use a sweat-proof concealer only where you need coverage - be it under the eyes, around the nose, and over any redness or blemishes. Blend it in with your fingers or a small brush. The warmth of your fingertips will help melt the product into your skin, offering a more natural finish. Look for labels that mention ‘transfer proof’, ‘long-wear’, or ‘water-resistant’; they are designed for humid environments and won’t melt off by lunchtime.
Concealer Tip: A luminous, soft matte finish concealer works best for this season. It’s not too glowy, not too flat, just the right kind of skin-like coverage that stays resilient against rain, sweat, and the occasional umbrella wrestle. Go for buildable formulas that let you adjust the coverage without looking cakey.
3. Skip the Full Foundation
In monsoon weather, less is often more! If you enjoy fuller coverage, mix a few drops of your sweat-proof concealer with a lightweight skin tint. This evens out the complexion without feeling like a full face of foundation. On the flip side, if spot-concealing does the trick for you, stop there. The goal is breathable coverage, not layers that might break down in humidity. Rainy season makeup thrives on flexibility; it’s about looking fresh and natural while keeping the routine fuss free.
4. Set With Precision
Makeup powder over concealers is crucial, but think pinpoint, not all-over. A small, fluffy powder puff is your best tool here. Lightly dust translucent powder on the places where you’ve applied your sweat-proof concealer, mainly the under-eyes, sides of the nose, and chin. Avoid setting the entire face; leaving some areas without powder helps retain a skin-like finish and prevents your makeup from looking flat or heavy.
Rainy makeup tip: Carry blotting papers in your handbag. They’re a mess-free way to lift oil without caking on more product. Especially useful if you’re in and out of air-conditioned spaces throughout the day.
5. Add Texture, Not Weight
With unpredictable weather, makeup should feel like second skin, flexible, adaptable, and minimal. The trick lies in using products that add texture without layering on thickness. Lip and cheek tints and stains are ideal during the monsoon. Cream formulas might slip; powders may look dry or patchy. Liquid tints that dry down to a soft flush hold up best through sweat or drizzle.
The essence of rainy season makeup lies in lightness and smart layering. You don’t need to give up makeup entirely when the monsoon hits, but you do need to rethink your approach. Try the Maybelline Foundation Finder to get your tone matched, a sweat-proof concealer, and use the Virtual Try-On tool to get your lip and eye makeup fix online. Stay tuned for more monsoon makeup tips with Maybelline’s face makeup tips series.
