Why Your Summer Makeup Keeps Separating: Top Reasons And How to Fix Them

Imagine buying expensive makeup products to look your best on the first day of the new job. From a foundation that matches the skin tone to a blush that complements, you have done it all. But the moment you step out in the sun, your makeup begins to glide off and separate in the heat. Suddenly, your makeup turns patchy and uneven. Sounds familiar? Well, we all have been there. But here's the good news: you can fix it like a trained makeup magician. We've done all the hard work for you and broken down the top reasons why your summer makeup keeps separating and how to fix it.

Why Your Summer Makeup Keeps Separating: Top Reasons And How to Fix Them
Photo Credit: Pexels

What Is Makeup Separation?

In simple words, your makeup tends to separate when the makeup products don't complement each other as they should. This results in:

• Uneven patches of blotchy makeup
• Uneven texture, especially around the T-zone
• Oil patches breaking down layers of makeup

Reason 1: Your Skincare Is Not Right

The first and foremost rule of acing your makeup game is to work on your skincare. While some rely on weekly facials and chemical exfoliants, there are other ways to prep your skin. In summer, thick moisturisers or facial oils do not absorb well, leaving a greasy and sticky feeling. 

Fix it:

• Use mild physical exfoliants to gently scrub away dead skin cells without damaging the skin barrier. 

• Use light-weight, gel-based moisturisers which absorb easily into the skin. 
• Avoid heavy creams that just sit on top of your skin and make the foundation slide off. 
• Wait for at least 5 minutes after skincare before applying makeup.

Reason 2: Skipping or Using the Wrong Primer

Primer acts like double-sided tape for your makeup. It makes the surface smooth, sticks the foundation to the skin, and prevents it from slipping. However, not all primers work the same in summer.

Fix it:

• Go for an oil-control or mattifying primer
• Use a blurring primer to fill your pores and smooth the skin texture 
• Focus on areas like the T-zone, where makeup breaks down the most

Reason 3: You're Using the Wrong Foundation Formula And Too Much Quantity

Although layering makeup can help hide blemishes and dark spots, it is not the best practice for summer. Different formulas perform differently in summer and may not suit all skin types. Moreover, a cakey foundation base is the biggest enemy of flawless looks. 

Fix it:

• Use a light-weight, oil-free, matte foundation
• Start with a small quantity and build as needed
• Avoid going in layers over the same spot
• Ditch foundations with concealers for spot treatments
• Use BB or CC creams for light coverage in summer

Reason 4: Incorrect Product Order

The next reason why your makeup keeps separating in summer is following the incorrect product order. Applying your powder products before creamy formulas is a recipe for disaster. It not only makes blending difficult but often takes no time for your makeup to become blotchy. 

Fix it:

• Do your skincare first and wait for 5-10 minutes.
• Use a primer, followed by your base products, and then finish with powder products.
• Give each layer some time to settle in before blending another layer on top.
• Use a damp beauty blender or brush to gently dab the product into your skin. Always dab, never drag.

Reason 5: You're Not Setting It Right (or At All)

In most cases, cream-based products are never the best fit in hot and humid temperatures. They don't set well and cause your makeup to glide away with sweat. On the other hand, powder-based products are your biggest friends. However, too much powder can make your skin dry and patchy. Thus, it is important to set your makeup the right way.

Fix it:

• Use a loose translucent powder to set undereyes and the T-zone.
• Use a brush or puff to gently dab compact powder as and when required. 
• If you have dry skin, use powder only on oily areas.
• Finish with a setting spray to lock everything in.

Bonus Tips To Prevent Your Makeup From Separating

Here are a few additional bonus tips to make your makeup last longer and prevent it from separating:

• Go for sweat-proof formulas
• Try lightweight skin tints for a natural finish
• Use blotting sheets to remove excess oil without disturbing the makeup layers
• Use compact powder to touch up around oily areas

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2. Chambor Extreme Wear Mattefixe Setting Spray, 100 ml

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I stop my makeup from separating?

To keep your makeup from separating in summer, use a lightweight skincare base, use an oil-controlling primer, and use a setting spray.

2. Why does my makeup separate as soon as I put it on?

There can be many reasons why your makeup skills are put to the test in summer. For starters, habits like improper skin prepping, applying too much product, or excess oil production can be guilty. 

3. How do you keep makeup intact in the summer?

A setting spray can come in handy to keep your makeup intact in summer. Additionally, avoid using too much product and keep your base light. 

4. What is the best makeup primer?

The best makeup primer depends on your skin type. If you have oily skin, go for a mattifying primer. Similarly, if you have dry skin, a dewy-finish primer is more suitable. 

5. Does BB cream come off when you sweat?

If the BB cream formula is very hydrating or dewy, then it may not be able to survive sweat in summer. 

By now, we are sure you'll agree that the summer makeup routine requires a few tweaks and adjustments. If your makeup keeps separating, the problem might be in your skincare routine, product choices, or blending technique. With a few smart steps, like opting for sweat-proof formulas and light layers, you can make your makeup last from AM to PM. So, the next time you start getting ready for the day, make sure to follow these tips to see the change yourself.