Summer Sweat-Proof Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
Can we just be honest for a minute? Summer is wonderful—pool days, relaxing on the porch, backyard barbecues—but the second I walk outside, my makeup starts to say goodbye. I’m not kidding. One minute I’m fresh-faced and feeling good, and the next I’m wondering where my foundation went.
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to help keep my makeup from melting off my face the minute the humidity hits. So today I’m sharing all my best sweat-proof makeup tips for women over 50.
Sweat-Proof Summer Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
If you’re ready for more skincare and beauty tips for women over 50, you’re in the right place!
Step One: Start with Clean Skin
I always say, you wouldn’t paint over a dirty wall, right? The same goes for your face. Start fresh with a gentle cleanser in the morning to wash away any oils or residue from the night before.
Some of my favorite gentle cleansers are:
- La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
- CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
- Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Face Cleanser
You can find my entire list of cleansers for mature skin here.
In the warmer months, I like using a lightweight moisturizer that won’t turn me into a greaseball by lunchtime. Look for oil-free or gel-based ones—they feel cool going on and won’t make your makeup slide off your face.
Wondering which ones to try this summer? Here are my picks:
- MERIT Great Skin Moisturizer
- Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer with Niacinamide
- Confidence in a Cream Anti-Aging Hydrating Moisturizer
- Ultimate Miracle Worker SPF 30 Moisturizer with Retinol & Glycolic acid
And listen, I know you’ve heard this before, but I’m going to say it anyway—don’t skip the sunscreen. This one by DRMTLGY is my current favorite, but you can never go wrong with this tried-and-true option from La-Roche Posay. If you want to skip a step, you can even go with a tinted moisturizer with built-in SPF like this one from Supergoop or this one from Cerave.
Primer Is a Game Changer
If you’re not using a primer in the summer, you are missing out. It’s like giving your makeup a seatbelt. It helps everything stay in place—foundation, blush, all of it.
There are primers at all price points, but you don’t have to spend a ton to get the benefits. This one by e.l.f. is a best-seller and it’s only $10!
If your skin leans oily (like my T-zone loves to do in July), look for a mattifying primer like this one from DHC that doesn’t suck the life out of your face.
Pick the Right Foundation
Heavy, full-coverage foundation in the summer? That’s a hard no for me. It cakes, it creases, and it practically runs down your neck in the heat.
I like something lighter that still gives coverage but feels breathable. Use a damp makeup sponge or a good buffing brush and take your time blending. And don’t forget your neck—we want it all to match!
I have tried a LOT of foundation over the years, and here are a few go-to picks for those hot days:
Cream Products That Don’t Slip Off
Powders can look dry on mature skin, especially in the heat. That’s why I reach for cream blushes. They melt into your skin and give that pretty, fresh-from-the-beach kind of look (without needing an actual beach trip).
I also love that cream blushes don’t settle into wrinkles like powder can. Look for shades that mimic a natural flush, like soft pinks, peaches, or rosy tones. And remember, a little goes a long way – just a light sweep on the apples of your cheeks can brighten up your whole face!
I’m currently using my Merit cream blush, but here are some other great ones to try:
When it comes to bronzers, you’ve got options! You can stick with a classic cream bronzer (like this popular one from OGEE), or mix things up with bronzing drops. I know—you’re probably thinking, Tania, what in the world are bronzing drops? Don’t worry, I break it all down for you in this post.
Lock It All In
Setting powder and setting spray are your best friends in the summer. Just don’t go overboard—no one wants to look like a powdered donut.
I like a lightweight translucent powder. You can use any of the ones on this list, but here are a few of my favorites:
- Laura Mercier Translucent Powder
- Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Powder
- Maybelline Fit Me (great if you’re watching your budget!)
Then I finish with a setting spray. Urban Decay’s All Nighter is the one I reach for most day (it really does help everything stay put), but I’ve also been using this one from MAC! Want more options? Check out my full post on setting sprays for women over 50 here!
Waterproof Eye Makeup Only, Please
Mascara running down your cheeks is not cute, and don’t even get me started on eyeliner smudging. If you’re like me and your eyes water at the first sign of sun or wind, waterproof is the way to go.
I feel like I’ve tried hundreds of mascaras over the years. The best waterproof mascara on the market that will give you the most bang for your buck is this Lash Princess one! It’s usually around $5, and it makes my lashes look AMAZING. Here are a few other ones I’ve liked:
- L’Oreal Paris Makeup Voluminous Original Volume Building Waterproof Mascara
- Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara
- tarte maneate waterproof mascara
Same goes for eyeliner. I rarely leave the house without eyeliner and I hate looking like a raccoon, so I’ve figured out a few that work for me! If you need a good waterproof eyeliner, I recommend:
- e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner
- Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen No-Skip Eyeliner
- 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
You can find a lot more waterproof eyeliner options in this post. Plus, you can also find the list of best makeup removers I’ve found to help you wipe these products off at the end of the day!
Tame Those Brows
Our brows tend to get a little thinner as we age, and in the summer, they can disappear even faster if you’re sweating. I always fill mine in with this pencil, then set them with this tinted brow gel.
You can find more best-selling brow products that are worth a try in this post!
Lip Color That Lasts
I love a good gloss, but not when it feels like it’s melting off my face. In the summer, it’s a good idea to look for something more low-maintenance—a tinted balm, lip stain, or a long-wearing matte. Lip liner also helps keep everything from feathering, which happens more the older we get.
I’ve been using this trio from Merit lately, and I have no desire to change it anytime soon! I start my lips using their Signature Lip Liner in the color Coupe. Then, I use Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick, a satin, extremely creamy lipstick, and finish with Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil in Pointelle for added sheen.
You can find more of my favorite lip products and colors for women over 50 here and here.
Keep a Touch-Up Kit in Your Purse
Even the best makeup will need a little refresher if you’re out in the heat all day. I keep blotting sheets and a compact in my purse at all times. Blotting papers soak up shine without disturbing your makeup—super handy if you’re out and about.
My summer touch-up musts:
It’s not about redoing your whole face—it’s just a little zhuzh to keep everything looking fresh.
Do you have any tips or products you swear by for keeping your makeup looking fresh and sweat-proof during the summer? Make sure to share them with the gurls below!
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I always learn so much from your emails! What is the organizer you have in your LV Neverfull?
Here is the link for that: https://amzlink.to/az0MP0CDcYs8c
😊
I love the lamp. My Grandma had one similar to yours and I just remembered it’s in the top of my closet. ❤️
Love the lip things from Merit 🙂
🙂 Thanks for the tips!
Found it 🙂 Thank you for posting about Laroche-Posay brand, which I recently purchased. Got the moisturizer and love it.
Love your post on makeup for summer heat! Thank you for sharing. you are such a lovely lady for helping us older women on makeup & what works for wearing in our age group. May God be the glory in everything we do.
🙂 thanks for great suggestions! I have some favorites that you shared.
😊 I will be trying some of these options this summer!
Super post! Toner, primer and a setting spray are a must in the summer – or any time! Found it 🙂
☺️ I barely wear makeup in the summer. It’s always messy! I’ll have to use some of your tips for the times I need to dress up.
☺ Found It. thank you for all of the makeup tips..
🙂 Cute placement of the :)!!
🙂
Very timely post as it reached 87 degrees here in GA today!
WOW! It has been in the 60s here today.
Love makeup recommendations! 😊
🙂 I just stay inside ha ha
😀. Great tips! Thanks, Tania!
Found it 🙂
😀 very clever smiley! I just changed to IT cosmetics nude glow & love it for summer. It is much lighter than their CC cream. I’ve never tried a setting spray, gonna check those out! Your grandmothers lamp is beautiful!
Thank you for the makeup tips.
Makeup during southern summers is a challenge. Thanks for all of the great product ideas.
😊Your grandmother’s lamp is so pretty. How nice that you can enjoy such pretty and functional mementos of your grandparents! I typically don’t change my makeup in the summer other than generously applying sunscreen.
🙂 The idea of wearing only tinted sunscreen is so appealing to me. thank
Thanks for the information. :}
Found it! I also love the Merit cream blush! Great for mature skin!
☺️ I have used Clinique for years.
😊 Great tips! Reminded me to order waterproof mascara for the summer. You look so cute in that pink top. 🩷
😊I try not to wear much makeup in the summer because I stay tan all summer long.
😀 found it
I loved this post. I use many of these products from some of your previous posts but you added such great suggestions that I am going to try many of them this summer.
Found it! Thank you for all the fun ‘stuff’!
=) Thanks for the tips!
😊 I really like all your makeup tips. Recently, I’ve started wearing less makeup. Trying to find the natural look! Your grandmothers lamp is very pretty.
🙂 found it! Love the makeup tips. I just started using primer the last year…. It does make a big difference. Love your blog!
🙂 Your pointers are great. I just don’t wear make-up that much anymore. It’s very freeing.
😊Thanx for the tips!
😀Love all your makeup tips. Love city Lips lip gloss yo demoed last year!
Good tips!
Found it
🙂 found it. I love the purse organizer. That looks like it would come in real handy.
FOUND IT
The DHC primer is the BEST
Traci
I’ve been wearing Merit cream to powder eye shadow that I really like. I recently read that Merit has launched the brand Versed and found it at Target.
I use Versed, but I haven’t heard about the connection to MERIT. 🤷🏼♀️
Found it! I have really turned to the less is more attitude with make up. I moisturize with Roche triple creme and use a liquid highlighter around my eyes a tinted sunscreen. Mascara and soft shadow, and a bit of lipstick. No more foundation or blush most days.
😀 I like all the tips.
🙂 Great tips and products!
😊great tips!
:). Found it!
Think I’ll try the E.L.F. Primer. I’m in need of something new.
PS. You look so pretty in the pink shirt in the first photo.
🙂
Great reminders. Especially the set it spray. Thanks!
🙂 I use a primer and finishing spray
😊 I have the same purse organizer and it works beautifully for purse changes! Here in south Texas the humidity level is always around 91% and setting sprays are a must- works well. Thank you for the post!
🙂 I don’t wear much makeup. Thanks for sharing this information in this post. Your Grandmothers lamp is beautiful.
I found it.
🙂 Found it.
Wow ! Love all the make up tips. Specially the ones for t-zones and weather like here in the South.
😀 Great tips for keeping a fresh face. I am going to try the Merit cream blush. I just need to get into my Sephora store. The purse organizer you show is one i have ordered and love it!
Ummmm, you’re supposed to order through my links so that I get credit. 🤣🤣🤣
😊 I love the setting spray, it does work. I also like the purse organizer.
😊Never heard of bronze drops, now I’ve got to try them.
😊Great suggestions as always
🙂. It was interesting to see that you used your setting spray before putting on mascara.
🙂 great selections. Tennessee humidity is a killer on makeup.
Found it!
Also question/comment/ curiosity. Do you not use R+F anymore? Haven’t mentioned it in a while. I kind of thought most people that were consultants seemed pretty loyal and obsessed with it. Same thing with Arbonne . Hmm haven’t heard anything about that either lately .
Karen, I’m still a consultant and use R+F. I rarely mention it because so many people seemed to hate direct sales, but it is now also available in Ulta.
Found it 😀
Thank you for all the great makeup tips!
For those of us with controlled rosacea- and therefore a reddish hue to skin – I find Laura Geller Balance and Brighten to be very effective in making me “zoom ready”.
😀Found it – thanks for the tips!
🙂 Excellent tips! Thanks Tania,
Found it😊! The humidity takes its
Toll for sure on all us girls that have combo skin. Thanks for the tips on makeup rescue.
🙂 I bought one of those organizers for my tote. So glad I did. Can’t stand having to dig around for something small, worrying that it may have fallen out.
Nothing like mother daughter time thanks for the tips☺️
🙂Great tips.
🙂 Just ordered the purse organizer. I had one before in denton, like it, but this one looks really good. I need some blotting sheets too!
😊 Thanks for all the summer makeup tips.
🙂 found it! I always forget powder and setting spray, need to move to the front of my makeup shelf. Have a blessed week!
I always feel like my eyeliner & mascara ‘melt’ in the summer humidity. I’ve been using Neutrogena Hydroboost waterproof mascara for the past 2 years, which works well. I just ordered the e.l.f. No Budge Eyeliner that you suggested in this post. Fingers crossed!
😊Thanks for the tips!
😊 Your grandmother’s lamp is so pretty. You’re blessed to have memories of her. I never had that with my grandparents since they died early. I’m glad my granddaughter will have memories of staying at my house and all the things we do. I recently learned about a brand named Revant. They make eyeliner mascara and eyebrow pencil for mature women. I really love their eyeliner. It doesn’t tug and it stays. They gave me tips on how to apply it because I have one oily lid. I close my eyes for a minute so that the eyeliner will stay put. It works for almost 8 hours. It used to smudge for me after an hour before.
That’s a wonderful tip. It also works to keep mascara from smearing.
🙂 Thanks for all the suggestions today. I love the Princess mascaras, and you can’t beat the price. I’m never sure when to apply the setting powder, before or after the blush?
Cindy, I usually apply a setting powder after my foundation, unless I’m using a cream blush. I don’t want the powder blush to “stick” to the wet foundation, so I apply the powder to allow it to go on smoothly.
😀 nice tips!
Thank you😊
😊 Great tips for summer makeup! I like Merle Norman Lasting Foundation. It really does last all day!
🙂oh you are a sneaky one! Great post, I have learned some new things.
Found it! Love elf products, so affordable!
Found it. Thanks for the post, I’ll definitely try some of the brands you recommend!
🙂 Thanks for the great tips!
😊 Thank you for the recommendations!
FOUND IT🙂!
😊 Thank you for the recommendations!
😊I am going to try out the Mac Primer and the Elf. I like to look natural, not heavy make-up on me. I do use the setting sprays.
I love the ring on your right hand–gorgeous.
😀 great ideas
🙂 Great makeup tips! I use Argan Oil instead of moisturizer. It’s lighter than moisturizer and sinks in well. I also use it on non-makeup days.
😊
Great tips! I basically just do my eyes and lips so your suggestions are very helpful.
😀 (tricky) I always enjoy your posts on make up and skin care options. I love my cream blush! it makes a difference on dry skin. Thanks for the budget friendly suggestions.
😊 thank you for these great makeup tips!
🙂I use the Bobbi brown foundation.
🙂 Good makeup tips
🙂
I really like the idea of a bag organizer and the bonus of it being a shaper. Did you find the felt add a lot of weight to your bag?
No, the felt is not heavy at all.
☺️ I need to try the eyebrow gel.
😀all great tips!
☺️ Thanks for these tips! It’s already pretty warm here!
😀Great tips , Tania. Thanks! Both my grandmothers had those lamps too! Thanks for sharing!🥰
found it!
love new makeup suggestions – thanks!
😊I will have to,check out the Merit line
🙂
🙂 Cute spot! Love makeup and makeup tips. I use the Laura Mercier Translucent Powder everyday and love it. I think you wrote about it awhile ago! I will try some other products,TY.
Found it! 😊Thank you for all the good makeup tips.
🙂 I need to invest in some good daily sunscreen! I like your green ring in the first photo, very pretty!
Found it:) Love the make up tips
☺️Great post Tania!!! Btw…the pink blouse looks fabulous on you as well as the Kelly Green sweater too.
~Lisa~