Use concealer, instead of foundation; lip gloss a no-no

It’s the season of sudden rain showers that can ruin your look in the blink of an eye. But don’t quit using makeup just yet.

Though it is still wise to face the rainy days with a radiant face, toning it down can prevent makeup disasters.

The key words when it comes to monsoon makeup are “waterproof” and “lightweight.” These two qualities are essential in surviving the rainy months.

For more concrete steps against smudging and other makeup disasters this rainy season, note these important tips:

Makeup base

The main cause of smudging is the excessive use of foundation. If you can’t do without it, apply only a thin coat.

Make sure your foundation is water-resistant.

If you have great complexion, do away with foundation for now. Instead, use concealer and apply sheer powder over it. Powder will stick to your complexion more than any foundation.

No dark eye shadows

Just the sound of rain on the rooftops should prompt you to apply waterproof mascara. Normal mascaras quickly smudge when in contact with humidity. It’s best to use waterproof formulation.

Makeup artists recommend dropping the dark eye shadows for the more natural ones during monsoon months. The colors of the season offer endless options for you to look great even if the weather is gloomy.

Cream blush

The golden rule when sporting monsoon-proof makeup is to use a mousse or cream blush. Never use powder blushes as their composition is not made to resist the humidity.

In the absence of a cream blush, makeup artists recommend using a bit of lipstick. Dot it on your cheeks and spread with your fingers. The effect is just as gorgeous as a cream blush.

Lips

Lip gloss is a no-no for the monsoon months. Once in contact with humidity, lip glosses tend to smudge.

It’s best to use high-quality lipstick that will guarantee a lasting effect. Try Make Up For Ever, Rouge Artist Natural. Its colors are discretely tinted and leave a delicious crystalline shine for a “fresh lip” effect. Colors stay true and pigments adhere to the lips.

In this gloomy weather, less is often more and if you have preventive skincare rituals, you can avoid the damaging effect of humidity.

These beauty experts share tips to help bring out your most radiant self even during monsoon season.

“I believe that if I take care of my skin well, the less makeup I’ll need to wear. So I make it a point to ‘cover all the bases’. I really like the gentle feeling I get with Pevonia Botanica’s sensitive skin cleanser because of its low-foaming formula. It comforts me to know that that means it doesn’t contain harsh detergents that may be harmful to my skin. Since my skin is oily, exfoliating daily is truly necessary, I use the Clarifying lotion of Clinique regularly. For added protection against pollution and the damaging rays of the sun, I spritz on Kiehl’s Acai damage-protecting mist all over my face and neck before applying La Mer moisturizing gel cream and sunblock. It sounds like a lot of work, but when it comes to the health of my skin it’s all worth it.” —Charmagne Garcia-Laconico; wife, mother, beauty expert and consultant

“I am loving my Enzyme Cleansing Gel, Cucumber Cleansing Lotion, Hydro Moisturizer with Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Eye Cream all from Mario Badescu. These were all handpicked to address specific skin concerns I have. My face feels so clean and light after my morning and evening regimen. It is great skin prep for makeup, but also makes my skin so smooth I can leave it bare!” —Antoinette Enciso-Ocampo, entrepreneur and model

“I’m very loyal to Pond’s. Their gold facial mousse is the best. It gently cleanses your skin and keeps it soft and oil-free. I also use their face lotion; it’s not sticky at all and it has SPF 15 which is very important, especially this summer. I have a very simple regimen, I just wash my face and moisturize. I also use Burt’s Bees lip balm, which keeps my lips moisturized without feeling sticky.” —Charmaine Palermo, managing partner, Monsters Centaur Production/publicist/stylist