Summer-proof glam

beauty

Ah, summer in Pakistan. The season where the sun doesn’t just shine - it sizzles. Stepping outside at noon is like walking into a furnace. The heat is relentless, the humidity clings to you, and your makeup doesn’t stand a chance, melting away before you’ve even reached your destination.

But summer glam doesn’t have to be a tragic tale. With the right products, clever tricks, you can look radiant without looking like you ran a marathon. Here’s your ultimate guide to keeping your glam game solid…

Dewy drama

Start with your base. While matte makeup might hold up in cooler months, summer sun can quickly turn it into a cracked, cakey mess. A better bet? Let your skin breathe. Swap heavy foundations for water-based, silicone-infused BB creams like Sapphire’s Flawless Finish BB Cream, packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid for a fresh, skin-like glow. For that lit-from-within finish, dab on a creamy highlighter before setting with powder - and skip thick formulas altogether. Want even less fuss? Go for a gel-based tinted moisturiser with SPF like the What-a-Vitamin Gel Tint. It hydrates, protects, and offers sheer coverage in one step. Lightweight and never cakey, it lets your real skin shine through - just smoother, fresher, and like you’ve actually been sleeping eight hours and drinking your daily two litres.

Primer: The unsung hero

If your face eats makeup by lunchtime, meet your new best friend: primer. Specifically, a silicone-based, gripping primer that keeps everything in place - even through those infernal power outages. Apply a pea-sized amount to your T-zone, cheeks, and upper lip area (aka the sweat triangle). Let it settle for a minute before foundation. This step creates a barrier between your skin and the world - like invisible cling film for your base.

Eyes that outlast the heat

Heat-proof eye makeup? Non-negotiable. Because while you might be sweating through the day, your eyeliner shouldn’t be joining in. Start strong with a waterproof liquid liner and smudge-proof mascara - formulas designed to stay put, no matter how high the temperature climbs.

Once your essentials are in place, bring in colour. Zay Beauty’s Shokh Palette offers rich, pigmented shades inspired by playful mischief - from matte olives to electric corals and sunset purples. Choose one bold hue and blend it across the lids for a striking yet effortless look. To take it up a notch, experiment with under-eye accents. A swipe of neon along the lower lash line or a touch of shimmer in the inner corner can instantly brighten your whole face.

Brow game strong

Nothing pulls a look together like tidy, lifted brows - especially when humidity’s doing its worst. Local favourite Luscious Brow Luxe shapes and sets without the dreaded crunch or midday flake. Brush upward, let it set, and resist touching. Want all-day lockdown? Layer a clear setting gel on top for that laminated look minus the salon bill. Two flicks of the wand, and your brows are humidity-proof.

Tint it right

Say farewell to gloopy glosses and hello to fuss-free tints that actually stay put - no matter how many chai breaks or sweaty commutes you power through. This season, it’s all about lip tints that are long-lasting, feather light, and won’t ghost you by lunchtime. The secret lies in formulas that stain without sucking the life out of your lips. Try Luscious Cosmetics’ Lip Couture or Zayfied Beauty’s Tint Tales - both deliver a soft, blurred finish with serious staying power. Bonus: These tints aren’t just for lips. Tap a bit onto your cheeks and blend with your fingertips for a natural flush that brings your whole look together.

Blot, don’t wipe

Oil is inevitable. Shine is natural. But instead of rubbing your face raw, invest in blotting papers. They’re cheap, purse-friendly, and a lifesaver on commutes, Zoom calls, or dawat duty. One press per oily patch soaks up excess without disturbing your artistry. No more foundation streaks or blush vanishing acts. Plus, it’s oddly satisfying.

Set and refresh

Your final step is a setting spray - ideally one that multitasks. Look for hydrating mists with a locking agent to keep makeup in place while refreshing your skin through the day. Pixi’s Makeup Fixing Mist or Lumi Beauty’s Dew Lock are solid options.

Hold the bottle at least an arm’s length away and mist in an ‘X’ and ‘T’ formation for full coverage. Not only will this seal the look, but it’ll also provide a moment of calm amid the chaos of traffic or workplace meltdowns.