Hot Girl Summer Makeup: Stay Cute, Not Sweaty
Hot or Not: Summer makeup that stays or slides.
BY Bree Lauder-Williams ★ JUNE 29th, 2025
Photo Credit: Juliana Nani
Whether at work or out with friends, the last thing you want is makeup that slides off your face by noon. Here’s your guide to five products you should (or shouldn’t) use for flawless summer makeup.
Foundation & Skin Tints:
Hot: Beauty of Joseon Tinted Sunscreen – $20
In the heat, you want something that stays put and doesn't melt off. This product doesn't oxidize and dries down with a slightly matte finish. You can layer the rest of your makeup on top after letting it dry for five minutes. Also, since it's a mineral sunscreen, you can protect your skin in the meantime!
Not: e.l.f Cosmetics Halo Glow – $14
I’m finally breaking my silence. Listen, I know people swear by this product, and it's not that bad…as long as it’s the winter. Every time it gets above 60 degrees, it slips and slides off. Plus, it does oxidize, getting more orange the longer it's on. If you wear this in the summertime, you might stop traffic with how shiny your face is.
Bronzer:
Hot: Tower28 Bronzino Illuminating Bronzer – $16
This Tower28 bronzer is a perfect layer atop an already flawless base. It is shiny but has no glitter, adding a beautiful glow to the face. It can also be applied to your body and makes a gorgeous sun-kissed look. My personal must for summer. Even better…it’s on sale from $20 to $16 now!
Not: LYS No Limits Cream Bronzer – $21
Cream bronzers are usually my go-to, but let's get real here: the LYS bronzer disappears after an hour and streaks my makeup. Once again, good for winter, but hard pass for summer.
Concealer:
Hot: NYX Bare With Me Concealer – $12
Literally take my money. This NYX concealer is one of the most skin tone-accurate concealers I have ever used, covering redness and blemishes in seconds. Plus, it’s a serum that’s perfect for dry skin, super lightweight and has minimal creasing. The formula keeps my skin hydrated even in the dead of August.
Not: NARS Pot Concealer – $32
Sorry, this concealer is a little too thick to not cover any blemishes. The formula makes this concealer separate on your face after a while, and setting powder makes it even worse. Save your money with this one; it’s so not worth it.
Cheeks & Lips:
Hot: e.l.f Cosmetics Sheer For It Blush Tint – $5
While it does dry a bit faster than other tints I’ve used, this product is far more hydrating and pigmented than a lot of the others on the market. It is conveniently transfer-proof and doesn't spill when you strut around the city with it in your purse.
Not: Benefit Benetint – $26
This one did spill when I turned over my makeup bag. I won't lie — some tears were shed; $26 down the drain. The Benetint is too drying on my lips and super splotchy on my cheeks.
Just one product can be the difference between a glowy, long-lasting look and a melting mess. With these heat-proof picks, your makeup will stay (and slay) all day long!