Beauty That Can Handle the Heat (and Sweat and Tears)
January 5 | 6 minute read
Words by The MECCA Memo
Heat, humidity, a really good rom com, or excess oil can push even the best beauty routine to its absolute limits. If your makeup tends to slide or you shine just a little too bright, we're here to tell you that there is a solution!
There are positives to having skin that produces excess oil – it's slower to show visible signs of ageing, stays plumper for longer and holds onto its bounce when others don’t. The challenge is making your skincare and makeup work with it, especially when the temperature rises or the tears start flowing.
This is your guide to beauty that can handle the heat – and keep oily skin under control.
Fight Oil With Oil
When things get shiny, it’s tempting to strip everything back. But over-drying your skin only triggers it to produce more oil, which is (obviously) exactly what you don’t want. The trick is balance.
Enter the double cleanse! An oil-based cleanser lifts makeup, SPF and sweat without stressing the skin (yes, oil breaks down oil). Follow with a gentle exfoliating cleanser to clear pores and keep congestion at bay. Tatcha’s The Camellia Cleansing Oil paired with Kate Somerville ExfoliKate® Cleanser is a power duo for clear and calm skin.
Enter the double cleanse! An oil-based cleanser lifts makeup, SPF and sweat without stressing the skin (yes, oil breaks down oil). Follow with a gentle exfoliating cleanser to clear pores and keep congestion at bay. Tatcha’s The Camellia Cleansing Oil paired with Kate Somerville ExfoliKate® Cleanser is a power duo for clear and calm skin.
Acids That Keep Things Under Control
Salicylic acid is the unsung hero of oily, sweaty skin. This oil-soluble BHA is able to get deep into pores, dissolving excess oil and clearing build-up before it turns into shine or breakouts. It’s especially handy when sweat, sunscreen and makeup are all in the mix. You’ll find it in peel pads, toners and serums, including MECCA MAX The Break-Up Blemish Busting Serum, perfect for keeping skin clear without overdoing it.
Glycolic acid, like other AHAs, work higher up, smoothing the surface and helping skin function at its best. It keeps texture refined so makeup sits better, lasts longer and doesn’t slide when things heat up. If you're new to acids, try Go-To's Glow Exfoliator. If you’re more advanced, try Drunk Elephant’s T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Night Serum.
Glycolic acid, like other AHAs, work higher up, smoothing the surface and helping skin function at its best. It keeps texture refined so makeup sits better, lasts longer and doesn’t slide when things heat up. If you're new to acids, try Go-To's Glow Exfoliator. If you’re more advanced, try Drunk Elephant’s T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Night Serum.
Retinol to Stem the Flow
Retinol isn’t just about glowing skin and addressing fine lines, it also helps regulate oil flow and refine the look of pores over time. That means smoother skin that grips makeup better and stays fresher for longer. We recommend starting with a gentle formula, like Fig.1’s Retinol Night Cream No. 1, then gradually working your way up to a stronger formula like Sunday Riley’s A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum. Just remember that SPF is essential, especially when using retinoids.
Lightweight Moisture Is Non-Negotiable
Skipping moisturiser might feel like the right thing to do when your skin’s already shiny, but it’s a fast track to dehydration and excess oil. The key is choosing a formula that hydrates without heaviness; look for lightweight, fast-absorbing textures like Go-To Very Lightweight Moisturiser, which keeps skin balanced while adding a soft-focus, matte finish.
When in Doubt, Clay It Out
Clay masks are like a reset button for oily skin – and one that feels exceptionally indulgent! They draw out excess sebum and impurities while delivering minerals that leave skin looking clear, fresh and balanced. Try Go-To's The Removalist, Tatcha’s The Clarifying Mask or, for something a little more luxe, Omorovicza’s Deep Cleansing Mask. MECCA skin experts recommend using them once or twice a week for a deeper clean and to keep shine at bay.
Primer Is Your Secret Weapon
If you want makeup that survives heat, humidity and any surprise emotional moments, primer is essential. It smooths skin, controls oil and gives your foundation something to hold onto. For a matte base that keeps oil at bay, look for oil-free formulas like Estée Lauder Double Wear Smooth & Blur Primer, Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer or Go-To Very Mattifying Primer.
Foundations That Stay Put
Mineral liquids and powders are often better suited to skin that runs oily, as they’re lightweight, breathable and less likely to break down with heat and sweat. bareMinerals BAREPRO 24HR Wear Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation Mineral SPF20 delivers long wear without clogging pores, while M·A·C Cosmetics Studio Fix Powder + Foundation is a must for shine control, touch-ups and that just-applied finish, even hours later.
Lock It In
A good setting powder is the difference between makeup that looks great initially and makeup that still looks good at the end of the day (or night). Today’s powders are sheer and finely milled to absorb excess oil without dulling your look. Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder remains a cult favourite; sweep across your face lightly for everyday wear or press into the areas you know become extra shiny.
Hot to Blot
Keep blotting papers on hand to reduce shine on the T-zone, nose and chin. These handbag essentials are great for prolonging makeup and keeping it fresh throughout the day. The Shiseido Oil-Control Blotting Papers will freshen your complexion, minimise shine and are careful not to disrupt your makeup.
