Let’s face it—summer isn’t subtle. It’s hot, sticky, and fully out to sabotage your makeup. But don’t sweat it (literally). With the right tricks, smarter formulas, and a little pro logic, your makeup can stay flawless—even if your day goes from beachy to Bollywood.

We spoke to Daniel Bauer, celebrity makeup artist and co-founder of the Daniel Bauer Academy, about tips to keep your makeup from budging in summer, even when you are melting—and he surely had the most insightful hacks.

Celebrity artist Daniel Bauer on summer-friendly makeup tricks

Credit: Instagram/danielcbauer

If there’s one rule Daniel will never break, it is that “great makeup should look like great skin. Light. Luminous. Effortless. And while beauty influencers might swear by a 17-step routine and enough product to bake a fruit cake, I’ll say this—you don’t need all of it. If you don’t need a primer, skip it. Concealer not doing anything extra? Pass. The more you pile on, the more your skin suffocates—and no one looks cute in a meltdown.”

He further added, “Quick science lesson—remember lava lamps? Gorgeous to look at, a total mess to mix. Oil and water don’t blend there… and they definitely don’t blend on your face either. So, here’s the rule: if your foundation is water-based, your concealer and corrector better be too. Mixing water, oil, and silicone? That’s not artistry—it’s a breakup waiting to happen. Keep your base products in the same family… or get ready for drama.”

And now, let’s dive in on six simple tips that Daniel swears by—and they’ll definitely come in handy.

1. Prep like you love your skin

Start with a water-based moisturiser that hydrates fast and disappears into your skin (in a good way). Then comes sunscreen—because even the best base can’t out-blend sun damage.

Choose something light, non-greasy, and makeup-friendly. And please—leave the heavy winter creams behind.

Credit: Instagram/danielcbauer

2. Understand your base like a pro

Here’s a trick most people miss: foundation isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your base products—primer, foundation, concealer—come in three types: water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based. And just like a lava lamp, these don’t always mix well.

If your foundation is water-based and your primer is silicone-based, expect slippage. Want a flawless, stay-put finish? Stick to one type of formula across your base products—or better still, keep them all from the same brand. That chemistry matters more than the trend—they are designed to work together for the best result.

3. Prime... or don’t. No pressure.

Love a good primer? Amazing. Don’t need it? Also perfect. If your foundation glides on and holds up without help, go ahead and skip. But if your skin leans oily, textured, or easily melts, a great primer will hold it all together.

Go matte for oily skin, hydrating for dry. Just don’t apply out of habit—do it because it works.

Credit: Instagram/anastasiabeverlyhills_india

4. Foundation should be flawless... and flirty

In summer, your foundation should feel like skin on a good day. Light, breathable, and totally your vibe. Look for a water-based, velvet-matte formula that blurs where you want it to, evens things out, and holds on through heat and humidity.

Extra points for foundations with hyaluronic acid—they keep things plump and fresh. One more time for the people in the back: don’t mix formulas that don’t like each other.

My go-to: Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Blurring Second-Skin Matte Foundation. It melts on, not off—and it plays really well with others (especially from the same line).

Credit: Instagram/danielcbauer

5. Set it and forget It

Your setting spray should work harder than you do in summer. Go for one that’s water-based, shine-controlling, and so lightweight you forget it’s there—until you realize your makeup’s still perfect at midnight.

Spray in an ‘X’ and ‘T’. Let it dry. You’re sealed.

Hot pick: Anastasia Beverly Hills 24HR Blurring Matte Setting Spray. It’s weightless, vegan, and smells like yuzu and ginger. A vibe in a bottle.

6. Waterproof or why bother?

Smudge-proof, sweat-proof, life-proof—that’s the summer energy. Trade your everyday mascara and eyeliner for waterproof versions that don’t flake, fade, or betray you halfway through your iced coffee. Your brows and lashes deserve that loyalty.

Credit: Instagram/danielcbauer

Daniel’s final word?

Well, on a closing note, all he wants to say is, “Makeup is about breaking the rules, playing with it, having fun. But my one non-negotiable? Stay in your skin tone—and love it. You don’t need to lighten or darken to show up. The most powerful thing you can do is show up exactly as you are, and wear it with confidence.”

So, ditch the layers. Say no to cakey looks. Keep it breathable, buildable, and beautifully you. Because the best summer makeup doesn’t cover you up—it shows you off.