No-Melt Makeup: Your Summer Beauty Survival Guide to Beat Virginia’s Heat
Every summer, I see it—women rushing in from the Virginia humidity, fanning their faces and laughing about how their makeup didn’t stand a chance. I get it. The heat and humidity here don’t play around. That’s why I always keep a few sweat-proof staples ready behind the counter.
Whether you're heading to a backyard dinner, a beach weekend, or just trying to stay put-together from school drop-off to date night, I’ve curated a lineup of my favorite beauty essentials that can handle it all. These are the products I recommend over and over because they truly work. No meltdowns, no touch-up panic, just effortless beauty that lasts from poolside to patio.
Prep Your Skin Like a Pro. Start with hydration. Choose a lightweight, water-based moisturizer from your seasonal skincare staples. For a subtle, sun-kissed glow, mix a drop of Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Complexion Drops into your SPF or base cream. These serum-like drops deliver radiant, breathable coverage that treats your skin while evening tone and boosting luminosity—without feeling heavy.
Lock It In with Heat-Ready Setting Spray. To keep your glam intact all afternoon, finish your makeup with Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30. It provides broad-spectrum SPF 30 and a matte finish, so your look stays fresh—even through sweat, humidity, or poolside breezes.
Bright Eyes and Defined Brows. Use long-wear cream eyeshadows and waterproof liners to prevent smudging. Define brows with tinted gels or pencils that hold shape in heat. Westman Atelier’s Bonne Brow Defining Pencil is a standout for staying power and ease.
Soft Cheeks and Kissable Lips. Powder blush is generally better for summer, especially in the heat and humidity, as it helps to absorb excess oil and sweat, keeping your makeup in place and preventing a streaky or smudged appearance. However, if you prefer a cream blush or have drier skin, you can still use it during the summer, but I suggest Westman Atelier Vital Pressed Skincare Powder to help set your makeup. For your lips, look for balm or stain finishes, they’re perfect for humid days.
On-the-Go Essentials. Keep a few of these in your makeup bag:
Blotting papers or travel-size translucent powder to manage shine.
Pocket-sized SPF mist for midday touch-ups.
Hydrating tinted lip balm for a quick refresh. I suggest The Tinted Balm by Augustinus Bader and Tinted Daily Lip Balm by RMS.
And if you need a new makeup bag for everyday or travel, we just received a wonderful new assortment of Kusshi bags. They are designed to withstand regular use and washing, with multiple compartments and bright interiors for easy access to makeup products.
Summer Looks: Chill vs. Chic.
For a low-key, fresh-faced vibe, opt for Poolside Minimalism: think lightweight SPF, a few complexion drops for a radiant base, a swipe of cream blush, brow gel to keep things tidy, waterproof mascara, and a tinted balm. It’s polished yet undone—the perfect barely-there beauty for a pool day or a casual brunch.
When the evening calls for a little more effort, shift into Patio Glow-Up mode. Layer on a long-wear foundation stick, add definition with a cream bronzer and smudge-proof eyeliner, and finish with a bold lip stain. The result? An elevated, breathable look that holds up beautifully in the Virginia heat.
We hope to see you this Saturday, June 14 for our Summer Soiree with Westman Atelier. Come by, stay cool, and let us help you find your perfect summer beauty staples.
