Five beauty hacks to look better during a heatwave

Telegraph

30-04-2025

The mini heatwave over the next few days will see some parts of the UK reach temperatures of 28 degrees, making it the warmest April in Britain in seven years.
This means, of course, being extra diligent with sun protection. (SPF is not just for holidays!) But while your mind may be preoccupied with the thought of a new pair of sandals for the warmer weather, think also of the beauty implications of the heat. They are not desirable, for the most part: sweaty, shiny skin and frizzy hair come to mind.
Fear not. A couple of key weatherproofing products will help see you through the mini heatwave.
Heat-proof make-up
As soon as the weather warms up, we need to rethink our base makeup. Ditch your usual foundation and apply concealer where you need it with a light translucent powder over the t-zone if you need it. By Terry's Hyaluronic Pressed Hydra-Powder is a best-seller for a reason. It hydrates the skin while reducing shine, so it is perfect for midlife skin.
It might be good to switch to a more matte formula on the lips rather than anything too shiny. The Bisou Balms by Violette FR work really well to impart a powdery hint of colour on the lips without feeling too dry. The brand's latest shade, Mon Cheri, is a suits-everyone nude-brown.
And of course, eyelashes will benefit from a waterproof mascara in the heat to avoid panda eyes. A really good option for a waterproof mascara is the Maybelline Lash Sensation Sky High Waterproof mascara. However, if you'd prefer not to use a waterproof formula, try a tubing mascara instead. These humid-proof heroes create little tubes around the lashes to add volume and length, without going crusty or flaky. Once you're ready to remove the mascara, you simply 'roll' the tubes away with warm water. The Unlocked Instant Mascara by Hourglass is one of the best around.
Anti-shine essentials
Start thinking about keeping your skin cool from the moment you put on your moisturiser. If you are prone to oily skin, try switching to a lighter moisturiser, such as the Light Moisturiser by Skin Rocks, £56. (As an added bonus, this cream is available in fragrance and fragrance-free formulas.) Next, find a UV protector and make-up primer in one: Murad Oil And Pore Control Mattifier SPF45 PA++++, protects, mattifies and keeps your make-up place.
While blotting papers have been around for decades, they really do help to keep shine at bay. The Aburatorigami Japanese Blotting Papers by Tatcha are highly effective and slim enough to slot into your purse.
Cooling facial spritz
If you really feel the heat, a cooling face spritz is a saviour. Not only will they freshen up the skin, they will also add moisture back into the skin (excessive sweating can leave the skin feeling dehydrated). We love the Spots and Stripes Refreshing Face Mist or the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra 8 Face Mist.
Heat-busting hair
'A ponytail is always good for a heatwave because it keeps you cool,' says Paul Percival, co-founder of Percy & Reed. 'To keep the look modern, just keep the pony quite low, and give it a slightly wet texture if you can (try Percy & Reed's Session Styling Define & Hold Finishing Cream).
'Another tip is to give your hair a cold rinse post-shampoo, not just to keep you cool but to shut the hair cuticle and help prevent hot-weather frizz,' he adds. To combat greasy roots, a dry shampoo works wonders in warmer temperatures. We love Batiste Instant Hair Refresh Dry Shampoo & Volume which is available at supermarkets and high street chemists.
Fight the frizz-factor
If high humidity levels are sending your follicles into a mushroom-shaped frenzy, try a portable product to help. The Briogeo Style + Treat Yuzu + Plum Oil Sleek Stick looks like a roll-on deodorant - but that's where the similarities end. It is fantastic for smoothing flyaways and keeping your style looking smooth and slick.