When it comes to having great skin, it’s hard to stay on top of things when the heat hits. It’s even worse when the humidity joins in, and you feel like a sticky, sweaty mess.

But if you’re heading to the tropics or Mother Nature threw a curve ball your way, you can still get your glow on without getting shiny! We've been there and done that, so we're going to share some great tips to keep you looking (and feeling!) gorgeous.

Less is Best

While you may want to do a full face of makeup, less is always best if it’s humid.

Using only the lightest of makeup products and sticking to great skincare as your base will give you a lit-from-within glow and allow you to avoid any makeup melting moments during the day.

A little bit of tinted moisturiser, a hint of shimmery eyeshadow, and a lick of mascara, coupled with lip gloss, and you’ll be good to go.

Otherwise, skip the foundation and opt for a tinted moisturiser with an SPF, and go for a bold brow and bronzer to keep your look clean and fresh-faced.

If you love lipstick as part of your daytime look, picking a lip tint will help keep the colour on your lips without it melting or fading during the day. 

Scrub On

Exfoliation is essential as it helps to keep your skin free of grime and breathe freely. These reasons are why you should look at doing a gentle scrub for your face at least once a week, or every two if your skin is sensitive.

You can even do a gentle scrub twice or three times a week if your skin is building up residue and your pores are starting to clog up.

Just don’t overdo it…

Your skin does need some oils to stay healthy, and over-exfoliating can cause irritation that leads to those dreaded breakouts.

Mask It

While it may sound counterintuitive in the heat, wearing a mask will help lock in moisture and prevent sweat from clogging your pores.

Sheet masks are ideal for protecting skin from outside pollution and can be applied once or twice a week to tackle skin conditions.

Sheet masks are also great TLC for skin, as they can treat everything from acne to fine lines.

Cleanse Daily (Twice!)

Cleansing in humidity is a must.

Not only will it help keep your skin feeling fresh, but it will also remove any excess sebum produced by the heat.

Pick a non-drying cleanser like rose water or witch hazel for the best results. Cleansing will help you avoid your skin overcompensating and producing more oil.

If you struggle with a shiny face throughout the day, add a cleanser to your morning routine.

Mist It

The humidity will make you feel sticky, and it’s tempting to wash your face often to remove that feeling. However, washing your face is a no-go if you're wearing makeup.

Instead, carry around a pocket-sized face spritzer. This will help you get rid of the unpleasant sensation of being sticky without removing your makeup.

A good facial mist will not only hydrate but also lock in your makeup, which is a win-win in the humidity.

Moisturise To The Max

Keeping your face and body moisturised will go a long way to feeding your skin what it needs and keeping it healthy and happy.

Instead of the thick winter night cream followed by slugging, go for a lightweight tinted moisturiser. It will hydrate you and add colour without becoming a greasy layer later in the day.

Bonus points if you can find one that has added SPF.

SPF is a Must

Even on cloudy days, sunscreen is non-negotiable.

Often when it’s humid, it's also overcast, and you won’t feel your skin getting burned. Even a short trip in the car can lead to UV-ray damage to your skin barrier.

Sunscreens, nowadays, come in a variety of thicknesses and applications.

You don’t only have to touch up throughout the day with an SPF cream; you can also consider using an SPF powder to maintain protection levels and eliminate shine.

Powder Power

Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but powder comes a close second, especially when it's hot out.

While heavy-handed patting it on is not advised, a light coating of powder over your makeup will leave a velvety sheen and soak up any excess sebum.

Some powders do double duty by eliminating shine and offering sun protection or pore-minimizing properties. If you aren’t a fan of translucent powder, opt for a tinted one that adds a hint of color to your skin.

Drink it In

When your skin is hydrated from the inside, the outside looks and feels happy too!

Opt for water above all else. Soda and fruit juice may be a sweet treat, but their excess sugars shouldn’t be indulged in regularly. The best way to up your water intake is to carry a reusable water bottle and make it a habit to drink water throughout the day.

If you don’t like plain water, pick a sparkling variety that’s flavoured. You can also keep your hydration up by eating water-rich fruit and vegetables, like cucumber, watermelon, citrus fruits, and berries.

Diet Right

If you’re prone to breakouts, your diet can make a huge difference to your skin. If the heat is showing its effects, you need to eat fruit and vegetables that are high in antioxidants.

These foods act as natural sunscreens and can help create a protective barrier against the oxidative stress caused by heat.

Taking antioxidant-rich supplements like resveratrol can also boost skin health, combat the signs of ageing, and reduce the chances of a breakout.

Beat The Heat In Style

Battling humidity can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible.

If you continue to care for your skin inside and out, you’ll find that humidity is just another one of life’s little annoyances.

With light makeup, powder, SPF, and staying hydrated, you can almost forget about the sticky heat. Follow these tips and I assure you, you’ll look as cool as a cucumber!