Most of the world is currently experiencing high humidity this summer. However, there are several TikTok hacks that can help our hair and makeup routines withstand the humidity. As someone with dry, frizzy hair, I am always searching for hacks that actually work. Additionally, I love a dewy finish for my makeup, but not a sweaty one. So, I decided to test out 11 hacks from TikTok to see if they work well in hot, humid weather. Here’s how it went:
Makeup Hacks I Tested:
1. All Matte Everything
The hack: Creator @bree_mcj suggests using only matte products for a humidity-free makeup look. This includes using matte primer, foundation, pressed powder, setting spray, bronzer, blush, and highlighter. Finish off the look with more powder and setting spray.
My trial: Using all matte products seemed like a surefire way to combat humidity. However, I realized that I didn’t have many matte makeup products in my collection. Nonetheless, I tried this routine using the products I had available. Surprisingly, my makeup stayed intact even after five hours and an hour of walking, even though I usually prefer a dewy finish.
2. Powder Setting
The hack: Creator @titilola.m suggests setting your primer with powder before applying foundation, blush, and bronzer. Spray setting spray on your brush before blending everything in. Set oily areas twice and finish with two setting sprays.
My trial: Initially, this anti-humidity routine worked well, and my skin looked flawless. I used the Youthforia Pregame Daily Protective Primer and set it with the Sisley Blur Expert Matte Finishing Powder. For my base, I used lightweight products like RMS Beauty ReEvolve Foundation, Nudestix Nudies All Over in Bondi Bae, Saie Dew Blush in Dreamy, and Youthforia Pregame Setting Spray. I set everything with Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder and used two setting sprays. However, upon closer inspection, I noticed some patchiness in certain areas, likely due to my dry skin. This hack worked overall, but may be more suitable for oily skin.
3. Setting Spray Layers
The hack: I discovered this hack from creator @kaushal. She suggests spraying setting spray on every layer of makeup, including creams and sometimes powders, for long-lasting makeup. She used this hack for her wedding and found it to be very effective.
My trial: As someone who has used setting spray, particularly the Urban Decay All-Nighter, for years, I tried this hack by spraying setting spray in between every layer of my makeup. I only used liquid or cream products for this trial. I was astounded by how well this hack worked. It kept my makeup in place for over six hours on a scorching hot day (95 degrees Fahrenheit). However, my face appeared a bit dry, which could have been resolved by better moisturization. While this technique isn’t suitable for daily use due to the drying nature of the setting spray, it’s perfect for special occasions or extremely hot days when makeup needs to stay put.
4. Blotting Paper As Makeup Prep And Touch-Up
The hack: Use blotting sheets to remove oil from the skin and eyelids as a makeup prep step. It can also be used after makeup application to remove excess oil before adding powder for touch-ups.
My trial: I love using blotting sheets to remove oil from the skin without compromising my makeup. They help mattify the face and prevent humidity from affecting the makeup’s appearance. To test this hack, I used rice blotting papers combined with translucent powder. I discovered that using blotting papers before eyeshadow application made my eyelids more matte, enhancing both eyeshadow and mascara. I also used them on my face before applying my base. As shown, the side where I used the blotting paper appeared less sweaty after a few hours outdoors. This hack definitely works, and having blotting papers on hand for touch-ups throughout the day is crucial in removing excess oil.
5. Lightweight Products
The hack: Creator @lovefromelinaa shares her tips for anti-humidity makeup that lasts all day. She recommends using a lightweight primer, a tinted moisturizer instead of a heavy foundation, and a skin mist to wet the Beauty Blender. She spot conceals with a lightweight concealer and uses a cream contour for oily areas. Finally, she sets her face with a face mist, setting spray, and powder where needed.
My trial: I appreciated that this creator used minimal matte products, considering it’s often expected for anti-humidity makeup. I followed a similar routine to my usual one, with some additional steps. I used the Caliray So Blown Blurring Primer, Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer blended with a damp Beauty Blender, and Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer for spot concealing. For bronzer, I used the Refy Cream Bronzer, followed by rose water, Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray, and Laura Mercier powder. Using fewer products than usual resulted in a smooth and glowy base, without being overly dewy. These hacks worked exceptionally well throughout the day despite the heat and humidity. I was pleasantly surprised by the results.
6. Japanese Sunscreen Serum Hack
The hack: Use a lightweight serum-like sunscreen from a Japanese or Korean brand to prevent melting in the heat and humidity.
My trial: I discovered this hack in 2019 before TikTok when I was in Singapore. I was searching for a lightweight serum-textured SPF and tried the famous Bioré UV Watery Essence SPF 50+. This product lives up to its hype completely. Its serum-gel texture absorbs fully into the skin without becoming sweaty in the humidity. It doesn’t leave a white cast, thanks to its chemical formula. Additionally, it claims to be sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Another benefit is its affordable price of under $10. There are numerous fantastic sunscreens from Korea and Japan with similar textures and finishes.
Hair Hacks I Tested:
1. Colour Wow Dream Coat Hack
The hack: For ultimate anti-humidity protection, many people use Colour Wow Dream Coat before blow-drying their hair. They even pour water on their hair, and it slides right off. This product is heat-activated and has a version suitable for curly hair.
My trial: I used Colour Wow Dream Coat before blow-drying my hair. Afterward, I poured water on my hair to see if it would slide off easily. This product provided excellent anti-humidity protection, and the water indeed slid off without ruining my hairstyle. The heat-activated feature worked effectively, resulting in a frizz-free finish.