How to avoid a summer makeup meltdown

It's no easy feat keeping makeup looking fabulous in the Florida heat.

Most makeup isn't designed to stand up to sun and sweat; it streaks, cakes and shines the minute you step out the front door.

Unless you're a fresh-faced teenager, though, few can get away with going bare-faced all summer (and would we really want to?)

No makeup will stay put forever when it's this hot outside, but there are products and techniques that can help you get more staying power from your look.

"The key is layering lightweight, waterproof or water-resistant products," says local freelance makeup artist Marinella, who's worked in the beauty business for more than 20 years.

When it comes to sweat-proofing your makeup, primer is a girl's best friend, she says.

"Primer provides a barrier, so the makeup doesn't just sink into your skin. It's great for warmer weather because it gives the makeup something to adhere to; it smoothes out pores and minimizes fine lines."

Marinella, who has worked on such famous faces as Monica Seles, Brooke Burke, Derek Jeter and Peter Jennings, recommends Make Up For Ever All Matprimer, LORAC Aquaprime; Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foundation Primer and Revlon Smoothing Beyond Natural Primer.

If you have dry skin, apply a small amount and blend it into your T-zone. For oilier skin, use a little more. Allow it to set a few minutes.

An eyelid primer like Too Faced Shadow Insurance will help keep shadow in place.

Switch out heavy foundations for lightweight, oil-free creams or liquids; they hold up better in the heat. And look for products with SPF protection. Tinted moisturizers also stand up well to summer heat.

"I don't think the face should be covered up entirely in the summer," Marinella says. "Use coverage to even things out, only in areas where you need it."

If you like blush, opt for a cheek stain or gel. Powders tend to get cakey when you sweat; stains and gels have more staying power and blend more evenly into the skin.

Use a lip balm or gloss with an SPF protection, she says. Lips are very delicate and they burn. If you want color, a lip stain will add a natural flush that lasts all day - but exfoliate your lips first. If you have chapped lips, the stain will absorb into the dry skin.

If you sweat a lot, setting sprays can help keep your makeup in place longer.

Use blotting papers throughout the day to help absorb oil and moisture without removing makeup. Marinella likes MAC and Clean and Clear blotting papers to absorb oil. Boscia offers a heavier linen paper that helps absorb sweat. A sturdy paper towel, like Viva, also will do the job.

Waterproof mascara is a keeper, but avoid wearing it every day, because it can make lashes brittle.

"A lot of it is trial and error," Marinella says. "What works for one person may not work so great on the next person, but you can at least appear a bit cool, even when you're not."

Here are some more stay-put products Marinella recommends to help you beat the heat.

Foundations: