Why Your Makeup Melts And How to Stop It

If you’ve ever stepped out looking flawless, only to check your face two hours later and wonder “what happened here?”…this post is for you! Between Nigerian heat, sweat, humidity, traffic stress and long days, makeup doesn’t stand a chance unless you prep properly.

Let’s break down why makeup melts and more importantly…how to stop it.

1. You’re Skipping Proper Skin Prep

Makeup is not magic. It sits on your skin, so if your base is off, everything else will follow.

Common prep mistakes:

• Applying makeup on dry or dehydrated skin
• Using heavy creams in hot weather
• Skipping moisturizer entirely

Both extremes cause makeup to slide.

What to do instead: Use lightweight hydration, not thick creams.

Good prep products:

• COSRX Snail Essence
• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel
• CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion (light layer)
• Simple Hydrating Gel Cream

Let skincare sink in for 5–10 minutes before makeup.

2. You’re Using the Wrong Primer (Or None at All)

Primer is not optional in Nigerian heat. If your face gets oily fast, your foundation will move. Simple maths!

Choose your primer by skin type

• Oily skin: Mattifying primer
• Dry skin: Hydrating primer
• Combination: Focus primer on oily zones only

Heat-proof primer options:

• Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer
• Elf Power Grip Primer
• Maybelline Baby Skin
• NYX Matte Primer
• Rimmel Stay Matte Primer

Press it into the skin…don’t rub aggressively.

3. You’re Applying Too Much Foundation

Heavy layers = faster meltdown. Thick foundation + sweat = separation.

Fix it by:

• Using thin layers
• Applying with a damp sponge
• Building coverage only where needed

Long-wear foundation options:

• Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear 
• Maybelline Super Stay
• Revlon Color Stay
• Fenty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte

Less product = better longevity.

4. You’re Not Setting Strategically

Setting powder is not for the whole face especially if you don’t want to look cakey.

Where to set:

• T-zone
• Under eyes
• Sides of nose
• Chin

Always use a light hand.

Good setting powders:

• Laura Mercier Translucent Powder
• Maybelline Fit Me Powder
• Huda Beauty Easy Bake
• Airspun Loose Powder
• Sacha Buttercup

Press, don’t swipe.

5. You’re Skipping Setting Spray (Or Using It Wrong)

Setting spray locks everything in especially in heat.

How to use it properly:

• Spray before makeup (optional)
• Spray after powder
• Let it air-dry
• Don’t touch your face

Long-lasting setting sprays:

• Urban Decay All Nighter
• Milani Make It Last
• NYX Matte Finish Spray
• ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr

This step alone can add hours to your makeup.

6. You’re Touching Your Face Too Much

Heat + stress + phone + wiping sweat = makeup sabotage 🙁

What to do instead:

• Use blotting paper, not tissue
• Dab oil gently
• Reapply powder lightly

Keep in your bag:

• Blotting sheets
• Compact powder
• Lip gloss

Small touch-ups > full redo.

7. Your Makeup Choices Aren’t Heat-Friendly

Cream products can be beautiful but not all of them survive heat.

Heat-safe swaps:

• Cream blush – Set with powder blush
• Brow gel – Waterproof brow products
• Liquid liner – Gel or waterproof liner

Heat-proof makeup rule:

If it’s waterproof or long-wear, it’s definitely your friend.

Makeup melting isn’t because you’re bad at makeup, it’s because Nigerian heat doesn’t play fair…at all!

With:

1. Proper skin prep
2. Light layers
3. Strategic setting
4. The right products

Your makeup can last from morning till night even with dancing, sweating and Lagos stress.

Hugs and Kisses,

Msglam.