Monsoon rain might cool things down for a while, but the humidity that follows it brings its own set of headaches, especially for makeup. Makeup applied before stepping out in the morning often starts fading within a few hours because of sweat and moisture in the air. Foundation can look patchy and the face can appear dull or tired well before the day is over. To keep makeup fresh and long lasting in this kind of weather, properly prepping the skin before application becomes essential.
Why humidity makes makeup fade faster
During the monsoon, moisture levels in the air rise sharply, which pushes the skin to produce both more sweat and more oil. That extra oil and sweat make it harder for foundation and primer to stay put, leading to a patchy look or an odd shine on the face. For anyone who has to stay outdoors for long stretches, the problem gets worse, since makeup done in the morning can already look ruined by afternoon and needs constant fixing.
What the ice trick involves
According to beauty experts, using ice on the skin before makeup is a simple, inexpensive way to cool and refresh it. There is no need for any costly product, ordinary ice at home does the job just fine. The method is to wrap an ice cube in a clean handkerchief or cloth and gently glide it over the face for a few minutes. Anyone who finds that uncomfortable can instead dip their face in ice cold water for 10 to 15 minutes. Either way, the skin gets cooled down and becomes ready for makeup.
The right way to do it
This trick works best when done about 15 to 20 minutes before applying makeup. Start by washing the face with clean water to remove dirt and excess oil. Then move the cloth wrapped ice slowly and gently over the face. It is important never to place ice directly on bare skin, since that can damage it. For an added boost, a small amount of aloe vera gel can be mixed into water before freezing it, and that ice can then be used the same way, though this step is entirely optional and not necessary.
What benefits it offers
The cold from the ice instantly soothes the skin and also helps cut down excess oil on the face. When the skin is cool and less oily, foundation and primer blend in far more smoothly, which helps makeup stay put for longer. On top of that, this method can help reduce puffiness or swelling around the face and eyes, leaving the skin looking fresher and more awake. All told, this small, cost free habit can make a real difference in keeping makeup intact through a humid, sticky day, and cuts down the need for constant touch ups.
