Unlike most of London, I am enjoying the heatwave. I like summer clothes, I like sleeping with a fan on, and I like knowing I absolutely don't need a jacket. I even like my heatwave makeup routine, which consists of mascara, eyeliner and more that does not budge – no matter how hot the Jubilee Line gets.
While my friends and colleagues are moaning that their foundation is melting off, I'm feeling as fresh as I write this at 3:10pm as I did this morning. Not to brag, but I even attended a wedding on Saturday in the 30-degree heat (in a poorly ventilated pub), and my makeup was still firmly in place come midnight.
If, like my friends, you're struggling with makeup that seems to slide off in the sunshine, read on to find out my heatwave-proof makeup – alongside a few expert tips for makeup that's no match for the Metropolitan Line.
Heatwave-proof makeup
"In the summer, we often feel like there's an extra layer of 'maintenance' which includes adjusting our habits and products," laments beauty booking app Fresha's beauty expert Annabelle Taurua, when I spoke to her about the perils of makeup in a heatwave.
"Heat and sweat can change how certain products sit on your skin, meaning makeup which you normally swear by needs some adjusting. It's less about adding more product and more about adapting to your environment."
Her top tip is one you've likely heard many times. Forget heavy bases and opt for skin tints instead. They're lighter and keep you feeling fresh. Good advice, but for tried-and-tested makeup that you know will stay exactly where you want it, read on.
My tube and heatwave-proof makeup essentials
The SPF: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen, £36.50
I was given this as a sample in Ibiza and immediately loved it. It has an almost bouncy texture, more like a primer than an SPF. I'd describe it as a frosty, sorbet feeling, mattifying and working as a primer (hence why it feels like one). It absorbs right away and doesn't make my makeup pill.
The foundation/concealer hybrid: Merit The Minimalist, £34
Merit was born in LA, and while they have better air conditioning than us (and if Angelinos are to be believed, everybody drives everywhere, so no worries on the tube melting their makeup), outside it's way hotter there than here, and if this multi-purpose stick can survive a Californian summer, it's no match for the few hot weeks we have over here.
Not only is it super simple to use (you draw it on like a crayon), which means a nice short routine on sticky mornings, but it also blends into the skin seamlessly and replaces both foundation and concealer in my routine, so my layers are lighter.
It's undetectable on my skin but brightens dark circles and unifies my complexion. My only complaint? I normally use the light-medium shade 'Sandstone', but think I'll need to change that soon, as I get a little colour from the sun.
The eyeliner: Charlotte Tilbury Super Nudes Duo Liner in Nude/Brown, £26
I'm normally a black liquid liner devotee, but come heatwave season, I switch out to something lighter – and sweatproof. These brown pencils glide on with a gel texture and blend easily – yet lock in place for an all-day-long wing, undisturbed by heat and moisture. I like the nude end too, for brightening my eyes if I look a little sleepy after a restless sleep in the heat.
The mascara: Charlotte Tilbury Exaggereyes Volume Mascara, £28
I discovered this ultra-black mascara at a bridal beauty masterclass – I found it reassuring that if it can stand up to weeping wedding eyes, it would be just fine on a hot tube carriage, and I was right! This doesn't budge or flake, but gives a super dark coat of drama to lashes – ideal when I've got brown liner on, so want a little definition.
A pro tip I learned at the masterclass? Avoid putting mascara on the tips of your lashes. Concentrate on the base mid-length. Coating the ends is more likely to lead to flakes, creating a dark mess under your eyes.
The blush: Benefit Juice Stick Hydrating Dewy Gel Blush Stick, £30
Juicy is the best way to describe this sheer blush. It slides on thanks to the cooling gel formula, leaving a subtle wash of colour in its wake. I wear it in the shade 'Shellie', a warm seashell pink, and the water, sweat- and humidity-resistant shine stays put all day.
The powder: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder, £40
I don't love a powder when it's hot, but if you do, this one is a winner. I took it with me to the wedding on Saturday and my friend loved it so much for taking down her shine, I let her take it home with her (I don't need it right now, given that my makeup is lasting well in the heat anyway!)
