Thread: Let's talk about SWEAT

I remember a discussion about this last Summer, but can't find the thread. Anyone?

So it's REALLY hot and humid now in Virginia. The next four days are supposed to be 100+ degrees and this is NOT the same as 100 degrees out West where it's nice and dry. This is the muggy stuff.

Please share tips for keeping (or at least looking) as cool as possible when dancing in the Summer. Even when dancing inside with AC, the humidity levels are different than the rest of the year. Sweat is sometimes unavoidable; after all, it is the body's way of cooling itself! Sweat-proof foundation make-up recommendations would be especially helpful.

Use milk of magnesia as a primer underneath foundation. MUA billy B. uses it on Beyoncé Knowles when she performs in concert.

Use water proof eye makeup (mascara, eyeliner pencils). Or rely more on false eyelashes and non-running products like eye shadow, rather than liquid eyeliner.

Avoid using liquid-based products as they will mix with your sweat and body heat and run down the face.

Pack a folding fan & terry cloth towel in your gig kit.

I use water resistant foundation from Makeup Forever. It does not clog my pores and lasts beautifully. I had two shows tonight and I was sweating buckets for both and my makeup still looks freshly applied! I also use Mac powder blush, Mac lipstick, Mac eyeshadow (notice a trend? LOL), Revlon ColorStay pencil eyeliner with eyeshadow on top to really set it, and CoverGirl Lashblast waterproof mascara.

Here is a link to the foundation:
Sephora: Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet + Matifying Foundation: Liquid Foundation

a good pressed or loose powder to finish your make up is an absolute must! Keep a terry cloth towel handy to blot off, if you need to change fast and are trying to cool off quickly, a wet wash cloth across the back of the neck is helpful. As is a spray bottle of water.

Growing up in Eastern Nebraska and spending a year in Alexandria, VA, I understand 110% humidity and no rain! It's dryer in the shower than out!

{{{HUGS}}}

Have you tried what I call grease papers? They are little blotting papers that take away oil without messing up your make-up? They are not sufficient for serious sweating though....
I feel ya' I am in Chattanooga, TN and I am dancing at an outdoor venue tomorrow afternoon and it is predicted to be 98 degrees with steam-room like humidity.
I like to use body spray (like Bath & Body Works) between sets as the alcohol evaporates it cools you off and may help to cover up BO.,f::

I use clear gel pit stick in other places besides the armpits, like under the boobage.

I also use powder on the inner thighs (don't want them sticking together during those shimmies). Sometimes I'll apply some Body Glide (a stick that looks like deodorant, but it's something that runners use to reduce friction and avoid blisters) first and then powder over that.

For the face, I do what some others have suggested and keep a towel or facecloth handy to mop my face with. I also bring non-oily eye makeup remover pads in case I need to do any quick makeup repairs (e.g. below the eyes), although I do wear waterproof mascara and eyeliner. (I find that Maybelline Waterproof Liquid eyeliner has never run on me, no matter what.)

But my biggest issue is that my head sweats buckets, ruining my hairdo. I haven't found a solution for that. And if I use hairspray, it only mixes with the sweat and runs into my eyes.

Bhuzzers were scared of my no-sweat routine-
but here it goes again:
1.Scrub body in the shower with body mitts and bar soap.
2.No body lotion or cream except knees,elbows,hands and feet.
3.Powder the body with talc,and then shimmer powder.
(I use Certain Dry,even in my hairline...)

I bring:
1.Hair dryer(set on cool)
2.Towel.
3.More body powder(talc mixed with shimmer)

Makeup is another chapter by itself...;)

Originally Posted by Shalimah

I use clear gel pit stick in other places besides the armpits, like under the boobage.

I also use powder on the inner thighs (don't want them sticking together during those shimmies). Sometimes I'll apply some Body Glide (a stick that looks like deodorant, but it's something that runners use to reduce friction and avoid blisters) first and then powder over that.

For the face, I do what some others have suggested and keep a towel or facecloth handy to mop my face with. I also bring non-oily eye makeup remover pads in case I need to do any quick makeup repairs (e.g. below the eyes), although I do wear waterproof mascara and eyeliner. (I find that Maybelline Waterproof Liquid eyeliner has never run on me, no matter what.)

But my biggest issue is that my head sweats buckets, ruining my hairdo. I haven't found a solution for that. And if I use hairspray, it only mixes with the sweat and runs into my eyes.

When I know it will be an issue I don't wear my hair down (when I had longer hair) and just opt for an updo or ponytail fall. Perhaps the matching headband but with a terry band inside might help?? I don't think you'll look like Bjorn Bork but it might help the dripping into the eyes...

I danced outside yesterday in 100 degree heat in the desert with no shade in sight. No problem with sweat not evaporating here..you just desicate.

certain dri! my best friend. I also got this stuff from a costume/stage makeup store called "no sweat" for the face/neck. It will help delay or minimise sweating but if you're a big sweater like me nothing will 100% prevent you from getting a little sweaty :) Also in between sets it's sometimes necessary for me to refresh my face so a towel and extra foundation/powder are always in my dance bag.

Originally Posted by basil1

Have you tried what I call grease papers? They are little blotting papers that take away oil without messing up your make-up? They are not sufficient for serious sweating though....
I feel ya' I am in Chattanooga, TN and I am dancing at an outdoor venue tomorrow afternoon and it is predicted to be 98 degrees with steam-room like humidity.
I like to use body spray (like Bath & Body Works) between sets as the alcohol evaporates it cools you off and may help to cover up BO.,f::

Amen! We danced outside today in Knoxville. Ugh! HOT! We brought towels, and I'm sorry, but waterproof eyeliner isn't!!!! See my related post--can you freeze bra gel pads--I'm looking for solutions, too. I'll try the body spray, see if it works! ..g.:

I will definitely check out that foundation. I appreciate the specific recommendations. I remember seeing on your site that you do multiple shows most weekend nights and I was wondering how you make it work!

Originally Posted by damiena

I use water resistant foundation from Makeup Forever. It does not clog my pores and lasts beautifully. I had two shows tonight and I was sweating buckets for both and my makeup still looks freshly applied! I also use Mac powder blush, Mac lipstick, Mac eyeshadow (notice a trend? LOL), Revlon ColorStay pencil eyeliner with eyeshadow on top to really set it, and CoverGirl Lashblast waterproof mascara.

Here is a link to the foundation:
Sephora: Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet + Matifying Foundation: Liquid Foundation

Certain Dri and No Sweat sound promising!

Originally Posted by Safiyah

certain dri! my best friend. I also got this stuff from a costume/stage makeup store called "no sweat" for the face/neck. It will help delay or minimise sweating but if you're a big sweater like me nothing will 100% prevent you from getting a little sweaty :) Also in between sets it's sometimes necessary for me to refresh my face so a towel and extra foundation/powder are always in my dance bag.

Thanks. I usually wear my hair up with one of those ponytail falls clipped to it. But the hair on the top/front of my head is layered (so it won't all pull back into the elastic), and that part ends up being limp and straggly.

I like your idea of the headband with terry inside. I was thinking of those terry sweatbands from the 80s and wondering how to make it look bellydancerish. *g*

I may also try the Certain Dri in the hairline, as someone mentioned.

Originally Posted by Azhia

When I know it will be an issue I don't wear my hair down (when I had longer hair) and just opt for an updo or ponytail fall. Perhaps the matching headband but with a terry band inside might help?? I don't think you'll look like Bjorn Bork but it might help the dripping into the eyes...

For eye makeup I use MAC eye paint as a base- it makes powders last MUCH longer. I use MAC fluid line as an eyeliner (it's a gel that comes in a pot)- although often times as a base for powder, too. Water proof mascara of course. This lasts through multiple shows with minimal touch ups.

I performed this weekend outdoors in the VA heat and humidity. I made an Ansuya-like headband and hid a terry cloth headband underneath it. It worked like a charm!

i find the bare minerals make up stands up to sweating. for under the arms, i use secret clinical strength deoderant. Is the only one that works for me. I sweat like a man.

Update - this past weekend was really hot, once again, and I had two shows Friday night. (Yes, they're indoors with AC, but the humidity is high here and there's only so much moisture you can suck out of the air!) Anyway, my mineral make-up (Everyday Minerals) has been holding up well. Yes, my face and/or scalp will sweat as the 20 min. set progresses, but the make-up is staying put. Afterwards I pat my face/body with a towel, powder, and I'm good to go.

The hair still needs a bit of work - need to try the Bumble & Bumble product that Azhia mentioned here or in another thread. I will say that by setting my slightly-damp hair with foam rollers 3-4 hours ahead of time works much, much better than hot rollers for staying-power.

I still want to try some of the other suggestions. Thanks so much, everyone!

Yay Kiyaana! You are right: wet styling lasts much longer and is stronger than heat styling. ;0)

I have to say I'd much rather talk about it than experience it!

Ugh!

Deborah

For anyone who has used No Sweat, is it gentle on the skin? Cause breakouts? I have very sensitive skin so that worries me a little. My makeup last through all my shows, but I am tired of my face glistening like crazy a few minutes into them!