The monsoon season in India brings relief from the scorching summer heat but also presents unique beauty challenges due to increased humidity and sudden downpours. Keeping your makeup fresh and flawless in such conditions can be tricky, but with the right techniques and products, you can look effortlessly beautiful all season long. Here are essential tips from beauty experts Pralambika Nagar, founder, Prishé Beauty, and Kriti Sahney, Brand and Communication Manager, Kanvar Group, to help you navigate the monsoon beauty challenges.

1. Prep and PrimeNagar suggests starting your routine by washing your face gently with an oil-free cleanser to remove excess oil. Follow this with a good primer and an oil-free moisturizer to set the foundation for your makeup, ensuring it looks flawless and lasts all day. Sahney adds that using a hydrating, silicone-based primer can form a barrier against humidity, smoothing out your skin and keeping your makeup in place.
2. Go WaterproofBoth experts agree on the importance of waterproof formulations. Nagar recommends opting for waterproof essentials like mascara, eyeliner, and foundation to prevent smudging and ensure your makeup holds up in the rain. Sahney echoes this, emphasizing the need for long-lasting, waterproof liquid eyeliners and mascaras to resist smudging and running.
3. Light and MinimalDuring the monsoon, less is more. Pralambika advises choosing a lightweight, mattifying foundation or BB cream for coverage without the heaviness. Tinted moisturizers with SPF are also great for a natural look. Kriti suggests switching to a tinted sunscreen or a lightweight tinted moisturizer for sheer coverage and UV protection, preventing your makeup from melting away in the humidity.
4. Matte FinishesTo avoid makeup dissolving in the rain, Pralambika recommends steering clear of cream-based products. Instead, use powder-based eyeshadows and blushes, and apply translucent powder, particularly in the T-zone, to control shine and set makeup. Kriti adds that liquid or gel blushes provide a natural, dewy finish that blends effortlessly and complements the moist weather.
5. Vibrant LipsBright hues can lift your spirits on a gloomy day. Pralambika advises choosing matte lipsticks in bold colors like coral and pink, which provide a splash of brightness and resist bleeding in humid conditions. Kriti suggests opting for transfer-proof, liquid matte lipsticks for intense color payoff that stays intact through rainy conditions, and topping it with a lightweight, non-sticky gloss for added oomph.
6. Shine ControlHumidity can make your skin appear shiny. Pralambika recommends keeping blotting sheets handy for quick touch-ups without disturbing your makeup. Follow this with a translucent setting powder to mattify your T-zone. Kriti also highlights the use of blotting sheets and a translucent setting powder to control shine and maintain a flawless finish.
7. Setting SprayTo lock in your makeup, Pralambika advises using a setting spray. This essential step ensures your makeup stays fresh all day. Kriti suggests choosing a setting spray designed for humid conditions, preferably a mattifying one, to control oil and shine while giving you a long-lasting, flawless finish.
8. Hair CareManaging frizz is crucial during the monsoon. Pralambika recommends using anti-frizz serums and opting for simple hairstyles like braids or ponytails to keep your hair looking put together and manageable in humid weather.

By following these expert tips, you can enjoy the monsoon season in India with confidence, knowing your makeup will withstand the rain and humidity. Embrace the season with a fresh, radiant look that remains intact despite the weather.