The Best Makeup for Hiking, From Sweat-Resistant Formulas to SPF

What to Know About Wearing Makeup While Hiking

Speaking of natural beauty, SPF-based products can be a great way to enhance your natural features while prioritizing protection. We’ve seen everything from tinted BB creams to primers to blushes and bronzers, all enhanced for sun protection. While SPF-based makeup products can be a convenient addition to your makeup bag, remember that they shouldn’t be used to replace traditional broad-spectrum sunscreen. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or higher. Whatever SPF you choose, if you’re hiking or working up a sweat, always choose a water-resistant formula and reapply at least every two hours, as well as after swimming or sweating, making sure to follow the product’s specific instructions.

“As far as wearing sunscreen makeup, I would not consider the sunscreen in makeup to be enough to give you full coverage, because sunscreen needs a certain amount applied to the skin in order to get the amount of SPF recommended”, says Emily Hillburn. That’s where reapplication comes into play.

When you're spending hours outdoors, reapplication is just as important as your initial sunscreen application. Reapply your primary sunscreen at least every two hours and after swimming or sweating, following the product's water-resistance instructions. And don't let cloudy skies fool you—UV rays can still reach your skin.

For makeup that holds up on the trail, look for lightweight, long-wearing formulas that can better withstand heat, humidity, and sweat. When you hike, you’re naturally going to sweat more, and it’s worth making sure your makeup can stay on all day, no matter which path you take. The sweat factor is important to consider when choosing what to bring for the trail. Sweating while wearing makeup can cause your sunscreen to wear off, effectively increasing your risk of sun exposure. 

“There are different types of sunscreens that have the long-wearing and water-resistant film formers in them that have been tested under those conditions. Those are the ones you’re going to want to go for,” says Hillburn. She recommends LA ROCHE POSAY facial sunscreens for that primary layer. There’s a variety of sunscreens to choose from, including a range of SPF amounts, formulas for sensitive skin, and even tinted options. A big hike doesn’t mean you’ll have to sacrifice your skin’s wellbeing; you can still feel refreshed and stay protected all day long.

The Best Makeup Products for Hiking

ONE/SIZE Secure the Sweat Sweat-Proof Aluminum-Free Primer  

After you apply sunscreen, a primer can really change the game when it comes to keeping your trail makeup locked down until your next sunscreen reapplication. Rain or shine, this primer serves as an effective and sensitive-skin friendly way to keep your makeup on lockdown. It’s derm-tested, and uses a combination of bamboo marrow powder, horsetail and sage extracts, and squalane to keep your sweat to a minimum while refining your pores. A little bit goes a long way, so a dime-sized amount will get you right for a full day of adventure ahead.

SHISEIDO Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation SPF 30 

What’s better than buildable coverage and a natural finish when choosing your foundation? Well, how about SPF 30 that syncs with your skin and your environment? This foundation delivers a climate-adaptive formula that protects your skin from outside factors including UV rays and pollution while keeping you moisturized. It’s also water-resistant for that lake spot at the end of your hike. 

DRMTLGY Luminous Eye Corrector® SPF 41  

This one's a personal favorite. The under eyes can be a sensitive area, prone to sun exposure. No need to worry, because this concealer has SPF 41, and hydrates with peptides and snow mushroom. If you had to wake up at 4 a.m. for sunrise on your hike, no worries; this eye corrector will improve the appearance of dark circles and alleviate puffiness around the eyes. It truly lives up to its namesake, helps protect your eyes against photoaging while giving your eyes a color-corrected boost.

CIELE Flush & Protect SPF 45+ 

While you may be naturally flushed from an incline, who says you can’t use blush on the trail for an added (and cute) wash of color? With this blush, you’ll get that SPF protection we know and love without any heaviness. It’s acne-safe, designed to blur your pores, and comes in a variety of shades ranging from pinks to nudes. This on-the-trail staple is a great example of a beauty amplifier that’s designed to feel lightweight on the skin without contributing to clogged pores. It even goes so far as to protect an area on your face that can burn easier. This product is great for touch-ups, especially for those summit selfies we know and love!

The Trail-End

Whether you're adding a little glow before hitting the trail or touching up at the summit, hiking makeup is all about keeping things lightweight and practical. Start with broad-spectrum sunscreen, choose formulas that can handle a little sweat, and don't forget to reapply your SPF as directed. After all, the best trail-ready beauty routine is one that lets you focus on the views.