Brides marrying in a Spanish summer have often read that in the heat they should forget creams and wear only powder. In theory it makes sense. In practice, what works best is combining the two textures.
What powder does in hot weather
Powder absorbs oil and takes away shine, so on paper it holds up better in the heat than cream makeup. What it cannot achieve on its own is the finish I look for: skin that looks like skin, with no layer showing on top.
Why a cream base is set with powder
That is why I work the base in cream. It melts into the skin, blends in without leaving lines and gives a very natural texture. I then set it with powder, which mattifies it, controls oil and keeps shine in check for the whole wedding.
The powder is not spread evenly over the face: it goes where the skin shines most, and the light is left where it flatters. During the day, a touch of the powder in your touch-up kit brings back the morning's finish.
That way you get the best of each texture: the natural look of cream and the staying power of powder. Before any of it, the skin is prepared differently for the dry inland heat or the humidity of the coast.
