Beat-The-Heat Beauty Tips & Products To Keep Cool In Hong Kong Humidity

Beat Hong Kong’s heat and humidity with our tried-and-tested beauty tips and products that will keep you slaying all summer long.

If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that Hong Kong’s high humidity levels are no joke. This sweltering city is met with unbearable humidity nine months a year and soaring temperatures (climate change is very real!) that have us desperate to be wearing as little as possible, making as little movement as possible, all while parked by an AC. That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate guide to beating the heat with tried-and-tested beauty tips, as well as our favourite products to deal with Hong Kong’s humidity and keep slaying all summer long.

Read More: Team Sassy’s Current Go-To Fragrances – 10 Summer Perfumes & Scents

Jump To:
What Is Humidity And What Does It Do To Our Skin?
7 Tips And Tricks & Our Favourite Products

What Is Humidity And What Does It Do To Our Skin?

Humidity refers to the amount of water vapour around you, so high humidity means significant moisture levels in the air. This does a number of things including preventing sweat from evaporating, which leaves your body feeling hot and sticky. To cool off, you have to work harder — which means even more sweat and respiration.

High humidity also forces your pores to expand, opening up and collecting dirt and other fine particles that fly in. Think of this as nature’s sauna but, unfortunately, a more polluted version.

Your skin might even increase its sebum production in high humidity. The term sebum is used for that oily, waxy substance produced by your body’s sebaceous glands. It coats your skin and actually helps to moisturise and protect, but too much of it is what leads to that feeling of “oily skin” and the look of excess shine. And, excess sebum can lead to congestion and blocking of your pores.

Basically, Hong Kong’s humid conditions lead to skin congestion, as a mixture of sweat, dust and pollutants builds up, leading to potential heat rashes, clogged pores, and inevitable acne and breakouts. To help you combat this, we’ve compiled 7 tried-and-tested tips, tricks, and products. Read on to discover more…

7 Tips & Tricks Plus Our Favourite Products

Never Skip Sun Protection

No matter how gloomy the day seems or what skin type (or tone) you have, there’s one non-negotiable: always use sun protection. We’ve all heard the grumbles about SPF products being heavy, greasy, and leaving a dreaded white cast on the skin. But here’s a tip: sunscreens in essence and gel forms are game-changers. They glide on effortlessly, offering a layer of UV protection that feels like nothing at all (seriously, you might even forget you’ve applied it). Wearing sunscreen is one of the best ways to protect your skin’s appearance and health at any age. Regular use helps prevent sunburn, skin cancer, and premature ageing. So, slather on at least SPF 30. Every. Single. Day. Trust us, your skin will thank you!

Shop Sunscreen

Read More: What To Know About Reef-Safe Sunscreen & Where To Buy It In Hong Kong

Refresh And Reset With A Face Mist

When the summer heat in Hong Kong feels unbearable, and you’re either out and about or stuck in the office, a face mist can be your best friend. Whether you prefer a simple formula or a botanical blend, these mists are like a cool breeze in a bottle. These products provide a quick hydration boost and help manage excess oil, making them essentials for your summer skincare arsenal. Best of all, they’re compact enough to fit in your bag or sit discreetly on your desk. So, next time you’re feeling the heat, give yourself a refreshing spritz and feel instantly revitalised.

Sassy Tip: Store your mist in the fridge for an extra cooling sensation!

Shop Face Mists

Lock It In With Waterproof Mascara

Even if you’re miles away from the beach, waterproof mascara is a summer essential. The humidity can turn your perfectly applied mascara into a streaky mess in no time and no one wants raccoon eyes! Waterproof mascara locks in your look, ensuring that your lashes stay luscious and defined all day, no matter how much you sweat. Bonus: they’re also tear-proof for those emotional summer blockbusters or surprise rain showers!

Shop Waterproof Mascaras

Read More: The Best Beaches In Hong Kong To Visit

Unlock The Power Of Vitamin C For A Radiant Glow

Your summer skincare routine definitely needs a superhero – enter Vitamin C! This antioxidant not only helps neutralise free radicals from all that summer sun exposure but also boosts your SPF’s effectiveness. Incorporating a Vitamin C serum into your daily regimen can give your skin that extra layer of defense, filling in any gaps left by your sunscreen. Plus, it also brightens your complexion, leaving you with a radiant glow.

Shop Vitamin C Serums

Apply Primer To Lock In Your Look

After hours spent perfecting your makeup look, nothing is more frustrating than the heat melting it away. That’s where primer becomes your saviour! Applied after your skincare routine and just before your foundation, primer is the secret weapon to keeping your makeup fresh all day. For those hot and sticky months, opt for a silicone-based primer as it controls oil and perspiration, ensuring your look stays flawless.

Shop Primers

Read More: Local Clean, Vegan & Sustainable Beauty Brands We Love

Simplify Your Routine Using Lip and Cheek Tints

Because summer makeup prep takes up more time, and the humidity can make things feel heavy, the desire to reduce a few layers (and time) from our routine is also tempting. The best tip would be applying lip and cheek tints – the best bits of makeup for after-hours touch-ups and quick splashes of colour. It’s a simple yet effective way to refresh your makeup, giving you an easy way to sharpen up your look while keeping it comfortable in the heat.

Shop Lip And Cheek Tints

Purify With Clay Mask Magic

As the weather heats up, so does our skin’s oil production, and the extra humidity doesn’t help either. Clay masks are the best products for drawing out oil and dirt while keeping your skin healthy and glowing (plus who doesn’t love a little pampering session?). As the clay sits and dries, it works its magic by lifting impurities from your skin, leaving you feeling cleansed, clarified, and balanced in just minutes. Washing off the mask means saying goodbye to dirt, oil, and bacteria – hello, clear skin!

Shop Clay Masks

Read More: The Best Spas In Hong Kong – Massages, Facials And More

Editor’s Note: “Beat-The-Heat Beauty Tips & Products To Keep Cool In Hong Kong Humidity” was most recently updated in June 2024 by Catherine Pun. With thanks to Agnes Wong and Sakina Abidi for their contributions. All listed prices were correct at the time of publication.