But that doesn't have to be the case.
Ashley Gadille, a makeup artist at House of Clarity on Sansom Street in Center City Philadelphia, says when sweat-proofing your look it's all about keeping the moisture away - and primer is clutch.
"Oil free primer, oil free moisturizer - oil free for the summer," she said.
Primer for the eyelid keeps your eyeshadow from moving and your eyeliner from smearing when you get hot.
Ashley shows us these summer-proof looks on both Carolyn and Alyssa. She says whatever your skin tone, skip the heavy foundation.
"For the summer I would stick to tinted moisturizer," she said.
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Ashley's using an airbrush machine, which is becoming more available and affordable.
"It's a very easy way to make your skin look perfect and it takes one minute - and it's light," said Ashley.
Next, break up with blush and dust on a powdered bronzer.
"After I do the cheeks, I just give the forehead a nice little brush stroke," said Ashley.
The same rule applies for eyeshadow - use a light hand and a light hue.
"I am going to go in with some golds and cream shimmers," said Ashley.
For eyeliner, line as you normally would.
"But then go over it with a black powder. It sets it in," recommends Ashley.
For summer, waterproof mascara is a must. And for the lips?
"I would actually ditch your lipliner," said Ashley. "I would go with a dewy gloss, maybe a light coral or a brighter pink, you can play with some colors."
Finish off with a few pumps of a setting spray so everything locks into place
"Just close your eyes and give yourself 2 or 3 mists and and let it dry," said Ashley.
And carry a pack of blotting papers to whisk away any unwanted moisture.
Now you're summer-ready, so bring on the sun, the sand and the sweat!