On a sweltering afternoon in Dhaka, your makeup feels like it's melting off by the minute. By the time you reach your destination, what was once a flawless base is now a blotchy mess — oily patches on the T-zone, dry flakes around the cheeks, and irritation you didn't see coming. Sound familiar? For many, beauty routines are often at war with the country's unforgiving climate. With heatwaves, humidity and pollution, even the best global cosmetic brands can backfire if they're not suited to our unique skin needs.

The key? Choosing cosmetics not just by brand or trend, but by your skin type, and understanding how it reacts to the environment around you.

Step 1: Identifying your skin type

Before diving into the cosmetics aisle, the first step is to understand your skin type. This is important because what works for one skin type may not work for another.

Dr Mehran Hossain, an Associate Professor and Senior Consultant at City Hospital Ltd., shares, "In our climate, excessive sweating is common, and this leads to a range of issues such as irritation, redness, and acne. People with different skin types must be aware of these factors to choose cosmetics that help rather than harm their skin."

Broadly, skin types generally fall into five categories. Oily skin is shiny and prone to breakouts, especially in the T-zone. Dry skin feels tight and can become flaky. Combination skin is oily in some areas (like the forehead and nose) and dry in others. Sensitive skin reacts easily, often showing redness or irritation. Normal skin is balanced and low-maintenance, though it's quite rare – especially in Bangladesh's harsh climate.

Once you know your skin type, it becomes easier to select products that address specific needs.

Step 2: Makeup recommendations for different skin types

Not all skin is created equal, and in Bangladesh's heat, what you wear on your face matters just as much as what you wear on your body. The wrong makeup can clog your pores, dry you out, or leave your face feeling like a grease trap by noon.

If your skin gets shiny and breaks out easily, then welcome to the oily skin club — and yes, humidity can make it worse. For you, less is more, and matte is magic. "Heavy, oil-based products can make oily skin worse," says Dr Hossain. "Instead, opt for lightweight, water-based foundations and non-comedogenic products." Avoid cream-based blushes or anything with too much shine. Instead, stick to powder formulas and translucent blotting powders to keep midday greasiness at bay. A primer can also be a game-changer.

However, if your skin feels tight, dull, or flaky, then you have dry skin. Dry skin can be tricky, especially when the AC is on full blast or your face has taken one too many sun hits. For you, hydration is the holy grail. Cream-based highlighters and blushes will give your skin a dewy glow without clinging to dry patches. And don't skip moisturising before makeup — it's not just a skincare step, it's part of your canvas prep.

And if you're both oily and dry, then you have combination skin. Generally, combination skin often means you're battling an oily T-zone and dry cheeks at the same time — frustrating, but manageable with the right routine. Customising your base is key. A mattifying primer for your forehead, nose, and chin, and a hydrating one for your cheeks, will help even things out. Stick with powder blushes and bronzers — they'll stay put without adding unnecessary weight.

General tips for all skin types

No matter your skin type, the weather in Bangladesh has a way of testing your skincare game. From sticky humidity to searing heatwaves, even the most expensive products can lose their magic if your routine doesn't account for the climate. This is where simple habits can make a big difference.

Dr Hossain stresses the importance of staying clean and sweat-free throughout the day. After all, it's not just makeup that clogs pores — sweat and dirt are guilty too. "During a heatwave or in our daily humid environment, it's important to wipe away sweat regularly with a clean towel to prevent irritation," he advises.

That doesn't mean constantly scrubbing your face, though. Gentle dabbing with a clean cloth and a mid-day rinse with water can help refresh your skin without stripping it.

And don't forget the oldest and most underrated beauty tip in the book: drink water. "Drinking plenty of water helps keep the skin hydrated from the inside out, especially in hot and humid conditions," Dr Hossain reminds us.

These small but powerful practices support whatever cosmetics you use, helping your skin stay resilient, calm, and ready for that flawless finish.