Can you use underarm antiperspirant on a sweaty face? | Anita Bhagwandas on beauty hacks

The hack
Using your antiperspirant to keep upper-lips and foreheads sweat-free.

The test
On more than one occasion on public transport a well-meaning passenger has offered me a tissue to mop my drenched face. So, as a sweaty person, I was curious to try this hack posted by ex-Love Island contestant Olivia Attwood, which claims to thwart the dreaded face sweats.

Attwood says that she uses antiperspirant on any areas of her face that are prone to sweating in hot weather in order to keep her makeup on. She also advises using a “waxy” product (such as an antiperspirant cream stick) rather than a roll-on, and keeping them separate from the pit ones because “we’re not animals”. Smart move.

You just apply the product where you sweat – for me, the upper lip and forehead – and then apply your skincare and makeup on top.

Did it work? I did notice a difference in my sweaty-faced situation. But I also feel reluctant to use it too often; it’s natural to sweat and whether it’s hot weather or tube anxiety (which is my issue) it shouldn’t be a cause for embarrassment. And part of me feels like this is yet another social-media hack that wants us to over-refine and sanitise our bodies.

The verdict
If sweaty faces cause you grief, then I’d say it’s definitely worth trying, especially before a big event. But pick an antiperspirant that’s relatively unscented. And although it’s safe for skin, it is not designed for use on the face, so there’s a chance it could affect sensitive skin.