“How do I make my makeup last all day?” It is the million dollar question that every makeup-wearer has asked at-least once in their life and today I’m going to give you the answer. Makeup that has faded, oxidized or gone patchy doesn’t really do a great job at enhancing your best assets so use these tips to keep your face makeup staying put for at-least 6 hours…
Prep:
Skincare is one of the most important steps in makeup. Without good skin you can’t have great makeup. So cleanse and follow up with a good day cream prior to makeup (I love *Sukin Rosehip Hydrating Day Cream, it makes my makeup glide on extra smooth!) application. I personally don’t like to use a toner and serum before makeup because I find they take a little too long when I’m in a rush and that too much skincare can cause makeup to slide off.
Prime:
No a primer isn’t just one of those useless products that companies are trying to scam you into buying; a primer is a god send. They come in several different formulas depending on your concerns (green for redness, illuminating, moisturising, mattifying, resurfacing etc.) but my pick is to go with a simple, silicone based primer which will work for just about anybody. They fill in the pores to smooth out your skin making your makeup last, whilst also making your makeup glide on smoother and resulting in the need for less foundation. My holy grail is Smashbox Photo Finish Oil Free Primer, I’ve been using it for two years and no other primer in the world has come close to the amazing results it gives.
Stay put:
Long wearing formulas are a no-brainer; where possible opt for products which are specifically designed for longevity. I love the Revlon Colorstay range but Rimmel, Maybelline and L’Oreal also do their own versions. High end brands like Estee Lauder and MAC are also well known for having great long-wearing ranges.
Set:
I’m not the biggest fan of powders. I find they often tend to look chalky and unnatural on the skin but they can really help at keeping your makeup on. In makeup we have a general rule that powder goes on-top of cream products to set it. Try using powder just in the t-zone and applying it with a powder puff rather than a brush which can apply powder unevenly. I like Maybelline Shine Free Loose Powder and Essence All About Matt! Finishing Compact Powder.
Spray:
If you aren’t a fan of powders or just really want to ensure your makeup stays in place a setting spray is the next best thing. My favourites are *Model In a Bottle Makeup Setting Spray (does have a strong fragrance, just be warned!) and *Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray. ELF does a more budget friendly alternative, whilst Urban Decay is known for using the same formula as Skindinavia.
Troubleshooting….
Patchy makeup? You probably aren’t letting your makeup absorb for long enough; this can cause your makeup to become patchy whether you use a primer or not. Allow at-least one minute for each layer of product to absorb before you proceed with the next step. If you are lazy you can blot off in-between each step with a tissue but I usually fill the time gaps by curling my lashes, doing my eyebrows, etc. Exfoliating can also be especially helpful.
Makeup still fading even though you used a primer? If you have oily skin it could be because your skin has too much slip/hydration to it. Try skipping your moisturiser and instead use a moisturising primer that has at-least SPF 25. You could also be using too much makeup, which can cause your makeup to slide off so remember the rule - less is always more.
Concealer creasing? Instead of using a heavy eye cream designed to treat the eye area; use a light, brightening eye cream instead (my fave is Origins Gin Zing Eye Cream) and make sure you allow it to fully absorb. Apply your concealer after your foundation and set it with powder.
Long-lasting products making your skin look dry? Try exfoliating twice a week (if you aren’t already) and use a hydrating primer. Long wearing foundations can make the skin look dry so try mixing a little moisturiser or illuminator with it to give a healthy glow. Many brands also do setting sprays that give a dewy finish to the skin.
Foundation oxidizing? There isn’t too much you can do, unfortunately some foundations are just born to oxidize but you can try using a mattifying or a silicon based primer before application as oxidizing happens when ingredients in the foundation react with the oils/pH balance of your skin.
Lipstick fading?Read the guide How to Make Your Lipstick Last.
Eyeliner smudging?Read the guide How to Make Your Eyeliner Last.
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*This post contains a product/sample which was sent to me for editorial consideration (products are marked with *) in accordance with my disclosure policy, This does not alter the honesty of this post or this blog, all opinions stated are honest and my own.