A great makeup look could take anywhere between ten minutes to two hours to execute. And no matter where your routine falls on that time spectrum, it’s always disheartening when the fruits of your labour begin to smudge and fade long before the party’s over. The good news is that with a few additional steps and the right set of products, you could prevent this. Below, we’ve compiled our best tips to ensure your makeup grips onto your skin until you decide to take it off.
Prep with the right skincare
Skincare is an important pre-makeup step that you absolutely shouldn’t skip. Applying foundation on skin that isn’t well-moisturised can leave it looking uneven and patchy. Tailor your skin prep to what your face needs. Use a lightweight gel like the Clinique Moisture Surge 100h Auto-replenishing Hydrator for oily skin types and a richer moisturiser like the Weleda Skin Food for drier skin. Massage an eye cream under your eyes if the area tends to get dry. On the other hand, make sure you don’t over-moisturise. If there’s a thick layer of product on your face, makeup will tend to slip and slide. The aim is to moisturise enough so the skin feels bouncy to touch, but not greasy.
Use a face primer that suits you
Face primer step is one that most people skip. And on a regular day, that’s fine. But if you need your makeup to stick around for long hours, a good primer can really help. Pick one that’s suited to your skin type. Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Anti-Aging Primer contains hyaluronic acid, making it a great choice for dry skin. If your skin is oily, the Smashbox Photo Finish Oil & Shine Control Primer could help keep excess shine at bay and make your base last longer. Another trick is to use a mattifying primer solely on your T-zone or on any other specific areas of your face that are prone to getting oily. Sealing your makeup with a setting spray like the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray is also a good idea.
Thin layers are key
Applying loads of product in one go may save you some time, but doesn’t do you any favours. For starters, you never need as much product as you think you do. Secondly, a thick layer of product will inevitably crease and smudge. Instead, work in thin layers, adding more if and where you need more coverage, and blending well as you go.
Don’t skip powder
If you love dewy skin, there’s a chance you dislike powder products. But, powders serve an essential purpose: they make makeup last longer. Setting cream formulations with powders prevents creasing and smearing. Choose one that’s finely milled and doesn’t look cakey on application like the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish in a shade that matches you. Apply it sparingly with a small brush, focusing on areas that tend to crease or get greasy over time—under the eyes, around the mouth, the forehead and the nose.
Layer different textures
Powder formulations last longer than creams and liquids. But if you prefer the latter, try looking for waterproof tints and gels. A better method? Layer powders on top of creams. For instance, apply a cream blush like the Nudestix Nudies Bloom All Over Dewy Color in Cherry Blossom Babe on your cheeks, blend it well and then dust a powder blush in a similar dusty pink shade like the M.A.C Matte Powder Blush in Desert Rose on top. This will set the product, enhance the colour and basically, make it last a lot longer than either of the formulations would on their own.
All things waterproof are your friends
For mascara and eyeliner, picking waterproof versions of the product will serve you well. If you like loads of volume in your lashes, Maybelline New York’s Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara is the one to choose. Alternatively, for length and clean definition, pick Shiseido’s ImperialLash MasacaraInk Waterproof. The Too Faced Better Than Sex Easy Glide Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner and the Dior Diorshow 24H Stylo Waterproof Eyeliner are both different eyeliner formulations that will stay put through sweat and tears.
Choose your lip products wisely
Exfoliate your lips pre-lipstick and let them soak in some lip balm for a few minutes. Then, blot away excess product. Using a lip liner as the first layer is always a good idea—choose a shade that matches your lipstick. Apply lipstick in thin coats, too, sandwiching layers on top of each other and blotting in between coats. Alternatively, you could simply choose to wear a lip stain like The Face Shop’s Water Fit Lip Tint or a sheer lipstick like the Glossier Generation G Sheer Matte Lipstick that’s easy to reapply.
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