Makeup is an essential part of many people’s daily routines. However, whether you use drugstore brands like maybelline or high-end products, making your makeup last throughout the day can be a challenge.
Here are some practical tips to ensure your makeup stays fresh and flawless for hours.
Prepare Your Skin
Cleanse and Moisturize
Starting with a clean, well-moisturized face is crucial for long-lasting makeup. Cleansing removes dirt, oil, and old makeup that can interfere with its longevity. Use a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type. If you have oily skin, use a foaming cleanser to remove excess oil.
For dry skin, a hydrating cleanser will prevent your skin from feeling tight or flaky. After cleansing, follow up with a moisturiser suitable for your skin type. Moisturising is essential because it creates a smooth base for your makeup.
If you have oily skin, choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser. For dry skin, a richer, more hydrating formula is ideal. Wait a few minutes for the moisturiser to fully absorb into your skin before moving on to the next step.
Use a Primer
A good primer can be a game-changer when it comes to making your makeup last. Primers create a barrier between your skin and makeup, helping it adhere better and stay put longer. Choose a primer that suits your skin type.
For oily skin, a mattifying primer will help control shine and reduce the appearance of pores. A hydrating primer will provide a smooth, dewy base if you have dry skin. Colour-correcting primers are also available to address issues like redness or dullness, providing an even canvas for your makeup.
Apply Makeup Correctly
Foundation Application
Applying your foundation in thin layers prevents it from caking and ensures a more natural look. Start with a small foundation and blend it using a beauty blender or foundation brush.
If you need more coverage, add another thin layer rather than applying a thick layer simultaneously. This technique helps your foundation to look more skin-like and last longer.
For added staying power, consider using a long-wear foundation formula. These foundations are designed to stay put for hours, even in hot or humid conditions. If you have oily skin, look for formulas that are oil-free and have a matte finish, or choose a hydrating, dewy finish if you have dry skin.
Set with Powder
Setting your foundation with a translucent powder helps to lock it in place and extend its wear time. Lightly dust the powder over your face, focusing on areas that tend to get oily, like the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). Use a large, fluffy brush for a light application or a powder puff for a more matte finish. T
Layering Products
Layering is vital for long-lasting makeup. For example, use a cream blush or bronzer first, then set it with a powder blush or bronzer. This dual-layer approach ensures that the product stays put and retains its intensity throughout the day. The same technique can be applied to eyeshadows and highlighters.
Eyes and Lips
Eye Makeup
Start with an eye primer or concealer on your eyelids to create a base for your eyeshadow. This step prevents creasing and keeps your eyeshadow vibrant and in place. Apply a thin primer or concealer layer and blend it with your fingertip or a brush. Allow it to set for a minute before applying your eyeshadow.
For eyeliner, opt for a waterproof formula to avoid smudging. Gel or liquid eyeliners have better-staying power than pencil liners. Apply your eyeliner as close to the lash line as possible, and if you want a softer look, smudge it slightly with a brush before it sets.
When applying mascara, choose a waterproof or long-wearing formula. This will help prevent it from smudging or flaking throughout the day. Wiggle the wand at the base of your lashes and then sweep it upward to ensure each lash is coated evenly.
Lip Preparation
Exfoliate your lips before applying lipstick to remove any dry, flaky skin. You can gently use a lip scrub or a damp toothbrush to buff away dead skin. This step ensures a smooth surface for your lipstick, helping it to apply more evenly and last longer.
Use a lip liner to outline and fill in your lips, creating a base for your lipstick. Lip liners help to define your lips and prevent your lipstick from feathering or bleeding. Choose a lip liner that matches your lipstick shade or is slightly darker for a more defined look.
When choosing a lipstick, opt for long-wear lipsticks or matte formulas that tend to stay on longer. Apply the lipstick, blot your lips with a tissue, and then reapply another layer. This layering technique helps build up your lipstick’s colour and longevity.
Final Touches
Setting Spray
A setting spray is the final touch to ensure your makeup lasts all day. Hold the spray at arm’s length and mist it over your face in an X and T motion to cover all areas.
Setting sprays helps to meld all the layers of your makeup together, creating a seamless finish that looks natural and stays put. Different types of setting sprays are available, such as those that provide a matte finish, dewy finish, or even added hydration. Choose one that suits your desired look and skin type.
Touch-Up Essentials
Carry a small makeup kit with essentials for touch-ups throughout the day. Include blotting papers, a compact powder, and lipstick. Blotting papers absorb oil without disturbing your makeup.
If you notice any shine or oiliness, gently press a blotting paper onto the affected area to remove excess oil. Use a small amount of powder to touch up and refresh your look in places where your makeup has faded.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can ensure your makeup looks fresh and flawless from morning to night, regardless of the products you use. Proper skin preparation, product layering, and the right finishing touches are all vital to achieving a long-lasting makeup look. These techniques allow you to enjoy your makeup all day without constant touch-ups.
