8 Ways To Make Your Makeup Last All Day

You’ve worked so hard to create that perfect makeup look and without any welcome at all, heat and humidity swoop into the picture and make that beautiful work of art (or something like that) melt away. One of the best ways to make your makeup last is to use the right products.

1. Polish those pores

Exfoliation is key to prepping your skin for makeup application – the smoother the surface, the more even it can be applied and therefore the longer it lasts. Twice a week polish away dead surface cells with a good exfoliator.

2. Use a clever moisturiser

Ever noticed that your makeup starts to collect into fine lines and creases come mid-morning? Hydration levels and sebum production fluctuate through the day causing your skin to look more uneven, but there are moisturisers that respond to ‘over-day ageing’ to aid this. It smooths and firms skin while you wear it.

3. It’s about prime

Primer ‘seals in’ your moisturiser and provides a smooth, even surface for makeup. Not only this, it keeps your makeup from being absorbed, giving it greater staying power.

If you have oily skin and feel like your makeup ‘slips off’, try an oil-free formula for an all-day matte finish, however if you feel your makeup fails to wear well because you’re battling dry patches try a Hydrating Foundation Primer which seals in moisture for hours. Use a different primer for the delicate eyelid skin, which intensifies your makeup, ensuring it doesn’t crease, slip or shift.

4. Layer it

Building up your makeup products in light layers will make it last way longer than applying one heavy layer, and it always looks more natural too. This rule applies to your base, eye makeup and lipstick.

5. Set with powder

For longevity, always seal your makeup with powder to help it stay put. While people remember to set foundation on the t-zone, concealer in is often neglected but a gentle sweep to set your under-eye makeup will keep bags at bay longer.

6. Learn to lip-map

The secret for long-lasting lipstick is sandwiching in the colour. First frame your lips with a lip liner, mapping out your cupids bow and the corners, which will give structure and grip for your lipstick. Then apply your lip colour with a brush, building it in fine layers and finish with another coat of pencil to set it.

7. Make setting spray a must

Makeup setting sprays are specifically designed to prevent makeup meltdown so you hardly have to touch it up day to night. Like a hairspray for the face, a mist of this should be your last step before leaving the house. Find the perfect one for you with our review of the best makeup setting sprays below.

8. Stop the touching

We’re all guilty of touching our faces without realising – spreading those germs, viruses and allergens around (eew!) – and while we’re at it we’re ruining our makeup. You can spend the earth on high performance products but if you’re habitually picking your spots and rubbing your eyes you might as well not bother. Consciously find another activity to replace it with, like interlocking your hands or clenching your fist.