We’re all too familiar with that feeling – having flawless make up in the morning only for it to become a patchy, faded mess by the afternoon. You find yourself having to do constant touch-ups throughout the day, convinced that all-day wear is simply a myth. Luckily, that’s not true! This blog post will guide you through the steps of achieving lasting makeup.
Skincare first
Makeup is like paint – it has to adhere to a well-prepared surface. Therefore, your makeup application should begin before you even pick up your brush. Firstly, your skin should be cleansed in the morning to ensure there is no leftover oil or lingering product from the day before. If your face is not clean, makeup may struggle to stick or, even worse, become cakey and patchy when sticking to all the wrong places.
Additionally, ensure that your face is sufficiently hydrated based on your skin type. If your skin tends to be naturally dry, moisturising it will help makeup glide on smoothly. Likewise, if you tend to get oily skin, it does not mean you shouldn’t moisturise – your skin often compensates for dryness by producing more oil, which leads to slippery make up. Allow any skincare products like moisturiser and sunscreen to sit for a few minutes before applying product.
Layering and product choice
In makeup, “less is more” philosophy is often true, which is particularly important when layering many different products. For instance, if you use foundation, concealer, liquid blush and bronzer, then a variety of powders on top, applying thin layers is key. Otherwise, your makeup is in the risk of building up, which may look good at first, but will end up splitting later in the day. Always apply any cream products like blush or contour before powers, as these need to be set.
Of course, the quality of products you choose is also incredibly important. Good quality foundations and concealers should be able to last 10+ hours. If yours still struggles, try a different formulation or pair it with different products. For eyes, waterproof mascara and eyeliner are indispensable when it comes to smudging throughout the day. Different tools will also have different effects on your makeup: for instance, a damp sponge tends to soak up more of the product, but it also presses into your pores better than a brush.
Setting your makeup
Setting products are non-negotiable. A translucent setting powder prevents the liquid or cream products from shifting, as well as absorbs excess oil throughout the day. If you tend to get a lot of oiliness in your T-zone or under-eye area, apply your powder with a damp sponge and let it bake (sit there for a couple of minutes before brushing it off). People with dry skin can simply apply powder with a brush. The final step is the makeup setting spray, which is particularly important in the hotter months. It acts like an invisible shield, melding all the layers together and protecting your look for heat and humidity.
Besides your face, you may set other areas of your makeup that tend to wear off throughout the day. For example, if your eyeliner gets smudged too easily, apply some black eyeshadow on it with a thin brush to set it. If you prefer your makeup to look more glowy than matt, all you have to do is choose the right products: dewy foundations, glowing powders and setting sprays.
Locking in your look
With the right products and techniques in-place, your makeup look should stay put all day. And, one final tip – avoid touching your face or rubbing your eyes throughout the day – you don’t want to accidentally undo all of this hard work!
