Last updated: March 27, 2023
Are you tired of having to reapply your makeup every lunchtime and evening? Carefully applying a full face of makeup only to have it come off a few hours later is extremely annoying. Following a makeup tutorial to the letter is good fun before a night out. But if your look has faded halfway into the night, you may need to look at your application methods. If your look isn’t lasting the day, try out the following tips.
Avoid foods that make your skin oily
If you suffer from oily skin normally, you could be eating foods that are exacerbating the problem even further. Having oils in your skin is good for you; it keeps you looking youthful, and keeps your skin supple. However, too much oil is an absolute nightmare when you want your makeup to last. It can make it totally slide off (which happened to me so many times when I had oily skin before Roaccutane treatment). So, before anything else, ensure you are eating foods that make your skin overly oily in moderation. Cut back on sugary snacks and inflammatory fats (such as fried food).
Never apply foundation without primer
Primer is having quite a moment, and for good reason. A well-kept makeup artist secret until relatively recently, they make a difference to how long your foundation stays in place. Not only does primer increase the longevity of your makeup, but it also makes the skin smoother. As a result, the product is easier to apply. Some are even so good for your skin that you’ll stop needing foundation altogether. Look out for ones with caring and nourishing ingredients. I like the Becca First Light Priming Filter for its brightening effect. The NIOD Photography Fluid also creates a really luminous complexion.
Don’t forget eye primer
Just as it’s important that your foundation stays in place, it’s important that your eye makeup does. Eye primer works just like foundation primer does, but for shadow and liner. Urban Decay makes a great one, the Primer Potion. I use the anti-ageing version. As for tips to fix your eye makeup, be sure to press eyeshadow in to your eye. If you just brush it on, it won’t last as long. And when it comes to false eyelashes, invest in a good quality glue. If you use a cheap one, they will start to peel off before you’re ready! Also, be aware that some glues become less effective over time. So you might want to buy new pots or tubes regularly. My favourite eyelash glue is the Duo Eyelash Adhesive in Clear.
Invest in a setting spray
Just like primer, setting sprays are another product that have fairly recently jumped out of makeup artists’ bags and in to ours. Said to work like hairspray for the face, they help set everything in place and then keep it there. The jury is out about how effective they are, but if you can find a good one it could be life-changing. Most makeup stands will let you try it out in store. Then just go about your day and see how you like it after a few hours. Again, Urban Decay lead the charge with their setting sprays.
Keep a mattifying powder at hand
Whether you have oily skin or not, if you want your makeup to stay on, keep a loose powder close at hand. Pop one in your handbag, and keep another in your desk drawers. They do an amazing job of soaking up excess oil without you needing to re-do your whole makeup look. Go for a translucent shade so the shade of your blusher and bronzer isn’t affected.
Try out blotting papers
A bit like powder, these little miracle squares actually remove the oil from your face. Blotting papers are also sometimes called oil absorbing sheets or papers. They soak up the oil underneath without you needing to touch your makeup and possibly rub it away.
Staying organised
Storing makeup in the order you put it on can make a big difference to making sure you don’t miss any of the steps that help it stay on.
Great makeup of course starts with great skin. If you have any textural issues or acne problems, microdermabrasion can really help.
I would love to know your tips for keeping makeup on all day.
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Great tips! I always have trouble keeping my foundation on. I didn’t realise the food you eat could contribute to this either!
It’s funny isn’t it, how what we eat seems to affect so many things we wouldn’t really expect!
I always found that the primer I used gave me spots. Maybe I should try this one that you have suggested as I have been scared to use it again. Blotting paper is fabulous
I do recommend these ones as I have acne-prone skin too. I tend to avoid silicone-based primers where possible as I find they clog my pores.
Really good tips here. Thanks.
You’re welcome and thank you!
I think a setting spray is a fantastic idea. Ever since using one, my make up has lasted much longer x
They work wonders don’t they!
Really good tips thank you x
Thank you, I hope they come in handy x
Welcome advice – my skin is so oily – hoping to rectify – looking at my diet is first up
It’s really worth evaluating diet to address skin problems – I’ve certainly found it helps me.
Someone recommended a channel powder which is great to stop me looking shiny. And I love my mascara primer from Estée Lauder . Stops me looking like a panda