How to make your makeup last all day

Sick of your makeup doing a disappearing act at 12pm?

Today’s formulas are longer lasting than ever, from waterproof mascaras and 24-hour foundations to set-it-and-forget-it sprays. Yet, we’ve all been there – post-lunch, staring into the mirror, wondering what happened to our perfectly made-up face.

Unfortunately, the key to long-lasting makeup isn’t just the makeup itself.

The steps you take when applying it are equally as important.

So if you want your products to stop channelling Houdini, here are our top tips on how to upgrade your makeup routine and give your look some much-needed staying power.

 

5 tips for long-lasting makeup

Because looking like a hot mess is never an option.

 

1. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail

Getting makeup to last is 70% prep, 30% application.

To set yourself up for success, it’s essential that you give your skin some regular loving.   

You need to wash your face daily to clear out dirt and clogged pores. That goes without saying. But also cleanse – morning and night – with a cleanser designed specifically for your skin type. e.g. if you have an oily complexion, opt for a product that’s designed to control excess oil.

Hydrated skin is also important for makeup longevity, as it helps products to sit smoothly. So once you’re done cleansing, always apply a moisturiser or face cream. And if you have particularly dry patches, exfoliate before putting on makeup to remove any dead cells.

 

2. Once you’ve prepped, prime

If you want your makeup to last, you need to take primer seriously.

It’s the unsung hero of any girls’ makeup bag.

By creating a flawless blank canvas, a high-quality base layer will help products glide across your face – without a smudge or crease in sight. Primer also creates a barrier, which stops foundation from absorbing into your skin. And as many formulas feature SPF, they protect against the effects of the sun and will keep your makeup in place for much longer.

Just choose one that’s right for your skin type and give it plenty of time to soak in.

 

3. Good foundations

Pile on the makeup in the hope that at least 50% will make it through the day?

We’re guilty as charged too – but it’s a bad idea.

When it comes to long-lasting makeup, less is always more.

Try to keep things as light as possible, with extra thin layers of foundation, concealer and powder. And leave plenty of time in between each layer to allow it to dry fully. Not only does this make it easier to create a naturally flawless look, fine layers last longer than heavy ones.

It’s also wise to avoid thick foundations designed for full coverage. Whilst these are fine by themselves, they don’t stick to the skin particularly well if used in combo with concealer and powder. Much better, to opt for lightweight and water-based products instead.

 

4. Application tools are everything

We get it – some days you’re left with no choice but to haphazardly smear foundation across your face, whilst being pressed against the window of a sweaty, overcrowded train.

It’s hellish. But when you apply your base layer with your fingers, it’s never going to end well.

Aside from the obvious issue of potential streaks and smudges, the heat and natural oils on your hands will activate the ‘staying power’ ingredients in your makeup. Which means, they’re likely to break down much quicker and all your hard work on the train will be futile by lunch.

It’s also pretty difficult to achieve thin long-lasting layers with your fingers!

So our advice is simple. Always use your makeup brushes and a beauty sponge to apply your makeup. Even if it means getting up 30 minutes earlier, it’s worth it.

 

5. Set it for success

The last step, and arguably, the most important. 

Once you’ve finished putting your makeup on, you need to set it in place.

There are two ways to do this. Number one, using a translucent setting powder.

This will lock in your makeup and absorb any excess oil throughout the day. Just make sure you opt for an ultra-light formula, which blends seamlessly into your complexion without settling into pores and fine lines. Always use a powder puff (no fingers allowed) and concentrate on the key oily areas of the face, such as the forehead, around the nose and chin.

Alternatively, you could use a setting spray.

A secret weapon when it comes to long-lasting makeup. Just a spritz or two is all that’s usually required to keep your perfectly applied makeup looking – and feeling – fresh from am to pm.

 

 

Catch your makeup or it goes, Houdini

Don’t put up with trickster makeup that’s there one minute, gone the next.

From prepping and priming and picking the right base to using the correct application technique, there are easy ways to keep your face on for a full day – no matter what you get up to.

Here at Dose of Lashes, we’ve got the application bit covered.

Good makeup tools are essential to makeup longevity. Perhaps you’ve always just slathered on your foundation like it’s finger paint? Or maybe your tool kit is in desperate need of a refresh? Either way, if you want your slap to stick around, it’s worth checking out our collection.

We have everything you need – makeup brushes, makeup sponges, powder puffs. Just browse our full range of makeup tools and invest in stunning makeup looks that won’t vanish and rival a master illusionist – but instead, stay put long enough for you to show them off!