If you’ve taken the time to carefully apply your makeup, there’s nothing more disappointing than realising its gone patchy or disappeared completely before the end of the day. As a makeup artist, I know how to avoid this. With the right products and techniques, you can too. Today, I’m sharing all my hints and tips, so you can make sure your makeup looks flawless and lasts all day…
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1. Prep
The condition of your skin will impact the longevity of your makeup look, so prep your skin well (read How to Build a Skincare Routine for more advice) and make sure you’re exfoliating regularly.
Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and any flaky areas, ensuring a smooth canvas so your makeup applies better and lasts longer. Be wary of over exfoliating, especially if you have sensitive skin. I would opt for something gentle and slowly introduce this step into your skincare routine.
Lauren Loves…
If you’re adding this step to your routine for the first time, I love Pixi Glow Tonic for a gentle daily exfoliant. It contains glycolic acid to softly sweep away impurities and aloe vera to soothe and nourish the skin. Most importantly, it leaves your complexion smoother, more radiant and perfectly prepped for makeup! It’s also available in a handy travel size, so you can try it before committing to the full-size bottle.
2. Prime
If your makeup disappears before the end of the day or tends to look patchy after a few hours, you might want to add a primer to your routine.
There are all sorts of makeup primers available. They can be used underneath eyeshadow, foundation, lipstick, mascara, and even nail polish to create a smooth base that helps other products stay in place all day. Face primer helps with the application and smoothness of face makeup and often incorporates other skin benefits like a boost of hydration.
You don’t need to apply masses of primer to get the desired effect. In fact, I’d say less is more at every stage – skincare, primer and foundation. Start with a light layer of each product and build up the coverage if needed.
Lipliner is my go-to for prepping lips and helping lipstick last longer. For a subtle look, choose a pencil that’s a similar shade to your natural lip colour. Use the pencil to outline the lips before filling them in so any products you apply on top will have something to stick to.
Lauren Loves…
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base is my favourite primer. As well as prepping your skin for makeup and keeping it balanced throughout the day, it has a fresh lemon scent that’s refreshing to apply. It’s a moisturising formula so you can use it alone if you have normal – oily skin. If you have dry skin like me, just pop your moisturiser underneath. It can also be used as a night cream and there’s a matching Vitamin Enriched Eye Base for the undereye area too.
3. Finish
Once I’ve applied foundation, I go back over the top with a large fluffy foundation brush (you could also use a damp beauty blender). Lightly bouncing or dabbing this over your face helps remove any excess product, giving your skin a more effortless, flawless appearance.
To set everything in place, apply a light dusting of powder. If you’re not the biggest fan of powder, I’d encourage you to at least consider using it through your t-zone where skin tends to be oilier. Go for a loose powder in a translucent shade – they’re often more subtle than pressed versions.
Finally, I’d suggest using a setting spray. As well as extending the wear of your makeup, this will add a natural, dewy finish to your look.
Lauren Loves…
Charlotte Tilbury Setting Spray is my favourite. The packaging says, ‘no melting, no fading, no creasing’ and I couldn’t agree more! It comes in a handy mini size too.
Long Lasting Makeup Tips & Tricks
- For products like mascara and eyeliner, go for a long-lasting waterproof formula. This is especially important if you’re a bride or wedding guest and expecting happy tears!
- Your makeup will wear better if you can avoid touching your face. Sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how much we touch or lean on our faces throughout the day without even realising!
- Blotting paper is a quick, easy way to remove excess oil and mattify your skin without having to top up your makeup. They tend to be the perfect size to carry with you and take up less room in your handbag than makeup. Simply pat the paper onto your skin as and where it’s needed. Don’t rub – you’ll disturb the makeup underneath.
- If your makeup transfers onto your coat collar, try using micellar water to remove it. This is such a quick, easy trick, although its effectiveness depends on the material of the coat. You might want to do a small patch test first.
Find Out More
I fill my Bespoke Makeup Lessons with practical hints, tips and product recommendations just like this. Learn more and book your lesson here. I also share plenty of beauty inspiration and advice on Instagram.
