Want Longer-Lasting Makeup? A Top Makeup Artist Reveals Exactly How
Main Image – Celia D. Luna/Stocksy
When applying your makeup, wouldn’t it be nice to know that it’s going to look exactly like that until the moment you remove it? No sliding off, no touch-ups needed. Just flawless makeup from the minute you put it on, to the minute you take it off.
Ok, life’s not perfect. And, chances are, your makeup will need a little touch-up during the day, whatever happens. But when it comes to it transferring, not performing the way it should on your skin and smudging, thankfully there are ways to keep it in place.
With tips from celebrity makeup artist Cassandra Mcclure, here’s how to keep your makeup under lock and key.
How to get your face makeup to last longer
Base
“Start with a clean, well-moisturized face,” says Mcclure. “Use a primer suited to your skin type (mattifying for oily skin, hydrating for dry skin) to create a smooth surface for your foundation. A silicone-based primer is particularly effective as it fills in pores and fine lines, allowing your foundation to glide on smoothly and stay put. Try The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer (£6/$6.70) which does exactly that.
To keep it in place from the outside, Mcclure says to use a setting spray. “It can significantly prolong the life of your makeup. Look for a formula that offers both hydration and oil control, depending on your skin type.”
I like MAC Prep and Prime Fix+ Multitasking Setting Spray (£16/$34) is my go-to as it’s alcohol-free and provides grease-free hydration.
A good skincare regime works wonders to hold face makeup in place for longer too. The most important part though is your morning cleanse. Skipping it can cause dead skin cells to get in the way of your base, meaning your finish will be less smooth and your base won’t stay on for as long as it should.
Image – Pixel-shot/Adobe
Concealer
“Apply a small amount of primer under your eyes before concealer to prevent creasing,” Mcclure says. “Use a long-wear, full-coverage concealer and set it with a finely milled translucent powder to lock it in place.”
Cheeks
Mcclure says to mix and match. “Opt for cream blushes or cheek stains, as they tend to have more staying power than powder formulas. Layering a matching powder blush over the cream can further extend wear.”
This is one of my favourite tricks. The powder almost sticks to the cream whilst also allowing the pigment to stay in place.
How to get your eye makeup to last longer
Eyeshadow
“Always start with an eyeshadow primer to prevent creasing and to help the colours appear more vibrant,” Mcclure says. I couldn’t agree more. Your eyelids are often more oily than the rest of your face meaning eyeshadow is more prone to moving. I recommend
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion (£21/$28) which is amazing at keeping statement colours in place.
“Powder shadows tend to last longer than cream ones, but you can enhance their longevity by layering a powder shadow over a cream base,” Mcclure adds.
Image – Urban Decay
Eyeliner
“Opt for waterproof or long-wear eyeliner formulas,” says Mcclure. “Gel liners tend to have more staying power than pencil liners. Setting your liner with a matching eyeshadow can also help prevent smudging. Try them on the back of your hand at Sephora and walk around a bit before purchasing to see which ones hold up on your skin.”
Mascara
Mcclure suggests going waterproof again, “especially if you have oily lids or are in a humid environment,” she explains.
My favourite waterproof mascara is Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Waterproof (£29/$27.68) which performed excellently during my test of watching a weepy movie followed by a quick shower! No smudges, no colour running, and my lashes stayed (almost) perfectly intact.
Also, “curling your lashes before applying mascara can help lift them and keep the mascara from transferring onto your eyelids. Alternatively, if you have sensitive eyes, use a tubing mascara that doesn’t smudge but comes off easier with water at the end of the day. My all-time favourite is Guide Beauty Lash Wrap (£26/$26).”
How to get your lip colour to last longer
Mcclure says it’s all in the prep! “Start by exfoliating your lips and applying a hydrating balm,” she explains. Then, “use a lip liner to outline and fill in your lips before applying your lipstick. This creates a base that holds the colour in place.”
And for extra longevity, “apply your lipstick, blot with a tissue, and then apply a second layer,” she says. “Matte lipsticks tend to last longer than glossy formulas, but you can also use a setting powder to lock in the colour.”
Too many steps? Then invest in a multi-tasker. “You could skip most of these steps with a two-in-one liner and lipstick pencil, like my favourite one from Crunchi. It lasts all day and is creamy and hydrating yet doesn’t budge!” Try Crunchi Everluxe Lip Crayon ($28).
Image – Crunchi
The takeaway
Not only will your makeup last longer using these tips, but it will also perform better and look more vibrant, too.
Key purchases you need to make are on primers, setting powders and setting sprays. And don’t forget that doing a morning cleanse is vital for ensuring your skin has the best blank canvas for long-lasting makeup.
A matte lipstick or crayon is better than a gloss for longevity, and always think waterproof when it comes to your mascara and eyeliner.
Meet the expert
Cassandra Mcclure is a celebrity makeup artist and founder of Clean Beauty Collective.
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