How To Make Your Makeup Last Longer

Why Does My Makeup Come Off?

One of the main reasons your makeup tends to come off is because of your skin’s oil production. While this is more noticeable on oily skin, it’s not exclusive to oily skin – as those with dry, flaky skin will know all too well.

Just like with skincare, choosing the right products for your skin type will ensure a long-lasting makeup look. Combination to oily skin? We recommend staying away from dewy finishes and opting for a matte foundation and powder formulas. If your skin is on the drier side, a dewy finish foundation will be more forgiving. Don’t worry, we’ve included all our favourites below.

How To Make Your Makeup Last All Day

Whether you’ve got five minutes or 15, we recommend following this four-step guide to make your makeup last all day.

Step 1: Prep And Prime

“Skin prep is so important for the longevity of your makeup,” says Amanda. “I think people sometimes shy away from really moisturising their skin, but it helps makeup go on nicer, regardless of whether they’re using liquids, creams or powders. In a nutshell, makeup looks better and lasts longer on moisturised skin.”

Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Cream, £28.00 was made with makeup in mind and there is a lighter version for oily skin and the summer months.

In terms of the best primers, we absolutely love makeup artist and influencer, Jamie Genevieve’s VIEVE Skin Nova, £14.00. The glow-giving formula banishes dullness in seconds and is ideal for those with dry skin. We couldn’t write about illuminating primers without mentioning Milk Makeup Hydro Grip & Glow Primer, £30.00. Two pumps of this cream formula will keep your makeup in place for up to 12 hours.

If you’re looking for a mattifying primer, check out Nars SOFT MATTE PRIMER, £35.00. It’s lightweight and offers a healthy, velvety matte finish that keeps shine at bay.

Step 2: Keep Your Makeup Light

As tempting as it might be to go for a heavy duty foundation to disguise any blemishes and imperfections, if you want your makeup to last a spin on the dancefloor, you might want to keep it light. If your makeup is too heavy, it can slide off.

Use a full coverage concealer such as to cover up redness, uneven patches and breakouts. Taking this approach will give you more flexibility to use a lighter weight base. Hourglass, Glossier, VIEVE and Lisa Eldridge have some of the best skin tints and lightweight foundations around. All four brands offer a full spectrum of shades too.

As for the rest of your makeup, Amanda is all for keeping things simple. “Whether you've got time to get ready from home or you're rushing out from work, there are two things you can do for effortless impact,” she says. “Either opt for a bold lip or add a load of eyeliner and mascara. And you’re good to go.”

If you want to create a glamorous eye look, we recommend treating yourself to Ilia Beauty The Necessary Eyeshadow Palette, £40.00 or . A hint of shimmer elevates any eye look in our opinion.

Step 3: Set Your Makeup With Powder Or Setting Spray

Once you've applied your makeup, make sure to set it with loose powder or a setting spray. This creates a barrier over your makeup to keep it from coming off throughout the day. There are dewy finish setting sprays, as well as matte finish formulas. The latter are usually oil-free. [copy] “I’m obsessed with Hourglass Veil Soft Focus Setting Spray, £48.00,” says Amanda. “I have one particular client I use this on – and there’s no need for me to stay with her for touch ups!”

Step 4: Use Blotting Paper For Oily Patches

If you have combination to oily skin, it’s likely that some oily patches will creep through as the day (and night) passes. Few of us want the hassle of reapplying powder or setting spray, so it’s always worth having a pack of blotting sheets in your purse. [copy] [copy]We love the Tatcha Aburatorigami Japanese Blotting Papers, £12.00 as they absorb the oil without removing any of your makeup. It’s like you applying a fresh layer of powder, without any additional product.

Final Word On How To Make Your Makeup Last Longer

Creating a long-lasting makeup look is not just about the formulas. Your skin type and skincare routine can play a big role in the staying power of your makeup. If your skin is feeling dry and flaky, consider using a gentle exfoliation and always moisturise before applying any makeup.

And remember – amidst the chaos of party season, you can take a breather. “I’ve been putting E11EVEN E11even Fragrance Oil, £80.00 on my makeup table for over two decades, because in busy environments it really does help to create a sense of calm.” Now, let’s get ready...