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Sunday 11 January 2015

Longer Lasting Makeup | 10 Tips


1. Leave enough time for your moisturiser to sink in.
I always leave a good 5 minutes for my moisturiser to sink in before I even think about applying my base.  Even though I use one with a fairly light consistency of a morning, I always leave it just that little bit longer before I go in with primer even if it does feel as if it's fully absorbed.  Try doing something in between - like putting your rollers in for example - and allow the product to fully absorb into the skin and settle.  If you're applying makeup right on top of a moisturiser, it's going to be more likely to slip off during the day.  

2. Consider what moisturiser you're using.
If your morning skincare is slightly more thick in consistency or has a tendency to be a little heavy or greasy, it might be worth saving it for the evening and trying to find something a bit  lighter.  If your skin is particularly dry and you simply can't get away with a lighter texture - just use a tiny 'dab' of the heavier one on the problem areas (for me it's my cheeks) and use a lighter consistency everywhere else.  Similarly, if your skin is oily it might be worth searching for a moisturiser with 'mattifying' benefits.  

3. Primer. Primer. PRIMER!!
So many people I know never use a primer and consider it a bit of a pointless step in their makeup regime. Honestly, if you want your foundation to last through the day then it's well worth taking some time to find a primer that works for you.  Personally, I do think some primers on the market are a bit of a gimmick and don't actually have any 'staying power' benefits - which could be the reason why so many people give up - but do your research.  My ultimate favourites have to be Benefit's Porefessional (review here) and Loreal's Smoothing Resurfacing Primer (review here) and I use either one depending on what my skin needs (Loreal's is slightly heavier). I never apply my foundation without a primer first and it's such a key step in my makeup regime - it makes the world of difference. 

4. Applying your primer.
Instead of applying your primer in a similar way to moisturiser, try using pressing motions instead of sweeping motions - particularly around problem areas like the nose.   This will ensure your primer is absorbed into the skin properly and settled into all the nooks and crannys instead of simply sitting on top. It also helps prevent your foundation from settling into pores.

5. Foundation: Less is more
Finding a foundation that 'sits right' with your skin is important, but no matter what you use, if you apply it in a slap-dash manner it's not going to want to stick around as much.  I actually spend quite some time applying my foundation - I buff it in slowly working from the middle of the face and blending outwards.  I'll apply a very light layer first and then leave it to settle before applying another layer if I want a fuller coverage or want to further cover up any problem areas instead of using one thick layer.  

6. Buff it in.
This is just personal opinion but I definitely think my foundation lasts longer when I've applied it with a buffing brush instead of my fingers or a standard foundation brush.  I hardly ever use another tool aside from my trusty RT buffing brush to apply my foundation as I just find it offers the best coverage at the same time as helping it to sit on the skin much better.  Instead of 'painting' the product on you're essentially buffing it into your skin - not only does it look much more natural and flawless but it will give your makeup a much better chance of lasting all day.

7. Find a good setting powder.
I used to stay away from powder because my skin isn't overly oily and I didn't think my skin  really needed it - but find a good one and you'll find that powders can offer so much more than just oil control.  I use Mac's Mineralise Skinfinish Natural (review here) and it's the perfect finishing step in my base routine. It sets the foundation, prevents shine and also makes my skin look much more polished. It softens the appearance, blurs imperfections and means that any powder blush or bronzer you apply on top will sit much better and blend more easily.  Mac's offering really does effect the longevity of your makeup and I use it daily - it makes the world of difference to my foundation and keeps it looking freshly applied for much longer.

8. Use a setting spray for extra staying power.
I like to use Urban Decay's Setting Sprays (review here) if I'm going on a night out or if i've got a long day ahead in order to boost my makeup's staying power.  I don't use it daily as I don't think it's really a 'must-have' but it definitely does help your makeup last longer.  I use this after I've completed my makeup - eyeshadow, eyebrows, blush - the lot... it just helps to lock it all in place.

9. Keep your mitts off!
This is easier said than done and it's a fairly obvious one to mention, but try your best to keep your hands off your face!  You're probably not aware of just how much you actually do it but try your best to stop yourself when you become conscious of it.  It really doesn't do your foundation any favours!  When I'm sat at a desk all day, my makeup comes off quicker than if I've been shopping all day - which sounds a bit stange but it's all because of bad habits.  

10. Touch-ups.
If all else fails, carry a little touch-up kit with you.  No matter how hard you try, problem areas like the nose and chin are going to show a little bit of wear through the day.  Instead of just piling on another layer of foundation (which isn't going to look exactly fetching in an hour or so) you're much better off carrying a powder and small concealer which matches your foundation shade.  Before you even apply any product, try blending the makeup you already have on your face to cover the problem area - if it's just not going to work, apply a small amount of concealer or simply blot the area and blend some powder over the top.  Tiny touch ups work better than trying to overhaul the whole face!

What are your favourite products to use for getting your makeup to last longer? Anything else you can recommend?

39 comments:

  1. This is a really useful post. I find primer essential in my make up routine and wouldn't be without it!

    Danielle | Simplicity Rose x

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  2. Thanks for the tips! I used to use primer but once I ran out I was too lazy to get more. I think it's time I purchase some more again!
    It'sMyLife

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  3. Really useful post! I love the Loreal primer you mentioned! :)

    Life As Lissy

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  4. I agree, primer has made such a difference in the longevity of my make up! :)

    Jen xx
    www.kitsch-n-sync.com

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  5. Great post Beth!! I love the porefessional primer!
    -annie x
    http://abreathofbeauty13.blogspot.co.uk/

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  6. I always use a primer and my buffing brush is the best thing ever!
    http://whattaylorbuys.blogspot.co.uk/

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  7. This is such a great post! I do everything I can to keep my makeup on my I'm so guilty of constantly touching my face which means all of my hard work is lost!

    Bethan | Thought from Beth x

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  8. Lovely tips. I cannot wear foundation now without wearing a primer x

    pintsizedbeauty.blogspot.co.uk

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  9. Thanks for the suggestions! I've been really in need of a primer and a setting spray.. and the rest of the tips are great!

    Kim
    http://trendkeeper.me

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  10. I agree and use almost all of these steps :)
    https://cherieedle.blogspot.com/

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  11. Your blog is beautiful and these are some fabulous products! What camera do you use?? Take a look at my blog i am on bloglovin too!! http://jennifercooper99.blogspot.co.uk

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  12. Great tips, i agree a primer is a must especially if you have oily skin like me! x
    Emma | Emmys Blog

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  13. I've just invested in a mac primer. Besides Smashbox I've never really used a primer, I'm really excited to try mine out & see how it compares, although since seeing so many postive things about benefit's I'm having second thoughts! Thank you these are really great tips!

    lucy | luceellen xxx

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  14. Great tips Beth! I like Laura Mercier Primer, and I agree buffing my foundation works a lot better xx

    Lauren - bylaurenjane

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  15. Love these tips xx

    gillmclaughlin.blogspot.com

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  16. Thanks for these tips - they are very useful. I have only recently discovered primer and it's now become part of my daily make-up routine.
    Claire
    http://daydreamsinthegarden.blogspot.co.uk

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  17. Fabulous post, and I completely agree with the foundation tip. I used to go for a heavier layer just for quickness but learnt that was not the way to go so start thin and then buff additional foundation where I need it :)

    Charlee XO | CharmedCharlee

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  18. I love the Urban Decay setting spray, it really does work! I agree on letting your moisturiser sink in, I used to apply my makeup straight away and it looked hideous!

    alice xo | beautybyalicee | bloglovin'

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  19. I love all of these tips! The odd time, if I know I'm just popping out for an hour or two and I'm in a bit of a rush, I skip my primer and go straight for the foundation... and I can ALWAYS see a difference. I actually don't even think it sits as nice either, never mind not lasting as long.

    I also find that kind of pressing my powder on as to big sweeping motions keeps my makeup on longer too, if that makes sense? I'll still always finish with a nice, little sweep over (it feels way too good to skip), but I always gently press it on with my powder brush first :).

    Dannielle xx

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  20. I completely agree with all of your tips! However, I must invest in a setting spray, I've heard such good things about the UD setting sprays xo

    Jenny | That Northern Gal

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  21. It took me a long time to realise the foundation one. I always thought more would mean it would stay on longer...defiantly got that one wrong!

    Annabel ♥
    Mascara & Maltesers

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  22. This is so handy! I used to love primer but recently stopped using it as my moisturiser claims to do both.. but I loved porefessional! Going to try a foundation brush again now instead of a blender! x

    Through New Eyes | Beauty Blog

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  23. Completely agree! Letting the moisturizer sink in is more important than some realize!

    Linh | SimplyLinh

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  24. Great tips! I have to say for my finishing powder I use Rimmel's stay Matte and I love it! I've been using it for years!

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  25. Some really good tips! Great post! Xxx

    www.allyouneedisredlipstick.blogspot.com

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  26. Primer has really been my best friend as of late. I couldn't live without it now!
    http://charlottesophiaroberts.blogspot.co.uk

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  27. Lovely tips and I have been learning these from my makeup class. Great post and it is a great guide.

    Jackie | fashionxfairytale | bloglovin' |

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  28. My make-up has a horrible habit of slipping off throughout the day, especially where I have slightly oily skin (i.e. the tip of my nose and my cheeks) and I always try to use a primer to minimise this, but I have never ever thought of patting it in, as opposed to rubbing it in! I'll definitely have to try that next time I apply my make-up, thanks for the tip!

    - Taisie ♥ | Life by Taisie

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  29. Thanks for this post- such great tips! xx

    rosyannajane.blogspot.com // bloglovin.com/annatranter

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  30. I need a good primer as I look like I'm melting by the end of the day - oily skin what can I say. Great tips and post.

    theprettybeatniks.com

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  31. Some really useful tips here! I really need to invest in a good primer :)
    Maeve // Thrift O'Clock

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  32. Such great tips! I do all of these except number 8. I'm with you on buffing your foundation. Not only does it give it a much better finish, it also definitely stays put much longer. Really enjoyed this post! xxx

    Kirsty - Effortlessly Excessive

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  33. Loved this post. I am so funny about the buffing in foundation. A must do!

    Rachael x | N o v e m b e r S t o r m s |

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  34. Thanks for this tips! :) definitely in need of a good setting spray
    And a touch up kit is a must! xx

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  35. Helping to keep my make up last longer is my main issue at the moment, whilst in uni all day I tend to notice that come 3pm that my make up isn't looking too great. I might have a look at the setting sprays as I'm not sure what else I can do.
    Amy x | A Little Boat Sailing

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  36. So many handy little tips in here like leaving your moisturiser to sink in and patting the primer rather than rubbing - thanks so much! x

    www.amuchprettierpuzzle.com

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  37. You have no idea how much these tips have helped me! I think I may need to switch out my moisturizer, as it's the main culprit for my makeup sliding all over the place 5 hours into the day. Thanks Beth! xo-Cailee

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I always read all of my lovely comments. Make sure you check back as i often reply but if you do have a specific question and want a quicker response then please do email me over at birds.words@yahoo.co.uk or tweet me (@Beth_BirdsWords). Thank you for all your support! x