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?

It's Pore O' Clock | Benefit's Porefessional Primer & Powder

Every girl in the entire blogging universe must have heard of Benefit's Porefessional Primer (if not, I think you need to get yourself out from under that rock pretty sharpishly...) It's won its fair share of awards and holds 'holy grail' status in many a makeup bag across the globe - and with good reason too. Just recently, things got even more interesting as Benefit announced the launch of their new Porefessional Powder.  Never one to resist a duo of any kind, it's safe to say I could feel my intrigue rising - a primer and matching powder?! Ohh my bloggery hands were almost shaking with anticipation. So, when the lovely ladies at Benefit HQ kindly sent me their new arrival along with their ever famous Porefessional Primer to try - I put them both to the test straight away... So what did I reckon?

Benefit PoreFessional Powder | £23.50* | Link

First up is the Porefessional powder. This product is all about controlling shine and minimising the appearance of pores, as well as providing that much needed invisible, flawless finish.   Firstly, it goes without saying that Benefit always get their packaging spot on the mark - the typical 'ice cream parlour colours' and quirky designs never fail to catch the eye and this one is no exception.  The packaging is all very neat and compact and ideal for travelling - something which is quite handy when it comes to powder.  It's lightweight, comes with a little fluffy brush and the powder is dispensed via a simple 'twist and tip' mechanism (no danger of over-spillage!) The powder itself is finely milled, easy to blend and feels very smooth and light on the skin, whilst mattifying its appearance in an instant - it knocks out shine with ease.  Personally, I don't have particularly oily skin and don't struggle an awful lot with shine - I tend to use powder for purely setting my foundation and for makeup staying power benefits - so I found this powder a little too mattifying for me. I'm one for a dewy, natural finish and it just made me feel a little bit too powdery for my liking - you have to be wary of over-applying as it can settle into fine lines.

It does seem to help even-out skintone which is a nice plus point - so for those of you who like to add powder for a little bit of extra coverage you might find this is a winner for you.  All this being said, I do like the concept of the Porefessional Powder and it does do what it says on the tin - it mattifys in an instant and my pores look undeniably reduced and smoothed over.  It manages to achieve that flawless finish and works well at keeping foundation in place. It also is perfect for throwing in your handbag as there is no need for carrying a powder brush or sponge.  Would I spend £23.50 on it though? I hate to say it but no - at the moment, I don't think I would.  It's a nice powder don't get me wrong, but I just get on with my trusty Mac MSF much better and I think there are similar powders on the market you could pick up for less money.  I still enjoy using it when on the go - but it just didn't blow me away.  Those of you with oily skin might find this a perfect companion - it's worth looking in to if you do prefer a full-on matte look. I reckon it might rack up more admiration from me in summer when I do need a slightly more mattifying powder. You never know - it could be appearing in my favourites as soon as the warmer weather rolls around later in the year but for now it's just a 'yeh - I like it' as opposed to a full on product rave... 

Benefit PoreFessional Primer | £24.50* | Link

Ok. So the powder didn't blow me away but I'm no stranger to the Porefessional Primer and I am fully aware of its benefits.  I adore this product - I can really see why it gets so much praise and why it's the UK's best selling primer.  I've only ever bought travel sizes to take abroad with me before but I've never been disappointed.  Now I have the full size, I've been using it daily and really have fallen head over heels in love with the stuff.  It really does do a smashing job of keeping makeup in place as well as creating an amazingly smooth, flawless base.  I find it works particularly well underneath my eyes and around the sides of my nose - usually places I find I have to top up occasionally but wear-time of my foundation/concealer is impressively increased whenever I use this.  The oil-free, balmy formula feels so silky and soft to apply - it smooths across the skin with ease and feels so lightweight - it instantly makes your skin feel velevety soft and smooth to the touch, as well as reducing the size of pores and creating an even skintone ready to apply your base.

I don't fall in love with primers easily so it really is saying something that I enjoy using this one.  It even smells lovely. As well as prepping skin for makeup, it works well at minimising shine and reducing any redness or open pores - meaning that it can be worn alone if you're having one of those 'bare skin days'.  In my opinion, a primer's main purpose should be to keep your foundation in place for longer during the day, and this has been fabulous at doing just that - if you're struggling to get your base to stay put - I'd really recommend trying this! Would I purchase this once it runs out? Yes indeedly - I would. A little goes a very long way so your investment in the product is fully justified - you only need a tiny blob to cover your entire t-zone. It does what it says on the tin and keeps my makeup looking flawless for longer, and for that, it gets a massive thumbs up from me. 

Overall, I have to say that Benefit have really impressed me with their Porefessional products - despite my little gripes with the powder.  They have certainly solved the problem of an 'on the go' powder application and for those of you with oily skin - it might work a treat.  It goes without saying that the winner for me in this instance has to be the primer - it's had bloggers singing its praises from rooftops for ages now (in fact, I'm off to go and join them...) and it's easy to see why it's the UK's best seller.  If you're going to part with the cash for either one - the old favourite - Porefessional Primer - wins every time.  

Have you tried any of these Benefit products? What were your thoughts?

Nivea Daily Essentials | Express Hydration Primer

One thing that's very important in my daily regime is moisturising and priming my face ready for the day ahead.  I look far from bright eyed and bushy tailed when I first wake up in the morning so a good refreshing moisturiser is what I need in order to prep my skin.  I rarely apply my makeup without priming my skin first - I find it's such an important step and I can really tell if I've missed it out.  When I first heard of Nivea's Daily Essentials Express Hydration Primer - I trawled the shelves of town in order to find a pot.  I've been trying it now for the past couple of weeks - and I must admit I do like it - but I do have mixed opinions on it. Let me explain why...

First off - I love the fact there are two versions of the primer depending on your skin type. I have normal/combination skin and don't have a great deal of dry or oily patches - so to have a version tailored for my skin type impressed me.. I often find moisturisers too heavy or too light for me so it was nice to have the choice between this one and the 'dry sensitive' version.  The consistency itself is really lovely - I find it very refreshing and the gel-like texture sinks in very quickly. It feels very fresh, light and cooling.  It provides a smooth, even base ready to apply your makeup and I find it does it's job with making your foundation base easier and smoother to apply to the skin.

As for the 'primer' qualities - I do agree it helps to keep makeup in place however, I still get on better with my trusty Loreal Studio Professional primer as I find it holds my makeup a great deal more.  If you have a long working day and need your makeup to stay put through a bit of hard graft then you might be better opting for a more heavy duty primer.  This said, I do find it makes a difference compared with when I haven't applied it at all- it certainly does help to smooth out your skin and gives it that lovely flawless finish.  I can imagine this will work better for me on holiday or in the height of summertime when I really don't fancy smoothing a layer of my usual primer onto my skin - it is very much a light, fuss-free base. It's a product I will most probably be packing in my suitcase when I jet away this year, that's for sure!   If you've tried primers in the past and hate the feeling of them then I really recommend giving this a try - it's just like a regular moisturiser just with that extra added benefit of providing a smooth base for your makeup. It does help it to stay a good couple of hours or so longer than if you hadn't applied it - its just there are better primers out there if you want a longer lasting finish.  If you're an 'on the go' kind of girl and just want to whack on a moisturiser and go - then I urge you to try this.  It's a really lovely product and I enjoy using it purely as a refreshing moisturiser when I need a bit of a boost of a morning.

Have you tried Nivea Express Hydration Primer? What were your thoughts?

My 'Go-To' Face Base | Loreal Studio Secrets Professional Primer

Loreal Studio Secrets Professional Smoothing Resurfacing Primer | £14.29 | Link

You know those typical 'holy grail' items you have in your makeup bag? The ones you forever repurchase that get so embedded in your daily routine that you simply cannot live without them but often forget how much you rely on them? This is one of those items.  It occurred to me the other day that I've actually never spoken about one of my most used products on my blog.  I've been asked a few times what I use for a base before I apply my foundation as I've mentioned in  a few reviews that I don't really have problems getting my foundation to stay throughout the day and a lot of the time I really believe it's down to my primer. Without further jibber-jabber, I shall introduce to you to Loreal's Studio Professional Smoothing Resurfacing Primer (try saying that after a few - crikey!) I have had more than my fair share of these little pots - I believe I might be on my fourth or fifth so trust me when I say it's a well loved favourite. 

Now, I know primers are very much like foundation - what one person swears by, another one hates. It is a very personal thing and your skin type/moisturiser/foundation you use is all going to effect how your primer works.  For reference, I have fairly normal skin with a slightly oilier t-zone, and at certain times of the year my cheeks get a little dry - but nothing overly difficult apart from the odd pesky spot on my chin now and again.  The consistency has a very velvety, soft feel to it - and almost feels like a thick, whipped mousse when applied.  What I love about it is the fact it leaves no greasy residue on the skin - many primers I've tried feel quite greasy and I often feel a bit funny applying them to my skin - with this one, there's none of that.  It instantly makes the skin feel smooth to the touch - almost masking over any 'dodgy' uneven areas and helping to disguise any pores.  I apply it with my fingers, working from the middle of my face and outwards, concentrating on around my nose, my chin and my forehead.

I've never experience any breakouts with this product - it doesn't make my skin feel greasy and after smoothing out with my fingers it's undetectable - aside from the fact my skin feels one heck of a lot smoother! I then apply my foundation as normal.  I haven't yet found a foundation that doesn't work with this primer - it is the ultimate dream team with my beloved YSL Touche Eclat foundation. I know a few people said that they weren't too fussed about the wear time with this foundation when it was launched - but personally it lasts all day on me providing I use this beforehand and a dusting of powder afterwards.  It really is a little miracle worker for me - and I can honestly tell when I've forgotten to apply it.  It helps no end on holiday or in the summer when my makeup needs a little extra helping hand to stay in place and I hardly ever get any patchiness when I've applied it. I've actually used it as an emergency eyeshadow primer on holiday! If you're a fan of lighter, dewy foundations like me, then you'll know a good primer is a must-have in order to get it to stay put. There's no doubt that primers are a very personal thing, and they're very much a love or hate product - but if you've never tried a primer before or stay away from them purely because of the greasy residue a lot of them leave behind - then give Loreal's a whirl.  I even love the packaging - the little glass pot feels much more luxurious and considered than your average squeezy tube! It's worth every penny for me and it's worked better than some higher end options I've tried in the past. I love it. Holy grail status well and truly achieved.

What's your 'holy grail' primer? 

Best of Makeup 2012 | This Year's Favourites

With the New Year almost upon us and not much to do today other than scoff the remainders at the bottom of the Quality Street tin, I thought it would be a fabulous idea to spend my Sunday completely raiding my makeup drawers!  I thought I would pick out a few items that have been 'can't live without' makeup products for the past 12 months of my life... 

Best Lipstick

Ok I just HAD to cheat with this one. There's no other way around this and I hold my hands up and admit that I am an absolute lipstick addict. It was impossible to pick a winner and a runner up simply because I wear different colours and shades depending on the time of year. So I picked 4 of the best additions to my collection this year.. (it's the only time I cheat throughout my whole post..promise!)

YSL | Rouge Volupte Perle in '114' - 2012 saw me purchase my first ever YSL lipstick. And the second. And the third..  Wonderfully pigmented and deliciously soft, these lipsticks simply melt onto the lips with ease. This one was gifted to me for my 22nd birthday and it's the most beautiful fuchsia pink complete with teeny tiny shimmers. If you wish to see a swatch click here.
Mac | Costa Chic - My most worn lipstick throughout the summer months and a must-have for trips abroad. Looks fabulous with a tan and is amazingly pigmented.
Mac | Shy Girl - The newest addition to my lipstick collection. I will wear this all year round without a shadow of a doubt as it's the most perfect everyday lip colour for me - a wonderful muted peachy nude (click here for a review).
Maxfactor | Ruby Tuesday - The perfect red for me. These lipsticks provide just the right amount of moisture yet don't compromise on pigmentation or wear time. (click here for a swatch and similar shades)

Best Everyday Lip Product

Winner: Burt's Bee's | Replenishing Lip Balm - I won this in the lovely Jodie's giveaway and it's been my go-to lip balm everyday since. I apply this in the morning before my makeup alongside my moisturiser and carry it in my bag for top ups throughout the day. (review here)
Runner-up: Revlon | Lip Butter in 'Creme Brulee' - A very wearable everyday lip shade that's moisturising enough to feel like a lip balm but pigmented enough to look like a lipstick. The best of both worlds. (to see my collection click here)

Best Powder

Winner: Mac | Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in 'Medium' - I'm sure this will be top of the list for a lot of you. Sets my makeup without dulling my foundation and provides a natural finish which lasts all day long (review here)
Runner up: No7 | Pressed Powder in 'Medium' - A very good powder for taking away any shine and I found this came in very handy on holiday when humid nights sometimes get the better of your makeup!

Best Blush

Winner: Illamasqua | Powder Blush in 'Lover' - I would place bets on this being in my next year's favourites too. It's just my all-time favourite blush and I wear it all year round. Amazing pigment, soft to the touch and brightens up my complexion in an instant. (for similar shades click here)
Runner Up: Revlon | Photoready Cream Blush in 'Pinched Peaches' - This was my go-to blush for the summertime and holidays abroad this year. It's quite sheer but buildable, and the consistency for a cream blush was just right for me. Not too sticky or greasy, and easily applied.

Best Bronzing Product

Winner: Nars | Powder Bronzer in 'Laguna' - Predictable? Yes. Fed up of seeing it? Maybe. But there is no denying that this little beauty is the gem in a lot of blogger's makeup bags around the world. It's natural, versatile and lasts an age.
Runner Up: Chanel Bronze Universal - A fairly new addition, but one that I cannot wait to get more use out of this summertime. I use this as a cream contour for my cheekbones. It buffs into the skin like a dream and still looks freshly applied at the end of the day. If you wish to see the product in more depth I did a post a little while back here.

Best Priming Product

Winner: Loreal | Studio Secrets Professional Smoothing Resurfacing Primer - The best primer I have used - I even preferred it to Benefit's Porefessional. It just seems to work for me and is the only primer I've found that doesn't feel greasy on me.
Runner Up: Urban Decay | Eyeshadow Primer Potion - I don't use this everyday but I use it on a regular basis. If I'm going on a night out or need my eyeshadow to last longer I won't apply my eyeshadow without it - it works amazingly well and makes your shadow apply smoother.

Best Eyebrow Product

Winner: Sleek | Brow Kit - I've just had to grab myself a new one of these hence why it looks a little..new!? I use the light or the dark version depending on how defined I want to go with my brows. Does the job and provides a very good colour pay off. I sometimes just use the powder on it's own. (I have a review of the light kit here)
Runner Up: Mac | Brow Set in 'Beguiled' - This is a fabulous product but one that took a lot of getting used to. I know for a fact a lot of people don't like the coloured brow sets (you can get a clear version) but i personally like how this one defines the eyebrows at the same time as setting any wax or powder I've applied previously. I have an in-depth review of it here.

Best Concealer

Winner: Estee Lauder | Double Wear Concealer -  Provides a heavier coverage without looking cakey, even when reapplied and lasts me all day. Fabulous for under-eyes and blemishes. My all time favourite concealer.

Runner Up: Estee Lauder | Disappear Smoothing Creme Concealer - My summer concealer for all-round concealing goodness. It's slightly lighter than the double wear but lasts just as long and smooths out areas of unevenness as well as covering blemishes (review here)

Best Foundation

Winner: YSL | Touche Eclat Foundation - Smooths out my skin and feels light and fresh on the skin. I have a review of this foundation along with swatches here.
Runner up: Maybelline | Fit Me Foundation - Never have I found such a perfect match in a drugstore foundation and I have been so impressed with the Fit Me foundation. I have a review of it here if you wish to have a read about it.

Best Powder Highlighter

Winner: Nars | Highlighting Powder in Albatross - Slightly controversial since I received this for Christmas. But I've wanted it for ages and own lots of the Nars powder products and they're just such good quality. Look out for a review and swatches coming soon!
Runner-up: Sleek | Contour Kit - I've used this for a couple of years now and it's always served me well. It's not the most long lasting highlight and I always have to build it up on my cheekbones but a very flattering and natural shade and one that I will continue to go back to I'm sure.

Best Singular Eyeshadow 

 Winner: Nars | Eyeshadow in 'Mekong' - My first Nars eyeshadow and it certainly shall not be my last. This has to be the most pigmented shadow I own and you only need the tiniest touch of a brush to provide amazing colour. This one is fabulous for smokey eyes but also can be used for a slightly more defined daytime look.

Runner-up: Maybelline | 24 Hour Colour Tattoo - SHAMAZING! Pigmented eyeshadow that last all day and all night without fail yet also acts as a base underneath powder shadows. A wonderful versatile little pot of product and one that has been used constantly throughout 2012.

Best Palette

Winner: Urban Decay | Naked2
Runner-Up: Urban Decay| NakedBoth palettes have been a staple in my makeup collection ever since they were first released and will continue to be a daily necessity for me. The Naked 2 just tops the mark slightly as I find it has a wider range of shades suitable for both day and night. You can see my comparison of the two in this post here if you wish to view the shades in greater detail.

What has been your favourite product of 2012?
♥