The Secret to Long-Lasting Glam
Wondering why your makeup always slides off soon after you've applied it? The issue might lie in how you're applying it, or what products you're omitting. For example, if you tend to touch your face a lot (and without realizing it), don't be surprised if your makeup fades or smudges. The same goes for skipping setting powders or sprays. So, how do you keep your look fresh and flawless all day long? Here are 10 mistakes to avoid—and 10 smart, simple tips to follow instead.
1. You Use Too Much Product
If you're using too much concealer and foundation, it's bound to crease and separate, especially around the eyes, nose, forehead, and chin. This is especially more prominent if you tend to mix different formulas or products and "cake" them on instead of blending in well.
2. You Forgo a Setting Powder
Not everyone likes using setting powder, and not everyone needs one. For example, if you're more dry than oily, you might be able to forgo mattifying your makeup. But if you want your look to last all day, it's always best to set your products.
3. You Forgo a Setting Spray
Another thing that might cause your makeup to break down faster than usual is forgoing a setting spray. Again, this is especially so if you're more oily than dry, as sebum can cause your products to crease, separate, and cake up.
4. You Constantly Sweat
If you're wearing makeup to the gym or on a run, or you're someone who sweats easily, that's another reason why your look might not last all day. Perspiration makes your products crease and cake, especially in areas around the nose and mouth, so without applying a proper seal (with powder or spray), your makeup will end up fading or smudging hours later.
5. Using the Wrong Products for Your Skin Type
As mentioned, it's important to choose the right products for your skin type, whether you're dry, oily, or a combination of both. If you apply dewy makeup on oily skin, you'll only end up looking more like a greasy mess by the end of the night; if you apply matte makeup on dry skin, it'll only accentuate patchiness.
6. You Touch Your Face Often
Another reason why your makeup doesn't last? You touch your face a lot. It should probably go without saying, but if you often rub or blow your nose, blot oil away, or rest your cheeks on your palms, you're more likely to smudge off the products you've put on your face.
7. You Don't Prime Beforehand
You might not think primer works, but it does. Not only can a good primer blur imperfections and cover up large pores, but it can also make your makeup last longer. However, it's important to remember that different primers do different things.
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8. You Don't Exfoliate Often Enough
If you have any dry spots or patchiness on your skin, it's also important to exfoliate often, around twice a week. The frequency depends on your skin type and how sensitive it is, so some might be able to exfoliate more often than others. This helps get rid of dirt, grime, and dead skin cells so your makeup products sit better on your skin.
9. You Don't Put on Skincare
Always remember to moisturize and prep your face before applying makeup. Even if you forgo a primer, give your skin something to soak up so that it gives your makeup products something to "grip" onto. If you skip skincare and primer, your makeup likely won't last very long or look as smooth.
10. You're Putting Cream Over Powder
A big no-no that you should always avoid is applying cream over powder. For example, never try to blend in a cream blush after you've already powdered your face—it'll only cause the products on your skin to bunch up and pill. Always apply cream before setting it with powder.
Looking for simple tips to keep your makeup looking flawless all day long? We've got you. Read on for how to keep your look fresh—even several hours later.
1. Cleanse Before Your Routine
Before you apply your makeup and even before you moisturize your skin with the right serums, toners, and creams, you want to make sure you have a clean, fresh base to start with. Make sure to wash away any overnight oil or grime with a gentle cleanser before jumping into your routine.
2. Apply Products in Thin Layers
The trick to preventing your makeup from caking up and creasing? Apply it in thin, even layers. Even if you're looking to get full coverage from your foundation, avoid applying too much right from the get-go—slowly build up coverage instead. This will give you that natural, skin-like finish that won't separate as easily.
3. Use Clean Brushes
Make sure to always clean your brushes after using them. This ensures you're not accidentally transferring foundation or concealer that has caked up on your brushes, which can ruin your look, introduce bacteria, and clog your pores. Using unclean eyeshadow brushes can also muddy up your look.
4. Use an Eyeshadow Primer
If you have oily eyelids, make sure to use an eyeshadow primer before creating your look. You can also apply this primer to any areas you normally crease a lot in, such as your smile lines. Remember to let it dry before going in with your foundation.
5. Set Strategically
It's important to set your look with powder if you want your makeup to last long, but even if you don't want to do your entire face, you can set strategically. Just dust powder wherever your products tend to crease more, or where you often get oily.
6. Blot Oil Away
Don't wipe oil away with a napkin or tissue—that will only cause patchiness. Blot it with blotting papers instead. Keep a pack in your bag if you know your skin gets oily often—it'll help keep your makeup looking fresh throughout the day.
7. Use a Setting Spray
We've mentioned it already, but we think it's important enough to repeat it. Setting spray helps seal your makeup look, so without it, don't be surprised if your products start creasing, sliding around, and slipping off your face.
8. Pick the Right Formulas
It's not just important to choose the right formulas for your skin type, but to make sure your products have extra staying powder, so look for ones that are long-wearing, transfer-proof, or waterproof. This will ensure they melt into your skin and stay locked in all day.
9. Avoid Touching Your Face
Another simple tip to prevent your makeup from fading, separating, or smudging too fast, avoid touching your face with your fingers or resting your chin or cheeks on your palms. The more you scratch your nose, eyelids, or mouth, the faster your products will wear off.
10. Touch Up Through the Day
Just as you should keep blotting papers with you if your skin tends to get oily, don't be afraid of touching up your makeup throughout the day to help your look stay fresh and flawless. A pressed powder, concealer stick, and lip gloss are sometimes all you need.
