How to Make Makeup Last All Day
We’ve all been there - it’s lunchtime, and you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror, only to discover that your morning makeup application hasn’t quite held up to everything the day has thrown at you.
That’s where we come in. With our tried-and-tested tips and tricks, you’ll learn how to make makeup last all day, avoiding oily, patchy foundation and smudged mascara for a long-wearing, polished look.
7 Tips for Long-Lasting Makeup Application
When it comes to long-lasting makeup, just a few simple adjustments to your application technique and product selection can go a long way.
Read on to discover our expert tips for makeup with serious staying power.
1. Skin Preparation is Key
When it comes to learning how to make makeup to stay on all day, never underestimate the power of prep.
The right skincare will help to ensure that your skin is the best possible canvas for cosmetics. Cleansers and toners help to keep your skin free from dirt and oil, while moisturizers support hydration, which could create a more even base, preventing makeup from sitting in fine lines and looking caked on.
2. Consider Formulation
It’s important to consider makeup formulas when selecting what to use. For example, if you anticipate being outside in the elements, opt for a tubing mascara to avoid the dreaded panda eyes. Our No7 Pro Artist That’s a Wrap Tubing Mascara is the ideal choice. Not only does it effortlessly lengthen and define, but it also keeps lashes in place all day without smudging or flaking.
Selecting formulas that cater to the specific needs of your skin may also impact how long your makeup lasts throughout the day.
If you have oily skin, a water or silicone-based formula can create a soft-matte finish, while a powder foundation can help control shine and absorb excess oil. In contrast, dry skin types may benefit from a liquid or cream formula as they provide a dewy, hydrated-looking appearance without settling in dry patches.
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3. Apply a Primer
For long-lasting makeup, a primer should be your go-to. Think of it as a secondary base for your skin.
As with other skincare products, primers should be tailored to your skin type.
When applied as the first step in your makeup routine following your skincare steps, primers can help prolong the wear of cosmetics, such as foundation and eyeshadow. Depending on your chosen formula, primers could also minimize the appearance of pores, add glow, or mattify.
If you’re in search of an illuminating effect, the No7 Pro Artist Base Perfecting Primer is ideal. Helping to extend makeup application, the skin is also left looking smoother and more radiant.
Looking to mattify? Our oil-free No7 Airbrush Away Pore Minimizing Primer is a great option. Instantly blurring pores and reducing shine, it could improve your makeup look with up to 12 hours of extended wear.
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4. Less is More
If your makeup melts, looks uneven, or rubs off throughout the day, it could be because you are applying too much. When applying makeup, always try to start with a thin layer and build as needed. By starting with less and adding more as desired, you may find that you need less than you think.
If your look doesn’t have staying power, a natural makeup look might be the best solution for an even and longer-lasting finish.
5. Use a Setting Powder and Spray
Setting powder is the holy grail of makeup longevity. Intended to set your makeup in place, it helps to absorb the natural oils your skin produces, preserving your look for longer.
Dusting our No7 Pro Artist Set The Scene Loose Setting Powder over the top of your foundation and concealer with a fluffy makeup brush will help extend the wear of your makeup. Formulated to create a flawless, soft-focused effect, you’re left with a professional-looking finish that lasts all day long.
Expert tip: Target your T-zone and under the eyes when applying, as these areas typically produce the most unwanted shine throughout the day.
The final step in any makeup routine, mist the No7 Pro Artist Finishing Touch Fixing Spray over your finished look to keep you looking radiant from morning to night. A lightweight topcoat, it creates an invisible barrier that locks makeup in place to resist heat and humidity, ensuring your flawless finish stays put for hours.
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6. Check the Expiration of Your Products
Another factor to consider is the expiration date of your skincare and makeup products. While you might be asking how long makeup lasts on your face, it’s equally important to ask how long it lasts in the bottle. If your makeup isn’t performing as expected, it may be time to check the packaging and see if it’s past its best.
Expert tip: To check the expiration date, look for the small symbol of a jar on the product's packaging. This will contain a number indicating how many months it can be used once it has been opened.
7. Avoid Touching Your Face
Touching your face too much throughout the day can also disrupt the longevity of your makeup. While this is usually an unconscious act, the natural oils present on your fingers may cause your makeup to melt, smudge, or become uneven.
Expert tip: Counting the number of times you touch your face each day could increase your awareness of this habit and hopefully help you to keep it to a minimum.
