How to Make Makeup Last All Day

Does your makeup fade before noon? Here's how to get your makeup to last all day.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Foundation
   
   Foundation fades quickly if you have oily skin or the weather is warm outside. A foundation primer can help your foundation stay put just as an eye primer can help preserve your eye shadow. First apply a light, oil-free moisturizer followed by a foundation primer. Next, smooth on a matte foundation since they tend to last longer than other types. After applying foundation, lightly dust with a layer of translucent powder. If your skin is oily, a mineral based foundation may be a good option.

2. Eye makeup
   
   If your eye shadow fades before lunch, it may be time to invest in a primer. Apply eye shadow primer in a thin layer before you apply your chosen eye shadow color to give additional staying power. If you don’t want to invest in another cosmetic product, you can use foundation or even a concealer stick as a primer. Once you’ve applied eye shadow, lightly brush on a layer of translucent powder to help “set” the shadow so it won’t disappear in a few hours. Because the primer and translucent powder lighten the color of your shadow slightly, choose a shadow shade that’s a little darker than what you would normally wear.
   
   To keep eyeliner from fading, brush on a light layer of translucent powder before lining your eyes with a creamy, waterproof liner. Follow up with an additional light layer of translucent powder. If your eyeliner disappears after several hours, consider switching over to a liquid liner. Liquid eyeliner also has more staying power than cream. Follow up with a waterproof mascara.

3. Lip color
   
   To make your lipstick last longer, choose a matte formulation. Matte lipsticks have more staying power than their glossier counterparts. Always start by exfoliating your lips to remove any dead skin cells that can cause lipstick to flake. Apply a thin coating of moisturizer to your lips before applying color. Line lips with a lip pencil and apply a light coating of lipstick. Blot the color lightly with a soft tissue and reapply a second layer of lip color. This will give additional staying power.

4. You’re ready to head out the door. Carry an oil-free pressed powder compact with you for quick touch-ups and to reduce shine throughout the day.