10 Tips to Make Your Makeup Last Like a Pro

1. It All Starts With Skincare

In the mood for a lazy skincare day? Don’t do it on an occasion that requires all-day makeup. Interestingly enough, Porter says, “The most important step in making your makeup last is a thorough skincare routine. Prepping the skin and making sure it’s hydrated is essential in creating a long-lasting look.” Gomila seconds that statement, adding, “Wash skin prior to application. Freshly washed skin clears any clogged pores or skincare. Pat skin dry and immediately apply a face oil. Allow the oil to dry and sink into the skin.” While Porter says face primer is optional, you’ll want to seep your skin in the essentials. We recommend TATCHA The Deep Cleanse Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser (to tackle dead skin and flaking), AHAVA Essential Day Moisturizer, CANNALOGICA Facial Hydration Oil, and VACATION® INC Classic Lotion SPF 30

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2. Pick the Right Foundation and Concealer

Luckily, in today’s era of makeup, longwear doesn’t necessarily mean heavy or cakey. There are so many options, but, “finding a long-wearing foundation and concealer in your desired coverage,” is key to ensuring your makeup lasts all day, says Porter. We stand by BEAUTYBLENDER® Bounce Liquid Whip Long Wear Foundation (we prefer the liquid foundation, but any formulation is fine), and YENSA BEAUTY SKIN ON SKIN BC Concealer, both thanks to their lightweight consistencies.

3. Add Another Layer of Concealer

While concealer may seem too heavy for some, its application is a crucial step to ensuring your makeup stays on all day. Gomila starts with concealer, adds a foundation, and then adds another layer of concealer to get that coverage on and strong.

4. Don’t Slack on the Translucent Setting Powder

Topping off face makeup with loose powder may sound like a no-brainer, but you’ll want to make sure you do it properly. “Grab a loose powder and a puff,” Porter advises. “Take the puff, sprinkle powder in, fold and rub. Then you’ll gently press and roll to set the skin, and dust off any excess with a large fluffy brush. This will ensure your makeup will not move.” Looking for a powder that meets our approval? We suggest LOTTIE LONDON Ready Set! Go Loose Setting Powder in True Translucent because it’s recommended for all skin tones and it helps soak up excess oil.

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5. Eye Primer Is a Must

While Porter considers face primer optional, eye primer for eye makeup is a different story. After all, creasing is not a vibe. “For eyeshadow, make sure to use an eye primer before applying color,” she says. “Make sure all eyeshadows are also very pigmented. This is important for color vibrancy.” A product we suggest is THE BEAUTY CROP Stuck On Your Eyeshadow Primer.

6. Set Your Eyeliner Properly

Did you know you can set your eyeliner? If not, it’s ok, we just learned too! “For eyeliner on the waterline, use a long-wear pencil and set with shadow in the same color,” Porter reveals. “This is my personal favorite trick to achieve bulletproof waterline eyeliner.” Swipe on some waterproof mascara, and your eye makeup is sure to be smudge-free.

7. Follow This Layering Blush Trick

Blush is all the rage right now, so layering formulas not only ups the pop factor on your cheeks, but it also maintains its wear. “Layering long-wearing cream products with corresponding colors of powders is a fantastic way to keep makeup looking fresh,” Porter says. “This is especially helpful for blush on many people.” We recommend TRESLÚCE BEAUTY Ready to Bounce Cream Blush underneath MILANI COSMETICS Rose Powder Blush (one of our drugstore favorites!). This tip also applies to bronzer.

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8. Go the Extra Mile With Your Lips

For lips, longwear shades are essential. “They come in many finishes and textures, but always accompany them with lip liner to prevent bleeding,” Porter says. “When using traditional lipstick, apply a layer, blot, then apply another layer.” We turn to LA BEAUTE FATALE COSMETICS Matte Liquid Lipstick and BEAUTY FOR REAL D-Fine Lip Liner for longwear application.

9. Complete the Look With Makeup Setting Spray

Makeup setting sprays are useful for many reasons. They often enhance glow and contain nutrients, but, most importantly, just a spritz or two locks in all that hard work you just put into your face. “Picking one with a very fine mist will help with even application,” Porter says. “Make sure to let it completely dry before touching your face.” We support TARTE™ Double Duty Beauty™ Shape Tape™ Stay Spray Setting Spray. If you’re a fan of URBAN DECAY All-Nighter setting spray, we think you’ll like this, too.

10. Make Your BEAUTYBLENDER® Your Day-Long Bestie

While we usually think of our trusty BEAUTYBLENDER® when it comes to the actual makeup application process, Gomila relies on it for around-the-clock maintenance. “My favorite tip is keeping a moist Beautyblender® with setting spray wrapped in a napkin in your handbag for touch-ups,” she says. Don’t have the iconic applicator in your arsenal? Look no further: BEAUTYBLENDER® ORIGINAL BEAUTYBLENDER Makeup Sponge.

Now that you know what you need to get that long-lasting look, sign up for our IPSY Glam Bag to snag some of our favorite products. Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started and ensure you get what suits you best. Already an Ipster? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and Twitter @IPSY.

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