5 Products You Need For Long-Lasting Makeup

Words: Foyin Ogunrombi | Photography: Supplied

Whether you’re trying to get your makeup to last a full workday or just for a night out popping into a gallery exhibition opening, followed by a dim-sum dinner with your inner circle, who wouldn’t want it to stay put in all the right places? Here are the five key products to include in your makeup routine for a long-lasting look.

To prevent your makeup from creasing or settling into fine facial lines, ensure that your skin is thoroughly hydrated. The best way to do this is by investing in a moisturiser that contains hyaluronic acid, which is a humectant. It’s able to preserve the moisture in your skin while also reducing the amount of moisture loss, keeping your skin plump and firm.

Not only does primer seal in the moisture of your skin — it also provides a smooth and even surface on which your makeup can be applied. Primer prevents your makeup from being absorbed directly into your skin, giving the former a better chance to last. For the best results, make sure you let your primer settle on your face for at least one minute before applying other products ontop of it.

Long-wearing foundation is called that for a reason — it’s made to last. These foundations are medium to high in coverage and can survive even the hottest and sweatiest of days. The formulation used to be thick and cakey, but newer formulations are able to give you a flawless application without feeling heavy. They also come in a variety of finishes. For a seamless look and feel, apply your foundation with a damp beauty sponge.

Setting your liquid products with powder is the best way to help your makeup stay put. This is achieved by applying powder over the areas where oil is most likely to be produced (namely, the T-zone and undereye areas). An alternative technique is called baking, which is when translucent powder is layered over the highlighted areas of your face for up to 15 minutes, allowing it to “bake” and absorb any excess oil produced. When dusted away, hello airbrushed finish! Baking is useful for those with incredibly oily skin or in need of a super-matte face, but it isn’t recommended for daily wear or for those with dry skin.

A setting spray is perfect for allowing all of your powder products to blend into your liquid products. It’s important to note that while a setting spray can increase the lifespan of your applied makeup, it’s best used with a fixing spray. Fixing sprays are alcohol-based and that is the key to their staying power. When finishing off your makeup, apply a setting spray before a fixing spray to ensure maximum wear.

Final tips:

1. If your face becomes oily throughout the day or night, don’t apply more makeup. Rather, blot your face. Reapplying powder can make your makeup appear cakier, dry out your skin and potentially clog your pores, leading to breakouts.

2. Minimise touching your face — a subconscious gesture that transfers the makeup on your face onto your fingers and hands. Less facial touching also prevents bacteria from getting onto, and then into, your skin.