Most women say their biggest makeup problem is that it doesn't last. Despite all the primers, powders, and a slew of “long-wear” formulas, it seems like there's no way to look as great at night as you do in the morning. But don't jump to conclusions. We've got the secrets to making your makeup last all day. They're shared by makeup experts.
ContentWhy is my makeup smudging? How to make your makeup last all day How to make your makeup last all day: is there any point in primers? Is long-wear makeup really worth it?
WomanEL understands that this issue becomes relevant during the holidays and corporate season. That's why we're here to explain what's happening to your beauty products and how to solve the problem.
Why is my makeup coming off?
“Oily skin is one of the main factors in makeup slipping, as it makes it harder for foundation to stick,” explains dermatologist Emma Wedgeworth. “We shed millions of skin cells every day without even realizing it. And because makeup is on the surface, it also falls off. However, oily skin often has an imbalance in cell turnover, causing more skin cells to be produced than normal, which means more of them are shed.” Which means your carefully applied makeup will come off with it.
The idea that your face is shedding skin and taking makeup with it isn’t the answer we were expecting. But it’s not much better than the idea that makeup is seeping into your insides. But it does happen. Pores aren’t muscles. And they can’t actively “suck up” ingredients. But that doesn’t mean some of the formula won’t get absorbed—it all depends on the size of the molecules and whether they’re small enough to get through the skin barrier,” says Wedgeworth.
Before you start panicking about foundation globules clogging your veins, Wedgeworth says that if they do get into your bloodstream, the amount will be minuscule. And there’s no evidence that makeup is harmful. The concept of makeup evaporating isn’t far-fetched, either.
“Sweating throughout the day allows your skin’s natural oils to come out through your pores and onto the surface. The sweat then evaporates, taking makeup particles with it,” explains makeup artist Lan Nguyen-Grealis. Touching your face and using your phone is another factor that can cause makeup to fade faster, as it is rubbed off by fingertips, screen glare, and humidity.
How to make your makeup last all day
Even if you do not have oily skin, you cannot avoid the “curse” of cosmetics. Dehydrated or dry skin looking for moisture can become patchy and uneven over time because the skin recognizes your foundation as a moisturizer and forces it to move to the drier areas of the face. This is where preparation becomes paramount.
Get your skin 'behaving right' before you even reach for your foundation. “The balance of water and oil in the skin increases the effectiveness of makeup by preventing oxidation, and makes products more long-lasting and attractive,” explains Jill Tomandle, a developer of cosmetic products.
Experts recommend using cleansers, serums, and moisturizers that suit your skin type. Owners of oily skin should use a tonic to minimize excess oil and prevent sebum from seeping through the pores during the day.
It is also worth remembering that on the eve of menstruation, the skin often becomes more oily due to fluctuations in the hormonal background. So if you've noticed that one week your makeup looks perfect and the next it doesn't (despite using the same products), we may have cracked your code.
Leave enough time between each step – ideally about 10 minutes between applying skincare and makeup. This will give the products enough time to absorb properly and prevent residue on the skin from interfering with the longevity of your foundation.
This is also essential if you’re using a high-active skincare brand. “They use ingredients that soften the skin and make it more permeable,” says facialist Kate Kerr. “They also often use delivery systems that direct the active ingredients into the deeper layers of the skin. And it’s important that the ingredients in your makeup don’t get into those layers – a 10-minute window will help to avoid that.”
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How to make your makeup last all day: is there any point in primers?
In addition to skin care products, skin, a smart investment would be to use primers, setting sprays, and mattifying wipes.
“Primer is essential because it locks moisture into the skin and helps prevent makeup from fading when pores start to sweat. Setting sprays act as a sealant and lock powder in place,” says Nguyen-Grealis.
But the thing is, there are so many primers out there these days, it can be a bit of a minefield to figure out which one is right for you. Makeup artist Amy Conway breaks them down into two main categories. “Primers come in water-based and silicone-based. Both contain polymers that smooth and adhere makeup to the skin. I love water-based primers, which hydrate the skin and contain glycerin, which gives it a natural look. The advantage of silicone-based primers is that they’re smoother. But the downside is that their thicker formula makes makeup look heavier.”
When you notice your makeup slipping (read: a dull face and spots that start to scream and turn red), mattifying wipes are your lifeline, and they’re so much better than reapplying. By applying more foundation and blush, you not only breed bacteria, but also cause your skin to produce more oil and start a vicious cycle of makeup fading.
Is long-wear makeup really worth it?
With the right skincare and makeup prep, is long-wear makeup really worth it? According to The NPD Group, sales of long-wear foundations and bronzers are declining. While there’s no definitive reason for this, there’s a perception that long-wear makeup means heavy and sticky, which doesn’t match the demand for a lightweight, radiant aesthetic.
Even sustainable pioneers like Estée Lauder acknowledge that not all consumers want or even need long-wear foundation. “It’s important to understand your skin type so you can choose the right one. “If you’re going for oil-rich formulas, you have to accept that, naturally, they’re not going to be as long-lasting,” explains Marianne Russo, Estée Lauder’s executive director of product development.
Not every product has to be forever. “For a long-lasting effect, cream blushes are best, as they blend with foundation and give a glow that lasts all day. If the foundation is well-prepared and fixed, you can use any products on top of it and they will last a long time,” says Conway.
Want to make your skin less oily overall? Here we share the best life hacks for you.