How to Make Your Makeup Last All Day

Foundation

“Oil-free formulas stay put best, since they don’t contain the emollient ingredients that can make makeup  slide off your face. But if your skin is on the dry side, you’ll need to use a hydrating formula. To keep it in place, first let your moisturizer sink in completely (for five minutes or more) before spreading on the foundation. Then lock it in with translucent powder, which will help soak up oils that can accelerate.

Eye Shadow

There are a couple of ways to go here. For an enduring daytime look, Dean recommends first applying an eye-shadow base, such as Stila Prime Pot Waterproof Eye Shadow Primer  or any concealer that doesn’t feel too oily, then topping it with powder shadow. Priming your lids will help the powder adhere.

(This trick won’t work if you use cream shadow, which has more slip to it.) For deeper, evening-appropriate color that lasts, just layer on matching cream and powder shadows, putting the cream on first. Another pro tip, courtesy of Dean: If you prefer to skip layering, any powder shadow can be set sufficiently when applied with a damp makeup brush. Two you might like: Clinique Lid Smoothie Antioxidant 8-Hour Eye Colour  and Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color in Purple Dawn.

Eyeliner

The formula is key—liquid and gel liners last longer than pencil. But if you can’t part with your beloved pencil, trace over it with a matching eye shadow (use a slant-tip brush or the pointy tip of a foam applicator). The powder helps to set the pencil.

Blush

Again, it’s all about the formula, says Sarah Lucero, a celebrity makeup artist in Los Angeles. Pick a gel, liquid, or cream cheek stain; they’re all highly pigmented, which is why they last longer, but they go on sheer, so you can add color gradually until you get the intensity you’re after. If you prefer powder blush, try a slightly brighter shade than what you think you should use; it will fade throughout the day into something more subtle but still noticeable. Easy application trick: Sweep powder on in an X over the apple of each cheek. This will punch up your pigment load (allowing a little extra for fading) and guarantee that the strongest concentration of color is in the perfect place.

Mascara

No surprises here. If you want to avoid runoff, go for a waterproof formula, says Grajales: “Any kind of moisture, whether it’s humidity, tears, or sweat, makes non-waterproof mascara come off.” Barely touch the wand to your lashes and apply in quick layers before the formula starts to dry. (Applying after the mascara dries can cause clumping and flaking.) 

Lipstick

Start by outlining and filling in your mouth with a pencil in a tone similar to your lipstick. The pencil helps anchor the color on top. Then apply the lipstick with a brush, which presses the pigment deeper into your lips than the tube or a finger does. A brush will also allow you to apply several thin layers (another key to long wear) without a gloppy result.