You start the day with an early morning meeting that takes you to all the way to lunch. You run downstairs, grab a quick salad, make a detour to the ladies room—and catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror.
Yikes. That perfect face of makeup you applied at 6 AM? Gone without a trace.
Of course, who has time to reapply makeup during the day? Not me—and I’m guessing you don’t either. Plus, do you really want to carry around a huge bag of makeup at work?
But don’t worry—your busy lifestyle doesn’t mean you’re bound to be bare-faced for the rest of your career. Just a few easy swaps and additions to your product collection can keep your makeup looking fresh (and staying put) all day.
Start with a Primer
The first, and most important, step is applying a foundation primer, which prepares and evens out your skin before you apply makeup. Basically, it creates a base layer that will help your foundation go on smoothly—and stay put once it’s there.
Try: Laura Mercier’s Foundation Primer, available in original and oil-free formulas, or e.l.f.’s Studio Mineral Face Primer.
Select the Right Foundation
Another key to long-lasting makeup is to select the right type of foundation for your skin type. For example, if you have oily skin and you use a hydrating foundation, it can add even more shine to your face—probably not the looking you’re going for. And if your skin is dry, steer clear of matte foundations, which can dry your skin out even more.
Try: There’s no one-brand-fits-all approach when it comes to foundation, so plunk down at Sephora and try a bunch of products until you find one that works for you.
Set With a Powder
For those with combination or oily skin, powder is a lifesaver when it comes to the longevity of your makeup. (On the other hand, if your skin is really dry, you might be able to skip this step.) Use a puff or a flat powder brush to gently press the powder into your skin—heavy-handed sweeping motions will smear and wipe off the foundation you’ve just applied.
Try: Laura Mercier’s Translucent Loose Setting Powder or Coty AirSpun Face Powder in Translucent
Layer Your Blush
No, I don’t mean pile it on for the cakey old-lady look. For all-day staying power, try using a cream blush, then layering it with a powder in a matching color. If you don’t want to fuss with multiple products, go straight for a cheek stain, which give you a natural pop of color.
Try: Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks or NYC Blushable Crème Stick
Prime Your Eyes
Trust me when I say that an eye primer will be your new best friend—once you try it, you’ll never go without it again. Like foundation primer, it acts as a base for your shadow, preventing those oily creases and helping your look last all day.
Try: MAC Paint Pot in a nude color like Painterly or Soft Ochre, which will look great with any eye look you create
Use a Stay-Put Liner
If you really want long-lasting eye makeup, forget your pencil liner and go for a gel variety. It takes some practice to apply it, but gel eyeliners go on smoothly, dry quickly, and stay in place—no more smudging!
Try: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner or it’s drug-store alternative Maybelline EyeStudio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner
Make Your Lips Last
Using a lip liner is a great way to create a base for your lip color to stay in place for most of the day. First, outline your lips and fill them in with the liner, then apply one coat of lipstick or lip gloss. Then, blot with a tissue, and apply a second coat. And if you want that color to stay on straight through lunch? Try a lip stain.
Try: Josie Maran Magic Marker Lip and Cheek Stain
Experiment with these simple tips, and you’ll find make-up that’ll stay with you through the toughest day—no matter how long it lasts.
What are your favorite products to make your look last all day?
