How to make makeup last

Tips to take your makeup from day to evening with ease. By Eve Cameron

It usually coincides with the afternoon slump – you know, that sleepy feeling you get after lunch when you wish you could have a little nap, but when you reach for a caffeine kick-start instead and decide to refresh your makeup. Only when you look in the mirror, you have to do a double take, because you are certain you did put on some makeup this morning, but somehow, it's vanished, or at the very least slipped or faded.

Makeup migrates mostly because of heat and oil, so it's not a case of trowelling it on in an attempt to make it last longer. It is, however, about technique and choosing your products carefully. Here's how to make your look stand the test of time.

Prepare your skin

No makeup will ever look nice or last on skin that isn't exfoliated. To sweep away dead dulling surface skin cells, you can use a manual exfoliator, usually in scrub or paste form, which is designed to be used once or twice a week. The Sanctuary Warming Microdermabrasion Polish, £9.95 (at Boots nationwide), is a good one to try. Then there are also chemical exfoliators, such as glycolic, salicylic and lactic acid, which, depending on their formulation, may be for daily or weekly use. Another option is Origins Modern Fusion, £27.50, a serum which contains fermented rice bran extract to stimulate natural exfoliation from within. It should be used daily after cleansing and before moisturiser.

Makeup migrates mostly because of heat and oil, so it's not a case of trowelling it on in an attempt to make it last longer If you have combination skin, or tend to shine easily, use a shine-control product, such as Clarins Ultra Matte Rebalancing Lotion, £21, in the T-zone. It will keep your skin oil-free for longer, keeping makeup smooth and reducing slippage.

On skin that's drier or showing signs of ageing, try a primer such as Prescriptives Super Line Preventor +, £35, which binds moisture to the skin, allowing foundation to go on more smoothly and last longer. It also protects the skin from internal and environmental stresses with antioxidants, and boosts the skin's collagen production.

Complexion perfection

Less is more as far as foundation goes. A light liquid layer, applied just where you need it to even out your skintone, should last, especially if you've primed the skin, without making your skin look dry, oily or cakey. Apply your concealer after foundation, so you can see the areas that still need some help. The thicker and drier the texture of your concealer, the longer it will stay put on your skin.

Powder blends with foundation and concealer to give a velvety, long-lasting finish and to take away shine. To do its job properly, it's best applied with a puff and rolled on to the skin, though do pat away excess first. Go for a translucent shade or something with a bit of yellow to add warmth and a glow, rather than a fake pink tone or ghostly white.

Read Eve's top tips on choosing and using foundation  

A healthy glow

Whether you prefer powder or cream blusher (though powder does have the edge in the longevity stakes), if you prime your cheeks first, either with concealer or foundation, you will get a longer-wearing finish. For extra staying power, a dusting of loose translucent powder over the cheek apples, the spot where you should be applying your blusher, does the trick. Rimmel's Soft Cream Blush and Blush, both £3.49 and Barbara Daly Make-up for Tesco Powder Blush and Powder Cream Blush, both £3.50, have easy-to-blend textures and a good colour range.

Get your eyes right

Eyeshadow needs to grab a dry surface, so beware of eye cream on the upper lid. To prevent creases, pat a little concealer or foundation on the lids and lightly dust with your face powder. Alternatively, use a product specially designed to help eye makeup endure, such as Clarins Instant Light Eye Perfecting Base, £18.50.

Smudging a powder eyeshadow over pencil gives it staying power.

If you find your mascara smudges and flakes easily, switch to a waterproof or water-resistant formula.

 Lipstick that lasts

The trick to getting any lip colour to stay put is to prep the lips with a liner – and not just around the outer edge of the mouth, but by colouring it in all over. If your lipstick is a fairly natural shade or a sheer texture, go for a nude lip liner that's close to the natural colour of your lips. Go for a colour that blends with your lipstick only if you are using a darker shade, such as a red or berry.

For more advice on lips, see Eve's expert guide to buying lipstick 

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