Back

How to preserve your makeup masterpiece all day (and night) long

5 tips that'll help your face last

By Isabelle Dolphin

Beauty Crew / March 23 2022

5 tips that'll help your face last

By Isabelle Dolphin

Beauty Crew / March 23 2022

Whether you’re going on a hot date, lunching until late, or getting ready to dance the night away, knowing how to make your makeup last longer is invaluable knowledge for all weekend plans.

After all, there’s nothing more infuriating than getting up early or skipping lunch to create your makeup masterpiece, only to catch a glimpse of it sliding halfway down your face a few hours later.

Constantly experiencing such melting moments? Never fear, we’re here to help.

Here are five tried and trusted tips that will protect your modern Mona Lisa and guarantee the dreaded ‘panda eyes’ remain exclusive to our furry little friends.

1

Prep is important

An artist always preps their canvas. So if you’re about to grace your face with a ton of makeup, show it some TLC first and get started with your holy grail skin care routine. And if it’s a daytime event, it goes without saying to include your most reliable SPF bodyguard too.

Dry skin? Start off with a one-way ticket to hydration station. The cult favourite Weleda Skin Food ($26.99 at Priceline) is the perfect moisturiser partner for those who struggle with parched skin and is certified stunning under any look.

On the other hand, if you’re cooking with less oil than your skin produces in one day, steer clear of anything too heavy. Try a mattifying primer with oil-fighting ingredients to seal those pores and reduce shine. The Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer ($84 at MECCA) is a fabulous option and contains bonus SPF — yes please!

2

Set and forget

Most of us tend to save setting for the final flourish in our makeup routine. But allow us to let you in on a little secret…Adding it as an extra step between steps (set, foundation, set, concealer, set) will have your makeup lasting longer than your last Hinge convo. Even bronzers, blushes and brows should be fixed into place, ensuring you’re locked and loaded for whatever life throws at you. Just think: light layers. PSA: the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray ($49 At MECCA) will never lead you astray.

3

Choose your weapon w-eyes-ly

Every great dish starts with the best ingredients, and the same goes for pulling off an eye look worthy of a Michelin star. A good quality eyeshadow goes a long way if you’re after colour that lasts. Try a high pigmented eyeshadow like the Urban Decay Naked Heat Eyeshadow Palette ($85 at MECCA), which features some of the most versatile nudes and spicy accents.

Now that your eye base is sorted, it’s time for icing. A long-lasting liner that stays crisp no matter how sweaty or oily your eyelid gets is essential for delivering a durable, polished look. The Revlon Colorstay Line Creator Double Ended Line Blackout ($13.97 at Chemist Warehouse ) is smudge and budge-proof. We’re talking ride or die territory.

Lastly, it’s time to talk about mascaras. After one that doesn’t crumble, isn’t clunky, lengthens and holds its own against sweat? You must be in the market for the LANCOME Hypnose Mascara ($59 at Myer), this tried and tested favourite has been our long-lasting go-to for years.

4

Dust off your apron, it’s time to bake

With all your best ingredients now combined, it’s time to get baking. Don’t worry, this cult hack has had a refresh since Kim Kardashian circa 2016.

You can now set and hold your makeup in place without sacrificing on glow thanks to lightweight powders like the Kosas Cloud Set Baked Setting and Smoothing Powder ($51 at MECCA). Dust a little under the eyes and over the T-zone to start, and if you know you need a little more support (snaps for self-awareness) then this is definitely one you can brush this all over for a smooth finished look.

5

Never arrive empty-handed

Our final ‘flawless all day’ makeup tip? Make sure you’ve got your arsenal stocked before you strut out the door. Pack light and pack right. Versatility is key so opt for double-duty products where possible, like the Trinny London Lip2cheek ($45 At Trinny London); a blush that also doubles as lipstick. If oil is a concern, take a travel-sized setting powder or throw some blotting papers like the Rare Beauty Blot and Glow Papers ($9 at Sephora) in your bag for all your necessary touch-ups.