Why your make-up doesn’t last (and how to fix it)

You’ve spent time perfecting your makeup in the morning, but by lunchtime it’s sliding off, fading or creasing… does this sound familiar? You’re not the only one! Today we’re going to talk about a few simple fixes to help make your makeup last all day.

Prep your skin properly

Makeup clings better to smooth and hydrated skin. Without proper prep work, makeup breaks down faster.

“Healthy, well-prepped skin is the ultimate secret to makeup that lasts all day. Using an LED mask like SENSSE’s Elite LED Face Mask boosts circulation, smooths fine lines, and evens skin tone, creating the perfect canvas for foundation and other makeup. Well-hydrated, radiant skin helps makeup adhere better, reduces creasing, and keeps your look fresh for longer.” – SENSSE Beauty Expert Team

 “A healthy complexion is key to helping makeup last beautifully all day, because it creates a hydrated, soft and smooth base. I recommend medical grade skincare products tailored for your skin and using them consistently for a healthy complexion. Choose products that are gentle to avoid stripping or irritating the skin, as well as those that really hydrate and moisturise to replenish the skin barrier for a smoother and softer complexion,” Says Dr Christine Or, an award-winning aesthetic doctor and an expert in skin.

How to fix it:

• Make sure to cleanse and moisturise for your skin type before applying makeup.
• Regularly (but not excessively) exfoliate to smooth away dead skin cells which makeup might cling to.

Don’t use the wrong primer (or none at all)

Foundation needs a base to grip to. Without it, makeup can separate or slide around and no-one wants that!

How to fix it:

• Use a primer that works for your skin type.
• Oily skin: use a mattifying or oil-control primer
• Dry skin: use a hydrating primer.
• Uneven texture: smoothing/blurring primer

There’s also a lot of ‘grippy’ primers on the market which can help give your foundation something to hold onto.

You can also use an eye primer too to make sure your eyeshadow stays firmly in place. Eye primers can also help to intensify eyeshadows and help them to go on more smoothly.

The right foundation for your skin type matters

If you’re using a foundation formula that doesn’t work with your skin type – it might look nice initially but as the day wears on, so will your foundation.

• If you have oily skin – look for an oil-free, matte or long wear foundation
• If you have dry skin – look for hydrating, dewy formulas
• If you have combination skin – you could try mixing formulas or use different products on different parts of your face.

Why less is more with product application

You might be getting a little heavy handed with all of your layers of foundation, concealer, or powder in hopes that’ll mean it’ll go the distance. But often, less is more. Too much of these products can lead to caking, cracking and sliding.

How to fix it

• Apply thin, buildable areas of product.
• Focus the products only where product is needed – don’t overdo it.
• Blend well with a brush or sponge.

Why less is more with product application

You might be getting a little heavy handed with all of your layers of foundation, concealer, or powder in hopes that’ll mean it’ll go the distance. But often, less is more. Too much of these products can lead to caking, cracking and sliding.

How to fix it

• Apply thin, buildable areas of product.
• Focus the products only where product is needed – don’t overdo it.
• Blend well with a brush or sponge.

Setting your makeup is essential

If you don’t lock your products in, makeup can wear away quickly.

How to fix it:

• Set your foundation and concealer with a light dusting of powder, particularly round the t-zone area
• Try a setting spray for even longer lasting longevity.
• If you really want everything to be locked into place and you’re in a full coverage mood, try baking. This is where you apply powder under the eyes and any other spots you want to set, allow it to sit on the skin for a few minutes before dusting off the excess.

Environmental factors can ruin your look

You might have followed all those previous steps, but heat, humidity and touching your face can also impact how long your makeup lasts.

How to fix it:

• Blot excess oil with blotting sheets and hold off on excess powder unless really needed
• Look for transfer resistant products if you know if you have a long day
• You can even carry a travel size setting spray for touch ups

The tools you use make a big difference

The tools you use matter when it comes to your makeup! Using the wrong brushes or using your fingers can lead to streaks and uneven coverage, which will only look worse over time.

How to fix it:

• Use a damp makeup sponge for a flawless blend.
• Don’t forget to clean your brushes and sponges regularly as build up can affect application
• Try using the technique of pressing in products instead of swiping for more even coverage

The key to long lasting makeup isn’t just about piling on the layers, it’s about prep, mindful application and the proper techniques… with just a few tweaks you’ll be noticing your makeup lasting beautifully all day long!