10 Tips To Make Your Makeup Last Longer

One of the things that annoyed me most in my teenage years was my makeup coming off throughout the day. I actually hated it so much that when I was at college and working in retail in the evenings, I would actually take it all off when I finished college and reapply everything, which looking back seems bonkers just for work! But I was just so paranoid that it looked terrible.

But over the years I've picked up a few tips and tricks, so I thought I'd share them with you!

1. Moisturise. Moisturising is a primer in itself. However don't go straight in with your makeup! Wait a few minutes, go brush your teeth, or do your hair, I used to like to eat my breakfast. If you apply foundation straight away, it will basically slide off!

2. Primers. I don't really use a primer (but only because I haven't found one I like yet!) but I do use Urban Decay's setting spray (review here) which you can spray on before and after your makeup to help it last longer. This works for me.

3. Foundation. Use a good foundation, and if you have oily skin or really want your makeup to last all day, I'd go for a matte formula rather than dewy. Dewy formulas just seem to slide off my skin (although I do have oily skin) but my favourite Revlon Colorstay foundation which has a matte finish does not budge unless I wash my face properly.

4. Powder. If you want your foundation to stay put, powder is the way forward. I know some people hate powder as it does leave a matte finish, but you could try a translucent one and just pat on a tiny bit to set your foundation and it shouldn't really affect your dewy glow.

5. Lipliner. It stops your lipstick from bleeding and helps the colour last.

6. Lip salve. The thing I can't live without! Applying a thin layer before lipstick (especially if your lips are dry or your using a matte lipstick) will prevent the lipstick drying them out.

7. Eyeshadow. Quality eyeshadows like MAC and Urban Decay really do last all day. I have used Urban Decay eyeshadows for years now and never have I experience any creasing or colour fading throughout the day. They stay put! And an eye primer helps them stay put even better.

8. Liquid Eyeliner. When lining your upper lash line, unless you are going for a smudged look on purpose, I would use a liquid eyeliner, as they stay put much longer than a pencil or gel and don't smudge or end up under your eyes! My current favourite is the Loreal Super Liner in waterproof which does not budge!. I think everywhere must have sold out, but you can buy the regular one here.

9. Eyelash glue. If you like wearing false eyelashes, I would say the quality of the glue is more important than the quality of the eyelashes when it comes to staying power. Scrap the little one that comes with the set of eyelashes like you would an eyeshadow palette brush. I use DUO Eyelash Adhesive (review here) which is amazing and I've literally had it three years, one tube goes really far!

10. Touching. Don't touch or rub your face! That's how your makeup will come off. Don't pick at your eyelashes or rub your eyelashes either. Just refrain from going near the face area, you'll look so ladylike too! ;)

Calling for desperate measures?! Hairspray your face. I'm not saying this is good for your skin or will not make you break out (but it hasn't me yet) and I don't do this on a daily basis.. . But if I'm going out clubbing and know that I'll be getting sweaty, there is nothing else that will keep my makeup from budging but this trick! This worked quite a trick when I went to Ibiza. Humidity and makeup aren't a good mix! 

The only makeup products I tend to carry around with me are my lip salve, powder and lipstick. I just tend to blot any oil away throughout the day with my powder, and just top up my lip salve/stick. So if you've applied your makeup right, you shouldn't need to keep topping it up!

Do you have any makeup lasting tips that I missed out?

P.S. My eye makeup in these photos was done with the new(ish) Urban Decay Vice 3 Palette, which I may have filmed a tutorial for! I just need to edit it...