One of the most frequently asked questions I get is how to keep makeup from coming off throughout the day. Whether you’re heading to work, a night out, or a special event, there’s nothing worse than watching your foundation fade or your mascara smudge. Fortunately, there are a few secrets to locking in your makeup and ensuring it stays fresh and flawless for hours.
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I’ll share some of my favorite makeup products that are designed to keep your makeup in place, no matter what your day throws at you. These products are perfect for different skin types, are available for purchase in the UK, and I’ll also share how to use them to get the best results. Let’s dive in!
1. Start with a Good Primer
Product Recommendation: Smashbox Photo Finish Primer
Skin Types: Oily, Combination, Normal
A good primer is a crucial first step in ensuring that your makeup stays put. The Smashbox Photo Finish Primer is one of my top picks for its ability to create a smooth canvas for foundation. It blurs imperfections and helps your makeup adhere better to the skin. This primer is especially great for oily and combination skin types, as it controls oil and minimizes shine.
How to Use:
- Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, moisturized skin.
- Focus on areas where you tend to get oily, such as your T-zone.
- Let the primer settle for a minute before applying foundation.
Where to Buy:
You can purchase this primer from Boots UK, Feelunique, or John Lewis.
2. Choose the Right Long-Wear Foundation
Product Recommendation: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
Skin Types: Oily, Combination, Normal
When it comes to long-lasting foundations, the Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation is a cult favorite. It provides full coverage, dries down matte, and lasts for up to 24 hours. Whether you have oily skin or normal skin, this foundation won’t budge, even in humid or hot conditions. It’s the perfect base for any look, and it’s one of the most durable foundations I’ve ever tried.
How to Use:
- Shake the bottle well before using.
- Apply a thin layer using a foundation brush, sponge, or fingers.
- Build up coverage in areas that need more attention, but a little goes a long way.
Where to Buy:
Available on Boots, Lookfantastic, and House of Fraser in the UK.
3. Set Your Makeup with a Translucent Powder
Product Recommendation: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
Skin Types: All Skin Types (especially oily skin)
A good setting powder is essential to lock your makeup in place. The Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder is a tried-and-tested product loved by makeup artists and beauty influencers. It sets your foundation, minimizes shine, and prevents makeup from transferring throughout the day. The lightweight formula ensures your face stays matte without looking cakey.
How to Use:
- Use a fluffy brush or a damp beauty sponge to lightly set your makeup.
- Focus on areas where you tend to get oily (forehead, nose, chin) or where you need extra staying power (under the eyes, around the nose).
- Lightly dust all over the face for a flawless, airbrushed finish.
Where to Buy:
Available at Cult Beauty, John Lewis, and Selfridges UK.
4. Lock It In with a Makeup Setting Spray
Product Recommendation: Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
Skin Types: All Skin Types
Once you’ve applied your makeup, the final step to keeping it in place is a reliable setting spray. Urban Decay’s All Nighter Setting Spray is a holy grail product that ensures your makeup stays fresh from morning until night. It holds everything in place, even through humidity, sweat, and long hours of wear. This formula is lightweight and doesn’t leave a sticky residue, making it perfect for all skin types.
How to Use:
- Hold the bottle about 8 inches from your face.
- Close your eyes and mist over your face in an “X” and “T” formation to evenly distribute the product.
- Let it dry naturally; this step helps set your makeup and ensure longevity.
Where to Buy:
Available at Boots, Lookfantastic, and Feelunique in the UK.
5. Waterproof Eye Makeup to Prevent Smudging
Product Recommendation: Benefit They’re Real! Lengthening Mascara
Skin Types: All Skin Types
A great waterproof mascara is an absolute must for keeping your eyes looking fresh all day long. The Benefit They’re Real! Lengthening Mascara is a go-to product for long-lasting volume and definition without the risk of smudging or flaking. Whether you’re headed to the gym or have a long day ahead, this mascara will hold up through any challenge.
How to Use:
- Apply 1-2 coats to your top and bottom lashes.
- Wiggle the wand at the base of the lashes for volume, and then pull upward for length.
- For extra definition, apply a third coat to the tips of your lashes.
Where to Buy:
Available at Boots, Feelunique, and ASOS in the UK.
6. Choose a Long-Lasting Lipstick Formula
Product Recommendation: MAC Retro Matte Lipstick
Skin Types: All Skin Types
When it comes to long-wear lip products, MAC Retro Matte Lipstick is one of the best options. The formula is highly pigmented and doesn’t budge, even through meals or drinks. It provides a bold, matte finish that will stay in place for hours without the need for touch-ups. Available in a variety of shades, it’s the perfect lipstick for those who want their pout to last all day.
How to Use:
- Apply directly from the bullet or use a lip brush for more precision.
- If you prefer a more defined look, use a lip liner before applying the lipstick.
- Avoid pressing your lips together too often, as this may cause slight fading in the center of the lips.
Where to Buy:
Available at MAC UK, Selfridges, and Boots.
7. Blotting Papers for Touch-ups
Product Recommendation: Shiseido Oil-Control Blotting Paper
Skin Types: Oily, Combination
If you’re prone to oil or shine throughout the day, keep a pack of Shiseido Oil-Control Blotting Papers in your bag. These ultra-soft sheets absorb excess oil and leave your skin looking fresh without disturbing your makeup. They’re a game-changer for those who need quick touch-ups throughout the day.
How to Use:
- Gently press the blotting paper against oily areas (such as your forehead or chin).
- Hold the paper against the skin for a few seconds and then remove.
- This will remove excess oil and refresh your makeup without causing it to shift.
Where to Buy:
Available at John Lewis, Boots, and Selfridges in the UK.
Tips for Making Your Makeup Last Even Longer:
- Use a Mattifying Primer: If you have oily skin, opt for a mattifying primer that controls oil production and reduces shine throughout the day.
- Avoid Touching Your Face: It’s tempting to touch your face throughout the day, but try to resist! Touching your face can transfer oils and dirt, which can cause makeup to break down.
- Choose Oil-Free Formulas: When selecting products, especially foundation and concealer, opt for oil-free formulas if you want your makeup to last longer.
- Layer Lightly: Rather than layering multiple thick coats of makeup, apply thin layers that you can build up for better longevity.
Where to Buy Makeup in the UK:
- Boots UK: One of the most well-known beauty retailers in the UK, offering a variety of makeup brands and products.
- Lookfantastic: Known for its wide selection of beauty products, Lookfantastic often offers great deals and discounts on makeup.
- Feelunique: A popular online beauty retailer in the UK, Feelunique offers a large range of makeup products from both high-end and drugstore brands.
- Cult Beauty: An online retailer with a curated selection of high-end and cult-favorite beauty products.
Long-lasting makeup isn’t just about the right products; it’s also about how you apply them and how you prep your skin. By using high-quality primers, foundations, setting powders, and sprays, you can ensure that your makeup stays flawless all day long. Whether you’re looking for something to tackle oily skin or need a bulletproof makeup look for a special occasion, these products will help you lock in your look.
Check out the products I’ve recommended and visit the mentioned stores for the best deals in the UK. Happy makeup-ing!
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