This is actually a very controversial topic, because there are so many techniques and products out there that are supposed to help your makeup last the longest time possible. The reality, however, is that makeup is not permanent, it will move around and even disappear after a few hours of wearing it. There are definitely ways to make it last longer than 5 hours, but you have to have in mind that you will have to do some work before, during and after applying the makeup. There's not such a thing as a makeup that last and doesn't move or a makeup that doesn't need retouching.
I'm going to share with you in this article what I, as a professional MUA do, to make sure makeup last the longest amount of time possible:
Prepare the skin before makeup: This step is crucial, if not the most important, for a great makeup day.
First, I always ask my client if they have any product on. The reason why I do this is because sometimes clients come with their everyday skin care routine done; and since I have no knowledge of what, or how their routine is, this might affect the final result of my makeup.
The products I avoid using when I want a great, and long lasting makeup day is any type of face cream that has oils in them. The reason why is even if you have dry skin, oils don't absorb to the skin leaving it fresh or plump; oils generally create a shield and makes the skin very slippery, so foundation or other products don't really grab to the face. Instead, I like to use Water based/Gel facial creams, and a good sticky primer (like Milk's Hidro Grip Primer). Water based/Gel facial creams will give the plump and fresh look to every skin type, and the sticky primer will help the foundation really stay on.
Make sure to set very nicely all your cream/liquid products: After I'm done applying all my creams and/or liquid products, I make sure I do set the makeup in place and as quick as possible to avoid it to set in fine lines. I don't bake and I really don't like this technique at all, I feel that when you bake, you actually are creating a mask and clogging your pores with all that powder.
I just take my powder and with a brush or puff, I apply it to the face gently and making sure I'm hitting all the spots!
Use eyeshadow primer: I wasn't a fan of eyeshadow primers as I thought this product was kind of gimmicky, but one day on a job that I had, I decided to give it a try. I wanted the eyeshadow look not to move because it was outside in FL, with a 90 degree weather. After that day, I really started to like this product and believe in it. I recommend to first apply the primer without setting it. Apply all the mattes first being gentle when blending, and make sure you don't go heavy at first, or it can get patchy. When applying shimmers or glitter, make sure you wet your brush and dab the product, do not blend it because this can be messy as the brush is wet and wet eyeshadow is difficult to blend.
Use a good setting spray: Setting sprays help in giving a final blend to the skin so the makeup looks more natural. You are probably using more powder or product as this is a long lasting makeup look.
The best one out there is Urban Decay's All Nighter. The reason why I like this one a lot is because I feel like it does the job, and also helps re-moisturize the skin.
Have a good Blotting paper or powder: For after hours retouching, I recommend to use a good blotting paper. Any brand is fine, they're all the same really, just make sure you have a package in your purse. I also recommend the blotting powder as this don't apply extra product, but helps refresh the makeup after it's looking shinny. Fenty Beauty's Invisimatte Blotting Powder is actually really good and does the job!
I hope all this information was helpful, these tips will definitely make a difference for sure on the way your makeup will look after hours, believe me, it has taken me a lot of trial and error. These have been the steps that I apply with clients and myself when doing makeup. They have worked time after time.
Till Next time!
XO,
Lennie.