Guest post by Lisa Garcia
No matter what type of makeup you’re into—whether it’s a natural, “no-makeup makeup look” or a full face after 10 plus steps—you have to admit, there’s nothing like the feeling of finishing a flawless look right before you leave every morning. Makeup is something we put a lot of effort into. Beyond being a form of self-expression, it also means celebrating ourselves each day. Choosing to put in those extra 15 minutes to get your contour just right or find the perfect shade of lipstick is a way to put your best foot forward and brave the day ahead. If only makeup lasted throughout the day. In reality, keeping your makeup “on fleek” requires more work than a perfect application at the beginning of the day. More often than not, with commuting, traffic, and the weather to brace, we would find ourselves needing a touchup or two before we even get through the morning.
While makeup that lasts is the goal, touchups are inevitable. Rather than a temporary fix, try seeing it as reinforcement to your already stunning #makeupoftheday. Keep in mind, though, that the goal is to keep touchups to a minimum—too much could lead to clogged pores and other skin problems. Here’s a guide to keeping your makeup looking fresh, including tips on touching up your makeup midday.
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Start with a good base
Your base makeup foundation will largely determine if your look will last throughout the day. A reliable foundation that gives even coverage and a matte finish is your best bet. Don’t be tempted to pile it on, though—with foundation, work with the idea that less is more. This will also make reapplication easier in case you have to freshen up at any point in the day.
Opt for an oil-free foundation that’s formulated for long wear. Find a consistency that feels soft and light on your skin but is easily buildable for full coverage. That way, whether you’re putting on makeup for a casual day out or a formal evening event, this one product will have you covered.
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Don’t skip out on moisture
If you’ve been using makeup for a long time, you’ll know that half the work starts way before application—in your skincare. If your skin is hydrated and well-prepped, products won’t slip off too easily. It will also be more convenient to build on since you wouldn’t need too much product in the first place.
Another tip is to use your moisturizer as a touchup tool. You can mix a little bit of moisturizer with an illuminator and eliminate the dry patches for areas looking a little dry.
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Prime, prime, prime
From your eyeshadow to your lipstick, primer can make a little bit of makeup go a long way. Priming your eyes, then following up with eyeshadow and a dusting of powder, will prevent creasing. Lash primer helps to condition the lashes for long-wear mascara. For the lips, start with hydration. Use a trusty lip balm before applying a lip primer, which will help your lipstick last longer. You can also go the extra mile and exfoliate your lips, especially if you’re in for a long day or a special event.
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Opt for cream products
When choosing cosmetics, it’s a good idea to opt for cream-based products that tend to look fresher than powder-based ones. Cream products are also easier to reapply, as you don’t have to spend too much time buffing and evening it out. When you find you need a little bit of color, spread some cream blush on your cheeks with your finger to add some warmth and life to your face instantly.
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Long-wear formula is the way to go
Investing in certain products specifically formulated for long-lasting use reduces the need for multiple touchups. Whether you’re spending a day outdoors or drinking wine with friends on a night out, you’ll want a lip formula that wouldn’t require several reapplications.
A great long-wear liquid lipstick or lip tint is your best bet. Another hack is to use lip liner instead, which defines the shape of your lips more precisely. Lipstick tends to be a tad harder to contain and more prone to smudging. If you have limited pockets of time for retouching, a well-lined lip only needs quick pats of color on uneven patches.
Another long-lasting product you should consider is waterproof mascara. Nothing is more annoying than having to retouch smudgy mascara. A lightweight formula keeps your lashes clump-free, so you can reapply it as needed without weighing down your lashes too much.
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Think layers
Perhaps the most important step for makeup that lasts is layering. From eyeshadow to highlighter, knowing how to layer keeps your makeup on point, even with a bit of wear. For highlighter, for instance, you would want to use different formulas to really maximize the glow. Start with a luminating primer, then top it off with a powder highlight.
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When in doubt, blot
If your skin type is oily, blotting is an essential step when putting on makeup. Before even laying your foundation, consider using blotting paper to get rid of excess oil. It never hurts to carry around a pack of blotting papers in your purse, too. Blotting is also a useful, tried-and-tested step for some lipstick. To really lock in that formula, make sure to blot it on a napkin and then reapply.
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Set it all with a spritz
Apart from a dependable translucent powder, a great way to lock in all your hard work is with a quick misting with a setting spray. It’s an instant way to hydrate your skin, saving it from appearing chalky once it absorbs the emollients from your makeup or once it starts breaking down. Some sprays also have a mattifying effect, instantly boosting your complexion.
A fresh makeup look that lasts
A few retouches in the middle of the day save your makeup from slipping or wearing off. But the thing to remember is that it should still be kept at a minimum—you wouldn’t want to get too handsy with your face all day! If you prep your skin properly, invest in long-wear makeup, and keep these tricks handy, you’ll be able to maintain a fresh face full of makeup, no matter what the day throws at you.
Author Bio
Author Name: Lisa Garcia
Bio: Lisa is a content marketing specialist for L’Oreal Paris – an everyday, luxury beauty brand that empowers women to effortlessly be their most beautiful and confident selves through its hair, skin, and makeup products. As an advocate for women’s rights and empowerment, she is passionate about beauty and fashion as a form of art and self-expression. Outside the beauty world, you can find Lisa jamming to her favorite tunes, going on an online shopping spree, or spending time with her friends.