Why Your Makeup Doesn’t Last.
Have you ever gotten home at the end of a long day at work, looked in the mirror and found no remnants of the 30 step makeup routine you did that morning? We’ve all been there.
This week I got a message from a friend, asking why her makeup only lasts an hour. This is a question I get all the time, and a big reason people seek out makeup artists for big events.
Here are some reasons why your makeup isn’t lasting, because increasing the longevity of your makeup is an imperative step to perfecting your glam!
You don’t know your skin type.
I’ve said it before - I’ve even written a whole blog post dedicated to this topic (here). You’re not doing your makeup any favours if you’re buying makeup and skincare products without knowing what your skin type is. Chances are, the products you’re buying don’t suit your skin and are decreasing the longevity MAJORLY. Learn what your skin type is and buy skin prep products that work WITH your skin, not against.
For example, if you have oily skin and you’re buying super hydrating products for dry skin, the makeup will melt off your face before you’ve had a chance to walk out the door (maybe a slight over exaggeration but you get the point xx).
You’re using too much skincare under makeup.
Keep your makeup skin prep simple. Using multiple serums with active ingredients, toners, a moisturiser and a primer is generally too much for your skin pre makeup. Save your heavy 20 step routine for night. You’re better off using 1-2 products that work well under makeup.
Personally, before makeup I like to use skincare that is specifically made to be worn under makeup. Some of my favourites (for my dry skin) include the MAC serumizer, Bobbi Brown face base, and the Embryolisse lait-crème concentré. If I’m feeling particularly dry, I might also go in with a simple milky toner. I try to avoid any hectic ingredients under my makeup, and save them for my nighttime routine.
You’re skipping powder.
There’s a common misconception that powder makes you cakey and matte. Wrong!! Of course overuse and poor technique can do that, but you can achieve a beautiful, glowy and long lasting glam using the right powders in the right spots.
Powder locks everything in place and helps avoid your cream products from slipping and sliding.
If you are scared of being ‘cakey’, I would recommend a finely milled powder like the MAC mineralise powders. They offer minimal coverage and increase the longevity of the makeup, leaving a soft airbrush finish.
You’re touching your face too much.
When you’re pressing your hand against your face constantly, the friction, pressure and warmth can physically lifts those layers off, or at least move them around the face. Not ideal! You can powder and use setting spray all you like, but transfer proof doesn’t mean clammy hand on your face all day proof.
You’re not wearing enough makeup.
This is one of the most common reasons why makeup doesn’t last. If your whole routine is a skin tint, bit of cream blush and mascara, your makeup will not be lasting.
Skin tints have a lightweight formula that natural oils break down way faster than foundation. Skin tints are nice for an everyday look, or to add colour to the face, but if you’re after more longevity, I’d recommend a sheer foundation (like MAC face & body), or layering concealer and powder on top lightly. A little bit more makeup can go a long way.
You’re skipping skincare entirely.
In the age of glass skin and korean skincare and PDRN and every other skincare trend that’s on your feed - please tell me you’re AT LEAST moisturising once a day??
Your makeup is only as good as your skin underneath, and unfortunately, no amount of skincare will help years of neglect. If you have never put moisturiser on in your life, you can’t expect your makeup to sit well or last nicely.
It can be overwhelming starting a skincare routine, but I think the easiest way to start is by purchasing a basic cleanser and moisturiser that suit your skin, and habit stacking - an example of this would be cleansing in the shower, and applying moisturiser when you brush your teeth. Easy!
Maybe you’re doing one of these, maybe you’re doing all! If you have trouble with the longevity of your makeup, try tweaking your routine slightly using these pointers and see what works. Everyone’s skin is entirely different, so something that might work for me might not work for you, and that is ok.
To summarise this blog; use the appropriate amount of the appropriate skin prep for your skin, wear more makeup (including powder), and stop touching your face.
Feel free to email me at makeupbyannazebrowski@gmail.com or DM me @makeupbyanna.zebrowski on insta, and I can do my best to work out where you can improve your makeup routine to increase wear time.
Anna xoxo
