If your foundation slides off by lunchtime or your concealer creases, the problem is usually the steps before and after your base. Here's how to make makeup last.
1. Start with skincare and primer
Moisturise, give it a minute to sink in, then apply primer. If redness is your issue, a green-tinted primer like Clarins SOS Primer Redness evens out tone so you need less foundation. Less product means less to slip.
2. Apply base in thin layers
Build coverage only where you need it. Heavy layers crease and move more.
3. Set with powder
Loose powder: for creasing
Loose powder is best for setting concealer under the eyes. Press a small amount of Elizabeth Arden PRO Loose Setting Powder on with a puff, leave it for a minute, then dust off.
Pressed powder: for shine and touch-ups
Pressed powder is easier to carry. For oily skin, the mattifying Bourjois Always Fabulous Matte Pressed Powder controls shine. For a classic natural matte, try Max Factor Creme Puff. If you prefer a glow rather than flat matte, Bourjois Healthy Mix Naturally Radiant Powder sets with a radiant finish.
4. Touch up the right way
- Blot shine with a tissue before adding more powder, so it doesn't look cakey.
- Press powder on rather than swiping, to avoid moving your foundation.
Common mistakes
- Too much powder under the eyes, which can emphasise lines.
- Skipping moisturiser: dry skin makes makeup cling and flake.
Shop powders, primers and concealers in our Face edit.