How to Make Makeup Last All Day

When you spend time perfecting a full face of makeup, it only makes sense that you’d want it to last as long as possible. However, achieving a long-lasting makeup look isn’t as easy as you would expect. Oftentimes, foundation melts, eyeshadow rubs off, eyeliner smears and lipstick seeps into the little lines surrounding your lips — what starts off looking flawless has every potential to end up looking smudged and messy.

The trick to mastering a long-lasting makeup look is less about technique and more about the products you use to achieve it. When armed with the right makeup products, you’ll be able to achieve a smudge-proof beauty look that can last for hours in just minutes. Keep reading for six tips to help your makeup last longer, plus the best makeup products to incorporate into your long-lasting makeup routine.  

Which Brand of Makeup Lasts the Longest?

The L’Oréal Paris Infallible line includes a range of foundations, complexion and eye products that boast 24-hour wear, waterproof, sweatproof and smudge-resistant formulas. The entire line is a great option for hot weather, music festivals and the days when you just want your makeup to last.

What Can I Use to Make My Makeup Last All Day Long?

The key to achieving long-lasting makeup isn’t using a certain primer or foundation, it’s more about gearing up your entire makeup routine with products that have long-wearing, smudge-resistant finishes. Here are six tips to follow, plus product recommendations to help you achieve a long-lasting makeup look. 

1. Always Prime With a Long-Wearing Makeup Primer

If you skip makeup primer, that’s a likely reason why your makeup doesn’t last throughout the day. Our top pick for extending your makeup wear time is the L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Matte Setter, a mattifying primer that minimizes shine and extends your makeup for up to 24 hours. If oily skin isn’t a concern, try out the Pore Minimizer, Redness Eraser or Dullness Reducer from the Prime Lab line.

2. Use a Long-Wearing Foundation

To complement your makeup-extending primer, look for a foundation with a long-wearing formula. If you have dry skin, try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation, the 24-hour formula stays fresh all day long and provides lightweight, buildable coverage. If you have oily skin, try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder, a powder foundation that provides full matte coverage and controls shine. 

Editor’s tip: Toss the Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder in your purse for easy, on-the-go touch ups throughout the day. 

3. Reach for Powder Complexion Products

Powder products tend to be more long-wearing than cream and liquid products because they don’t contain water which makes them prone to fading. The L’Oréal Paris Infallible line includes two powder complexion products: The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Blush and the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer. Both formulas last for up to 24 hours and resist transfer, sweat, heat and smudging. Lightly dust the Infallible Blush across the apples of your cheeks for a rosy, flushed complexion. Then, apply the Infallible Bronzer in the shape of a ‘3’ to your forehead, cheekbones and jawline for soft sculpting and tan color.  

4. Look for Waterproof, Long-Wearing Formulas to Use on Your Eyes

If you’re investing in long-wearing, sweatproof makeup products to ensure your base lasts, you ought to invest in waterproof, long-wearing eye makeup, too. The L’Oréal Paris Infallible line includes two long-wearing eyeliners: The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner and the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner. Use the gel formula for dramatic eye looks that include smoky blending and tightlining. Use the liquid liner to create sharp cat eyes and graphic eyeliner looks. 

Pair your waterproof eyeliner with a waterproof mascara like the L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Instant Lift Waterproof Mascara. The dual-sided wand adds lift and volume while the side bristles separate clumps and add definition. The ophthalmologist-tested formula lasts for up to 36 hours and is safe for those with sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. 

5. Opt for Liquid Lipstick

If you’ve ever worn lip gloss, you know it fades away within an hour or two of applying it thanks to its texture and shine. The same cannot be said for a liquid lipstick, and most formulas tend to last upwards of eight hours or more. The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick flaunts a comfortable, powdery matte finish with a hyaluronic acid-infused formula that wears for up to 16 hours without smudging or fading. 

6. Finish Your Makeup With Setting Spray 

Once your makeup is complete, spritz on the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray and Set Make-Up Oil-Free Setting Spray to lock everything in place. This non-comedogenic setting spray is a must-have if you want your makeup to last throughout the day. Plus, it ensures that your makeup doesn’t settle into fine lines or creases.  

Next: How to Use Lip Stain and Lip Tint to Get That Trendy Post-Popsicle Look

Photographer: Ted Cavanaugh, Producer: Becca Solovay, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Prop Stylist: Katrina Rozeville, Prop Assistant: Emily Ramirez, Photo Assistant: Ben Berkes, Digi Tech: Aaron Barton