Top Tips for Long-lasting Make-up

I received a lovely email from a customer over the weekend seeking advice on how to achieve a long-lasting make-up look that (a) won't disappear, and (b) won't melt and look shiny!

As her query is a common one (especially for those attending weddings), I decided to share my advice here on the Style By Caroline Blog so that you may benefit too.

In her email, she mentioned that she was attending a Black Tie Ball that evening. Her primary worry was that her make-up tends to disappear quickly, so she wanted some products/technique recommendations, "so that I won't have to be reapplying every hour".

Caroline's Recommendations:

• Cleanse, tone and moisturise before applying make-up. Don't forget to apply an eye-cream and lip balm too.
• Apply your moisturiser (preferably oil-free) at least 15 minutes before starting your make-up (so it has a chance to sink in).
• Apply a Primer underneath your foundation. (I love Laura Mercier's Oil-free Foundation Primer).
• Choose a foundation that is suitable for your skin. If your foundation disappears quickly after application, it's quite likely that your skin is oily; therefore, I suggest that you choose an oil-free foundation.
• Apply your foundation with a foundation brush. After application, buff the skin gently with a clean, dry, powder brush or a duo-fibre brush (like MAC's 187 Brush).
• Apply a generous amount of clarifying powder on the areas that tend to get shiny (around nose, chin and forehead).
• Invest in some some Blotting paper from MAC or Tesco. Blotting paper looks very like kitchen greaseproof paper (in fact, if you can't find blotting paper then greaseproof paper will do the same job). Blotting paper comes in a pack of individual sheets, each about the size of a credit card. If your face starts to look shiny, discreetly blot the oily areas with the paper, which will remove the oil/shine.
• Carry a small amount of power with you in your handbag so that you can top up if necessary.
• Avoid cream blush - use powder instead, which has a 'matt' effect.
• Avoid shiny or shimmery highlighters on the face, which can make you look shiny.
  

I hope this information helps. Why not share your own tips, techniques and favourite products in the comment box below.

As always, if you have a Style or Make-up dilemma, get in touch and I'll do my best to help!

Yours in style,
Caroline