As a makeup artist, one of the questions I’m most commonly asked by my clients is: “Will my makeup last all day long?” My answer? “This ain’t my first rodeo.” The bulk of my business happens in the heat of summer, so I’ve had a lot of practice getting this art down to a science. Whether it’s for a graduation, wedding, photo shoot, or other event, there are a few tricks you can use to keep your makeup locked in place. If you have a special event this summer or are jetting away to somewhere warm and want to beat the heat, I’m excited to share a few of my tricks-of-the-trade with you!
… SETTING POWDER
Most of us brush a light veil of powder over our face after we put on our foundation, but did you know there are two different types of powder you can use? They are often referred to interchangeably, but they both have very different roles to play. One is a setting powder, designed to set your foundation and keep it in place throughout the day. The other is a finish powder, which will not help your foundation stay much longer but will help blur fine lines and imperfections, giving your skin a glowing look. You can use them both together, or use them based on your needs/preferences. If you use them together, do both sparingly so you don’t risk over-powdering, which can cause a cakey look. When completing a look that needs to stand up to summer weather, I opt for a translucent setting powder and apply it with a damp beauty blender or with a powder brush. Laura Mercier’s Loose Setting Powder is the stuff dreams are made of, and perfect for this type of occasion.
CREAM SHADOW
Cream shadow was a big hit when I was in high school (I won’t tell you how long ago that was) and then it kind of fell off the radar for a while. But it’s currently making a big come back with new and improved formulas and I’m falling in love all over again! Cream shadow can have great color payoff, be easy to apply, and offer a staying power longer than powdered shadow can do on its own. I start by applying the cream shadow in the center of my lid and blending out to the outer and inner corners, and then also blending just up to the crease. For real staying power and to add a little dimension, I will also sometimes brush a light stroke of a matching powder eye shadow over top to really set it in place. There are many cream shadows out there to love, but a personal favorite for me are the ones by Revlon. Affordable and good quality—what more could you want?
WATERPROOF MASCARA
Waterproof mascara shouldn’t be an everyday application, but when you really need to ensure a flawless look, why risk it? Spring for a waterproof mascara to carry in your makeup bag for those times the tears or the heat might sneak up on you. The good news is there are plenty of good waterproof mascaras out there that won’t break the bank. My go-to is L’Oréal’s Voluminous Waterproof Mascara and at less than $10 a pop, it’s worth having it around for the times I need it most.
BROW POWDER/WAX
There are lots of great long-lasting brow products on the market right now. My current favorites are sets that include a cake powder along with a wax. The wax helps pick up richer pigment from the powder, helps it glide on smoothly, and helps the powder set into the skin and stay, creating a brow that won’t fold under pressure. A little goes a long way—this type of product will last you a while! My favorite brow powder/wax combination is sold by NYX. It lasts all day, has great color variety, and won’t break the bank at $6 each.
SETTING SPRAY
The best insurance for any look, regardless of the event or weather, is a good quality setting spray. Setting sprays are like a hairspray for your face (but actually safe to use) and they will keep every bit of makeup in place all day long. Two or three quick sprays six inches from your face, and you’re ready to go! My all-time setting spray love is the All Nighter spray by Urban Decay. It’s quick-drying and outperforms any others on the market that I’ve tried. Bonus: They sell this product in travel-size so you can buy a small one for the fraction of the price if you only plan to use it for special events throughout the year.
