How to Make Your Makeup Last - No Flake No Cake

Struggling with the longevity of your makeup? We’ve all been there. You don’t want to spend the hundreds of dollars on a makeup artist, nor do you have the time to watch hundreds of YouTube videos on each of their recommended products. Even if you went out and bought a whole new makeup kit, are you sure you know how to layer all of the products correctly into your current routine?

The truth is, no matter how high end your products are, they aren’t going to adhere very well if your skin isn’t clean, prepped, and hydrated.

Below I will share my 5 best makeup longevity tips as well as the timing that these products are meant to be applied in your routine. These tips will give you all the confidence to attend your special event or go about your day without the fear of flake, cake, or transfer.

1 - Exfoliate

Exfoliating is an underappreciated step in the makeup application process. Even on a clean canvas, dead skin cells can build up over time, and need to be removed to maximize longevity results. The goal here is to create a smooth and even canvas for your makeup to grip onto. Oily, dry, and combo skin can all reap the benefits from exfoliation. Physical or chemical exfoliation will do the trick - just make sure you opt into a process that is gentle enough to wipe away the dead skin cells without irritation.

2 - Moisturize / Prime

Hydrating is an absolutely essential step to achieving a smooth, long-lasting surface. Whether you opt in for a primer after moisturization or not, the hydration step cannot be skipped. Here’s my secret… I don’t prime! In my opinion, a good moisturizer is the best primer.

This step is essential to smoothing out texture & plumping the skin with hydration. This preps the skin for layers of makeup, and allows the makeup to effortlessly glide onto a smooth surface rather than a textured one. Always hydrate your skin prior to applying makeup!

3 - Application

Almost as important as the products themselves is the technique used to apply them. Just like Goldilocks, there’s too much, too little, and just right. Too much makeup is going to appear cakey and potentially textured. Too little makeup is going to appear patchy and separate throughout the day.

To find the “just right” amount, you'‘ll want to pump your foundation product onto the back of your clean hand, or a tool (such as a mirror). If the product is solid, start by warming up the product in small circles on the back of your hand. Pick up the product using your desired foundation brush, and apply directly to the center points of your face, spreading the makeup outward toward the edges of your face. If streaks occur, pick up remaining product by dabbing gently with a beauty blender. Any creams (contour, concealer, blush) will be applied next, unless you plan to use the underpainting technique.

This will help to increase longevity by ensuring that your base is fully covered with the “just right” amount foundation to layer setting products on top of.

4 - Set, Set, Set

Setting powders are used to hold foundation in place, absorb excess oil, and lock concealer in place. That being said, this step should follow not only your foundation application, but concealer too. Setting powder is a fantastic way to take away some unwanted shine from the T-zone area for those that are more on the oily side while increasing the longevity of your masterpiece.

Dealers choice - you can apply setting powder to just the T-zone, just the undereye area, or all over based on your desired outcome. After setting powder is applied, feel free to add your favorite bronzing powders & powdered blushes on top to complete the look.

5 - Setting Spray

So, you’ve just put the finishing touches on your face and you're ready to seal the deal (aside from your mascara - save that for the very last step!) The best thing that you can do to ensure that your artwork stays in place is to set with your favorite setting spray. Depending on the formula, this spray can also make your makeup transfer proof, waterproof, and sweatproof. Some sprays will mattify your masterpiece, while others will leave you with a gorgeous glow. If you are interested in learning more about the power of setting sprays, read this article.

Make sure to hold the setting spray roughly 5-10 inches away from your face & coat the face entirely. Let it dry by waving with your hands or investing in a paper fan. If you follow these steps, your makeup if guaranteed to lock in all day / night long without the worry of flaking or caking.