By: Payton Lambert

Everybody has been there. Your makeup has turned out just the way you wanted it to, and you’re ready to take on the day. But a few hours later, you return to the mirror to see smudges in your eye makeup and cracks in your foundation. So everyone is left wondering, how do I make my makeup last longer? Here are a few simple ways to ensure your makeup stays fresh and polished all day long.

  1. Prepare Your Skin

First, you must prepare your skin before going in with any foundation or eyeshadow. Oil gathers on our face along with dead skin cells that can cause makeup to look cakey or dull. An exfoliator should be used a few times a week to create a clean, smooth surface for your makeup to be applied on. Daily moisturizer should be used so your foundation doesn’t flake off or crease. And of course, a face-wash should always be a part of your skincare routine for hygiene and cleanliness. Once your skin is smooth and moisturized, you’re ready for primer.

Try: St. Ives Fresh Skin Exfoliating Apricot Scrub & CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion         

  1. Primer, Primer, Primer

Before going in with any makeup, you want to make sure all the hard work you put in to your look for the day is going to stay until it’s time for bed. A skin primer should be used to prolong the wear of your makeup and prime your skin for a smoother application. Primers can be specialized to your unique skin type. If you have dry skin, try a glowy/dewy primer. If you have oily skin, try a primer aimed at drying out your pores so your foundation can look flawless. With combination skin, you can mix two primers to target specific areas of your face with different complexions.

Try: Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Face Primer & Tarte Poreless Mattifying Primer

  1. Setting Spray

Once you’re finished with your look, you want to make sure to seal it all with a setting spray. Just a few spritzes over your final look will lock in your makeup and help prevent those cracks and smudges from forming throughout the day. Also, using a light, translucent powder to set your T-zone and under-eyes can be a good idea, especially if you get oily in those areas.

Try: Too Faced Peach Mist Mattifying Setting Spray

  1. Waterproof Options

Everyone gets those black smudges under their eyes from mascara in a matter of hours after applying makeup. The best solution for this is waterproof mascara. Waterproof options are more durable on the skin and eyes and have specific formulas designed to resist the elements, so no wonder they are more long-lasting and tend to stay put throughout a busy day. Eyeliners and mascaras are the most common and popular products that come in waterproof versions, but, there are still options for other cosmetics that can be found with waterproof formulas. When wearing waterproof products, make sure to gently remove your makeup since it will be more difficult to take off stronger formulas.

Try: Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara

  1. Top it Off!

Be sure to carry a few products in your bag to freshen up your look throughout the day. Eating and drinking can fade your lip color, even if it’s a long-lasting formula, so carrying your favorite lip color with you is an easy way to quickly touch up your look during the day. For those with a more oily complexion, carrying a translucent powder with you is another great way to keep your makeup looking matte and smooth. Just a few minutes in the bathroom to refresh your look, and you’re ready to go!

Try: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder & Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Lip Color