5 Ways to Keep Your Makeup Fresh

One of the biggest questions I get as a makeup artist is, "how long will this makeup last?" Great question! Let me break it down into 5 steps to help explain:

1) Less is more: Some think that the more makeup, the longer it's going to stay put. Wrong! Excess product can cause excess oils on your face. Those excess oils can create a greasy look, and cause product to break up prematurely. Use proper rations of product to prevent that from happening. Plus, who wants "cake face"?! Not sure how much to use? Invest in consulting with a professional makeup artist. 

2) Waterproof Options: In the world of makeup today, there are TONS of waterproof makeup options ranging from mascara, to lipstick and even foundations. While these are not necessary year round, they can come in handy on hot days, humid days, or your wedding day! With wedding clients, I always use waterproof mascara, and at times, water resistant/proof foundation. These are all determined on skin type, weather elements, etc. These are also a great option if you plan on wearing makeup to the beach.

3) Lock it Down: Set. Your. Face. Seriously! If you plan on using a liquid BB Cream or foundation, be sure to lightly set them with a setting powder. This can really come in handy if you have more oily skin. Setting is also important as it protects and sets the base for the rest of your makeup. If it's your wedding day, there will be hugging, kissing, and crying- this powder can help prevent transfer and wear of the makeup. Some of my favorite brands include: Makeup Forever HD Setting Powder, and the Laura Mercier Powder.

4) Know Your Skin Type: It sure would be a shame to buy a $50 foundation designed for dry skin if you are prone to being oily! If you're going to invest in some new makeup products to help with longevity, spend your time researching what will work best. If you're not sure of what kind of skin you have, consult with a makeup artist or Esthetician. 

5) Blot/ Press: So you're now on hour 10 of a 90 degree day; sometimes not even the BEST products can hold up to that. What can you do? Carry blotting papers or a powder with you. These are small items that can fit in a purse and make touch-ups easy. If you feel/ see your skin getting "shiny" or makeup starting to breakup, take a blotting paper and gently press it over your skin. This will help absorb excess oils without ruining your makeup! Another option is to carry a powder compact and press powder over areas that are running. Tatcha Aburatorigami makes great Blotting Sheets!

Photo below: Lily on her HOT wedding day! Light application was used, with minimal product. A sweat resistant primer was also used to help lock this look down. PC: Gallivan Photo // Hair: Abbie Gordon