Why shouldn’t we feel good about ourselves on a daily basis? Why do we have to keep looking in the mirror to see if our mascara is running? And most importantly, why shouldn’t the makeup companies live up to their claims?
I am always on the search for long lasting, pretty makeup in the newest colors, that really stay on. I buy every product that claims to last all day, lipstick that stays on for 24 hours, 24 hour foundation and mascara that doesn’t sprinkle under my eyes.
There are claims of creams that change your life in 30 days. One company actually claims to have pencils that don’t budge even after pouring oil on them. They don’t really work. Unfortunately in this day and age, the cosmetic companies are allowed to make outrageous claims and when we are searching for the right product that lasts, we are usually disappointed.
So, I have done the searching for you. I have collected the best out of the best long lasting products just for you! Keep in mind that each skin is different, each of us has different issues, teary eyes, etc. I can assure you, with just a few extra minutes and the right products you will be thrilled!
When applying makeup that I want to stay on for two or more days, my favorite tips are as follows:
Apply a primer—this will minimize your pores and allow your foundation to look smoother. Apply a little less moisturizer so that it won’t dilute your foundation. However, don’t skimp and put too little or the foundation will appear dry and caked on. Don’t wear a water based foundation. It won’t last.
Apply more foundation than you think you will need. Avoid applying with a sponge, as this drinks up the foundation. Apply on and under eyes and on lips. Blend with a synthetic brush in downward strokes to keep it on longer and smooth any spots that are uneven. Then, wash a large diamond sponge with soap, not those tiny wedges. Rinse and pat all over your face. This is important. This sets the makeup.
Take a thick, clean eye shadow brush and dip it into a creamy concealer. Add to the corner of your eyes, blending well.
Powder eyes and face with a large, fluffy brush. I prefer a good quality pressed powder because it gives lasting coverage.
With crème blush, put three dots on the center of your cheek. I like to use a lip brush. Blend with your fingertips. Then put on your powder blush over it. This builds color for stay power.
When putting on your eye makeup, add a little more at a time and keep blending, blending, blending.
My favorite eyeliner is the gel. It comes in a wide array of colors. Use a long handled, very thin eyeliner brush, using the side of the brush, avoiding the tip. Apply two or three times. It doesn’t have to be thick, but it will build the color. Indelible, waterproof eyeliner is also available.
Waterproof mascara is a must, so that it won’t leak. Comb through with a metal eye comb after each application. Follow through with mascara sealer, two coats (buy hypo-allergenic cosmetics). It will keep the mascara from flaking.
Lips are the most challenging. I prefer a lip stain. Put a special lip fixative under it and line the lips with an indelible lip liner. You can color it in beforehand with the pencil. Layer the stain, drying in between and seal with a thin coat of sealer made for the lips. If the stain does wear off after the second or third day, it will wear naturally, not leaving bare lips in the middle.
There are many stay-all-day lipsticks that come with a sealer to put over the color. What seems to happen is that when it starts to wear it peels. If you have a very dry lipstick in a few shades darker than you normally use, put lip fix under the lipstick, lining your lips with an indelible lip pencil. Apply two heavy coats of the lipstick, preferably with a good lip brush, powdering in between. Finish with a very thin coat of all day lip sealer.
Finally, I have found the best product for your eyebrows. Pencils may stay longer than brow powders, however in my opinion unless you are an artist, they look unnatural. I love using an eyebrow wax. It was a little hard finding the right one, but I am very happy with the one I found. I apply it with a special brush that actually makes it hair-like! It goes on easily, stays overnight and looks natural. It will color grey hairs, thicken thin brows and add color where there is none. You can even seal it with a mascara sealer for more insurance.
I know it sounds daunting with all of these tips, but once you get started you will see it is just a matter of owning the right products.q
