How to make my makeup last longer and look smooth all day?

[Anonymous]

If there’s any makeup artists or enthusiasts here I’d love to get your advice. I have combo skin and noticeable pores, and these are some issues I have with my makeup:

1. even tho I use pore primers and they work okay at first, I feel like by the 3-4 hour mark my pores look enhanced.
2. My makeup seems to not settle in my skin properly- on some area I can see patchiness and when I blot my face there’s a lot of foundation coming off.
4. Sometimes my skin tends to be extra oily and my makeup doesn’t look nice and fresh for long. After 3 hours or so, my skin looks like I’ve had makeup on for a whole day.

I use setting spray before and after foundation application and I apply loose powder to set. Maybe my techniques are wrong. Any tips or even product recommendations will be appreciated 😊

[TheRealPepperPotts]

Are you gently exfoliating? I say gently, because scrubs are way too harsh for the face and can cause microtears and inflammation in your skin. A soft microfiber cloth should work fine. Also, you could try using MCT oil (processed coconut oil) on your face at night. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but oily skin can happen due to overwashing and the skin signals your glands to produce more oil than it needs, creating a vicious cycle. Adding a bit of oil after cleaning your skin can calm the oil production down and balance things out. Also, I rolled my eyes at the micellar water trend at first, but it really does make a difference and I am a believer now. It's a very gentle cleanser and much better than even a gentle soap.

It's good to get to the point where you are just washing your face with warm water (no soap, or at least not a harsh soap) and exfoliating with the pressure of your fingers. I use CeraVe lotion and Neutrogena Dry Touch 30 SPF sunscreen and they work great for me. If you can wean yourself off of the foundation and focus on investing in your natural skin, it will help a lot. Maybe start moving toward tinted products rather than full coverage.

I'd recommend the book, The Five-Minute Face by Carmindy. She is a celebrity makeup artist who uses watercolor techniques to apply makeup and her book is gold. Also, as much as I love natural and organic products, I'd pay close attention to how my skin responds to the formulation. It's not necessarily good for our skin just because it's "organic". You can get free samples of different foundation at a store like Ulta Beauty. I use Clinique's Acne Solutions foundation. It's a lighter coverage which works well for me because I don't want to hide my freckles, I just want to even things out a bit. I also like their Chubby Stick blush. I don't use powders anymore, they are too dry. And also, use a bit of oil to remove makeup and especially mascara. It slips right off and you don't have to scrub.

That's just my experience. Everyone's skin needs are different and what works for me may not do it for you. But I hope some of this is helpful!

[DishLady]

It depends on the season. Summertime try not to use anything other than the SPF-reinforced moisturizer. Let your skin's natural glow come through. That look will last you till possibly mid-October.

1. Primers seem effective but ultimately ruin your skin and you become dependent on them. Try dabbing simple witch hazel at night to tighten your pores and then use the SPF/moisturizer during the day.

2. You're probably using the wrong stuff and colors that aren't the best for your seasonal skin tone.

3. (Where's your #3?)

4. The witch hazel will help with that as well. You'll be grateful for the oily skin when you're in your 40s. I know that right now it's annoying for you, though. It's a sign you don't need much makeup to look fab. Just keep things as natural as possible for now.

[OddBeMe]

I hire makeup artists. And they constantly interrupt my shoots to redo makeup or make sure it’s even. Especially after lunch. I pay them to interrupt so it’s a good think. Lol

Point is, I don’t think there’s a magical cure for this. Like losing weight, learning a skill etc, it requires constant attention.

[MrDaveAPSI]

Don't touch your face

Stay out of the sun

Stay out of water

Basically, the more you do to your face, the more you kill it

[AI Opinion]

Oh, I feel you! Combo skin can be a real challenge, but there are definitely ways to make your makeup last longer and look smoother. Here are a few tips that might help:

Firstly, consider double-priming. Use a mattifying primer in your oily areas and a pore-filling primer where you need it most. This helps control those specific issues more effectively. For foundation, going for a long-wear, oil-free formula can really make a difference. Apply it with a damp beauty sponge for an even finish and to avoid cakiness.

Setting your makeup is key. Opt for a finely milled translucent powder to set your foundation. It sounds like you’re using loose powder, which is great, but a little goes a long way to avoid that heavy look. Press the powder into your skin instead of sweeping it on, which helps it to stay put.

A setting spray is fantastic, but also try using a hydrating mist throughout the day to refresh your look without adding more powder. Lastly, blotting papers are lifesavers for controlling shine without disrupting your makeup.

And remember, even small adjustments can make a big difference. Good luck, and I’m sure you’ll find what works best for you! ❤️

[bobalife]

#1 using good skincare routine, it is mind blowingggg what that can do and then put on make up haha.

#2 find the right foundation and moisturizer for your skin tone :) I recommend going to Ulta/Sephora, talk to the beauty assistants about your skin tone and have them try different ones on you to find the right one!

[Anonymous]

Sweating, crying, wind, too much humidity, anything touching your face, can ruin makepup. When you go to the bathroom, brush up to last longer and maintain. I think you already know this. There is no super makeup out there, I wish. Unless you tattoo or plastic surgery

[4ngelic]

get makeup formulated for oily skin. get blotting paper. exfoliate more often. though i think the solution is skincare, you sound like you have very oily skin

[SeriouslyNotSerious]

Always prep your skin before makeup, and use high quality brands. 💖

[Samantha_17]

Use high-quality brands. I know they're expensive but it's worth every penny.

[Awantika03]

Use good quality foundation before wearing the makeup 💄

[Booklover_90]

Retouch throughout the day.