Why Your Makeup Doesn’t Last: Everyday Habits That Ruin Longevity
- khalilah
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
Before you buy another makeup product, fix these simple mistakes first.
Imagine investing in time, energy, and quality products to apply your makeup only to have your makeup appear non-existent by lunch time. I'm sure you can relate. While it is easy to question your makeup products and even your technique, the real issue may be more than meets the eye. And this issue is less glamorous because it links back to something you may not consider often. Entering the chat: It’s your poor daily beauty habits.
Poor daily beauty habits you might ask? Yes. These poor daily practices can quietly sabotage your makeup before the first swipe of your liquid foundation. So, even if you have the right products to create the right look, what happens if you haven’t taken the steps to ensure the longevity of the look you want in the first place? Longevity is less about what you buy and more about what you do consistently and correctly. Continue reading to see what habits might be destroying your makeup before you even pick up a makeup brush.
Ignoring or Rushing Through The Skincare Prep Step
The best foundation for any makeup look is consistent skincare so if you don’t take anything else away from reading this post, do not skip your skincare. Ever. Makeup does not lay correctly on skin that is inconsistently cared for - let alone on skin that is not prepped correctly before makeup application. When your skin is dry, flaky, even excessively oily, your makeup has nothing to grip onto but uneven texture - either that or it slides away completely. All of these factors lead to pilling, skipping, patchiness and overall breakdown of product.
Basic daily skincare which is akin to pre-priming should include the following:
Cleanser (am/pm)
Toner (am/pm)
Serum (am/pm)
Moisturizer (am/pm)
Sunscreen (am)
Also, it doesn’t matter how tired you are at the end of the day. Commit to washing your face daily, especially every evening and do not cheat with face wipes. Because how do wipes effectively cleanse your skin of dirt, grime, pollution, sunscreen and makeup? They don’t. Not caring for your skin consistently in the evening is a recipe for disaster with clogged pores, pimples, and uneven texture. The best cleanse include double-cleansing with a balm or oil then following up with your regular cleanser.
Mixing Products With Ingredients That Don’t Work Together
Not all makeup formulas mix well together. For instance you may notice that sometimes your makeup may begin to pill or separate. This can happen when you layer water-based products over silicone based products. Use water based makeup with water based primers and silicone based products with each other. Refer to ingredient lists if you are unsure. If your primer and foundation list water as part of the main ingredients, generally speaking they are compatible. The same thing goes for silicone based ingredients and products.
Not Choosing The Right Formula For Your Skintype
When it comes to makeup longevity, not only is prepping your skin imperative but choosing the right formulation for your skin type is key. If your skin is on the drier side, choose a hydrating formulation for your complexion product (skin tint, tinted moisturizer, liquid foundation, powder). If you are combo/oily choose an oil free or mattifying formulation for your complexion product. The right formula for your skin type will balance your skin so your makeup can perform better.
Not Matching Your Makeup To Your Lifestyle or Activity Level
Your makeup routine and products should reflect your day beyond the mirror and not just your aesthetic. When it comes to your activity level, different activities may require different formulas and strategies for application. For example, consider lightweight, long wear coverage (skin tint, tinted moisturizer, sheer foundation, lightweight powder) for warmer weather, running errands or athletic activities. The lighter layers and targeted setting would be a better strategy than applying full on glam (highlight, contour, blush, etc) in these situations.
Applying Too Much Product
You might think that applying layers upon layers of makeup will help your make up stay longer. Actually it won’t. Thicker layers of makeup tend to shift and crease as the product warms on your skin and comes in contact with oils, heat and sweat. Many times when too much makeup is being applied, it's an attempt to cover up concerns like rough patches or even dark spots. While these are valid concerns, it is better to approach with thin buildable layers. Each layer will allow you to assess your level of coverage and if you need to apply more product or stop.
Using The Wrong Tools
When it comes to the longevity of your makeup, choosing the right tools is important. For brushes in particular, consider the length and density of the bristles. If you want sheer layers, look for brushes with longer, less dense bristles. If you want fuller coverage, look for brushes with shorter, more densely packed bristles. Although sponges tend to absorb more product, they are great for blending down product in smaller areas like under the eyes, around the nose and lips and on the cheeks.
Skipping Setting Steps
When it comes to making makeup last longer, how you set and finish your makeup is just as important as the initial application of makeup. Liquid and creams are most commonly used as a base/foundation so setting is important.
Setting makeup with a powder is not about powdering your entire face until it looks matte. Some areas like under the eyes (a light dusting in a press and roll motion) and around the nose and perhaps the mouth may need a little more powder to set.
When you set with powder, less is more. it is important to apply in light sheer layers using a fluffy brush in a press and roll motion. This will ensure the powder is being lightly but firmly pressed into the skin for a flawless finish. When you apply a setting spray, hold the bottle 8-10 inches away from the face and mist the face in a gentle sweeping motion.
Touching your face
Friction is one of the fastest ways to break down your makeup so once you get your face in place, don’t touch it. This includes rubbing your eyes, resting your chin in the palm of your hand and even re-powdering or blotting your face without a strategy. If you need to reduce shine, gently press blotting paper into the skin to remove excess oil. Re-powder only if needed in that area. Be mindful when you are putting on your clothes or wearing or removing hats and glasses.
Ignoring Tool Hygeine
Not washing your makeup tools is just as bad as not washing your face. When your tools are dirty, it impacts tool performance and you are actually redepositing oil, dirt and bacteria onto your face which then leads to breakouts, irritation, clogged pores and texture. Old, dirty sponges break down product performance which affects the wear time of your products. Deep clean your brushes once a week with a cleanser made specifically for brushes that will also condition the bristles.
A Quick Longevity Reset
If your makeup does not last as long as you would like it to, focus on the following habits:
Prep skin with intention according to your skin type
Match product formulas (silicone based vs water based products)
Apply in thin layers to avoid an unnatural look
Set and refresh strategically
Be mindful of items that can disturb makeup/cause friction
These small adjustments create long-term results.
Long-lasting makeup is not about chasing the next big trending product. It’s about building the skills, habits and routines that work with your skin, lifestyle and day to day living. Once you get these practices into place, your makeup will actually last.
If you are ready for a routine that is customized to your skin, schedule and the way you actually live, I offer personalized makeup lessons and consultations that will simplify your process and improve your results. Because makeup should work for you, not against you.
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