Spoiler Alert: It’s Not Makeup Primer!

When it comes to long-lasting makeup, everyone’s always reaching for the perfect primer. And while a good primer can help, the real magic starts way before you even open your makeup bag. As a professional makeup artist, I can tell you—if you want your makeup to last all day, it’s all about the prep and layering!

an asian makeup artist doing makeup on a client — **My name is Jessica, and I’m a professional makeup artist based in the Washington, DC area!**

Here are some of my top tips to keep your makeup locked in, whether you’re heading to a long event or just want your look to stay fresh all day:

Photo by Denise Van Photography

1. Exfoliation + Hydration = The Foundation for Your Foundation

If you’re applying foundation, do not skip these steps. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and allows your skincare to sink in and do its job—hydrating and plumping your skin from within. It also creates a smooth canvas so your foundation can adhere evenly. Think of it like painting a wall: you wouldn’t skip primer and expect smooth, long-lasting results, right? Same idea here—but for your face!

2. Give Your Skincare Time to Settle

This one might surprise you, but it’s a game-changer. If you go straight from skincare to foundation, your products might not have had enough time to absorb, which means they’re still too emollient. That slick texture can cause your foundation to separate or slide right off. After applying my skincare, I like to jump into eye makeup first or take a quick break to let everything settle. Just a few extra minutes can make a huge difference.

3. Layer Your Blushes and Bronzers (Yes, Both!)

I know what you're thinking—two blushes? Two bronzers? But hear me out. This trick is especially helpful for photoshoots or long days when you need your look to really last. Start with a cream or liquid version, then layer a powder on top to lock it in. It’s like setting your foundation with powder, but for your cheeks. The powder adheres beautifully to the cream base, helping everything stay vibrant and in place for hours. Think of it as insurance for your glam.

4. Use a Good Setting Powder and Setting Spray

A solid setting routine seals the deal—literally. After all that effort, don’t let it fade away early! A good setting powder helps control shine and keep everything in place, while a setting spray melts all your layers together and adds staying power. Two of my personal favorites: Hourglass Setting Powder for a smooth, flawless finish, and Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray—an absolute holy grail for locking everything in.

5. Work in Thin Layers and Mist in Between

Rather than piling everything on at once, apply your products in thin layers and use a light spritz of setting spray in between steps—especially between your base and powder products. This not only helps your makeup last longer, but also gives it that skin-like, natural finish instead of looking heavy or cakey. Trust me, your face will thank you.

At the end of the day, longevity is all about thoughtful prep and intentional layering. You don’t need a million products—just the right techniques.

Let me know if these tips were helpful or if you plan to try any of them in your routine! I’d love to hear what works for you and how your makeup wears differently after trying these out.