12 Must-Follow Makeup Steps For Long-Lasting Coverage
As a woman, I understand the importance of having makeup that lasts all day long. Whether you’re heading to work, running errands, or attending a special event, you want your makeup to look fresh and flawless from morning till night.
That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you achieve long-lasting coverage that will keep you looking your best all day long.
In this post, I’ll be sharing 12 essential makeup steps that every woman should follow for long-lasting coverage. From prepping your skin to applying foundation, concealer, blush, bronzer, eye makeup, lipstick, and more, I’ll cover everything you need to know to achieve a flawless look that lasts all day.
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So let’s get started! Before we dive into the details of each step, let’s talk about why long-lasting makeup coverage is so important. When you spend time and effort applying your makeup in the morning, the last thing you want is for it to start fading or smudging after just a few hours.
Long-lasting makeup coverage ensures that your makeup stays in place throughout the day, no matter what activities you have planned. Whether you’re sweating at the gym or sitting in an air-conditioned office, long-lasting makeup coverage will keep your skin looking fresh and flawless.
Now that we’ve covered why long-lasting makeup coverage is important, let’s move on to the first step:
1. Prepping The Skin
Prepping your skin before applying makeup is an essential step that should not be overlooked. It helps to ensure that your makeup goes on smoothly and lasts longer. Here are the steps to follow for prepping your skin:
- Cleanse your skin: Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser that is suitable for your skin type. This will help to remove any dirt, oil, or impurities from your skin and create a clean canvas for your makeup.
- Exfoliate: Exfoliating your skin helps to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, which can help to prevent breakouts. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or a chemical exfoliant that is suitable for your skin type.
- Tone: Toning helps to balance the pH of your skin and prepare it for the next steps in your skincare routine. Use a toner that is suitable for your skin type and apply it with a cotton pad.
- Moisturize: Moisturizing is an essential step that helps to hydrate your skin and create a smooth base for your makeup. Use a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type and apply it all over your face and neck.
- Prime: Primer helps to create a smooth base for your makeup and helps it to last longer. Choose a primer that is suitable for your skin type and apply it all over your face.
2. Applying Foundation
Choosing the right foundation for your skin type is crucial to achieving a flawless, long-lasting makeup look. Here are some tips to help you choose the right foundation:
- Determine your skin type: Before choosing a foundation, it’s important to determine your skin type. Is your skin oily, dry, or combination? This will help you choose a foundation that is suitable for your skin type.
- Consider the coverage: Do you want full coverage or light coverage? This will depend on your personal preference and the occasion.
- Choose the right shade: Choosing the right shade of foundation is essential for achieving a natural look. Test the foundation on your jawline to find the perfect match.
- Test the formula: It’s important to test the formula of the foundation before purchasing it. Does it work well with your skin type? Does it provide the coverage you need?
Once you’ve chosen the right foundation, here are some steps to follow for applying it:
- Prep your skin: Follow the steps outlined in the previous section to prep your skin before applying foundation.
- Apply primer: Primer helps to create a smooth base for your foundation and helps it last longer.
- Apply foundation: Use a brush or sponge to apply foundation all over your face, starting from the center and blending outwards.
- Conceal blemishes: Use concealer to cover any blemishes or dark circles under your eyes.
- Set with powder: Use a setting powder to set your foundation and make it last longer.
By following these steps, you can achieve a flawless, long-lasting makeup look that will keep you looking your best all day long.
3. Concealing Blemishes
Concealing blemishes is an essential step in achieving a flawless, long-lasting makeup look. Here are some tips to help you conceal blemishes effectively:
- Apply fewer layers of makeup: When you have a blemish you’re trying to conceal, it’s easy to want to layer on a bunch of products like foundation, concealer, and powder in hopes that it will hide it. However, this can lead to cakey makeup and can cause your blemish to be more noticeable. Instead, you’re better off concealing your blemish with a dot of concealer and tossing it in your bag for touch-ups throughout the day. A good rule of thumb when trying to conceal a blemish is to apply your makeup in light layers. Using less product is going to keep things looking more natural, which means your blemish is going to be less noticeable.
- Use pimple patches: A new, growing pimple is sometimes red, filled with fluid, inflamed, and tender. Rather than reaching for a spot treatment, use a pimple patch to absorb any drainage before applying makeup. Pimple patches are hydrocolloid patches that work to draw out the fluid from your blemish, drying them out and speeding up the healing process. If you notice a new pimple in the morning and you have an important event that night, apply a pimple patch immediately. Just wearing one for a short amount of time can make a big difference in the size of your blemish.
- Embrace color-correcting concealer: Utilizing a color-correcting concealer is a great way to tone down the redness of a blemish. By toning down the redness, you’ll need less concealer and therefore, your blemish will look more natural when you cover it. The L’Oréal Paris True Match Color Correcting Crayon in Green works great for taming redness. Color correctors cancel out the colors opposite of them on the color wheel so green cancels out red while peach or orange cancels out darkness and discoloration with blue or gray tones.
- Apply skin-matching concealer: Once you’ve toned down the redness of your blemish with color-correcting concealer, apply skin-matching concealer over it. Use a small brush or your finger to dab the concealer onto your blemish and blend it outwards.
- Set with powder: Use a loose translucent powder applied with a fluffy brush to set your concealer and make it last longer.
4. Setting Powder
Setting powder is a great way to make your makeup last longer and reduce shine. Here are some steps to follow for using setting powder:
- Prep your skin: Follow the steps outlined in the previous section to prep your skin before applying makeup.
- Apply foundation: Use a brush or sponge to apply foundation all over your face, starting from the center and blending outwards.
- Conceal blemishes: Use concealer to cover any blemishes or dark circles under your eyes.
- Apply setting powder: Use a large powder brush to apply setting powder all over your face, focusing on areas that tend to get oily, such as your T-zone. Be sure to use a light hand and blend well.
- Apply blush and bronzer: Use a blush brush to apply blush to the apples of your cheeks, then use a bronzer brush to apply bronzer to the hollows of your cheeks, temples, and jawline.
- Apply eye makeup: Use an eyeshadow brush to apply eyeshadow, then use an eyeliner brush to apply eyeliner.
- Apply lipstick: Use a lip brush to apply lipstick, then blot with a tissue and reapply for long-lasting color.
5. Blush and Bronzer
Blush and bronzer are essential for adding color and dimension to your face. Here are some tips to help you apply blush and bronzer for a long-lasting effect:
- Choose the right shade: Choosing the right shade of blush and bronzer is important for achieving a natural look. For blush, choose a shade that complements your skin tone. For bronzer, choose a shade that is one or two shades darker than your skin tone.
- Apply foundation: Use a brush or sponge to apply foundation all over your face, starting from the center and blending outwards.
- Apply bronzer: Use a large powder brush to apply bronzer to the hollows of your cheeks, temples, and jawline. Be sure to blend well for a natural look.
- Apply blush: Use a blush brush to apply blush to the apples of your cheeks. Smile to find the apples of your cheeks, then sweep on the color, moving up toward your hairline (envision a Nike swoosh). Be sure to blend well for a natural look.
- Set with powder: Use a loose translucent powder applied with a fluffy brush to set your blush and bronzer and make it last longer.
6. Eye makeup
Eye makeup is also an essential part of any makeup routine, and it’s important to apply it correctly to achieve a long-lasting effect. Here are some tips to help you apply eye makeup for a long-lasting effect:
- Start with a primer: Eye primer helps to create an even base for your eyeshadow and helps it last longer. Apply a small amount of eye primer to your eyelids and blend it in with your finger.
- Choose the right eyeshadow: Choose an eyeshadow that is suitable for your skin type and the occasion. For a long-lasting effect, choose an eyeshadow that is highly pigmented and has a matte finish.
- Apply eyeshadow: Use an eyeshadow brush to apply eyeshadow all over your eyelids, starting from the inner corner and working your way outwards. Be sure to blend well for a natural look.
- Apply eyeliner: Use an eyeliner brush to apply eyeliner along your upper lash line, starting from the inner corner and working your way outwards. For a long-lasting effect, choose a waterproof eyeliner.
- Curl your lashes: Use an eyelash curler to curl your lashes before applying mascara. This will help to open up your eyes and make them look more awake.
- Apply mascara: Use a mascara wand to apply mascara to your upper and lower lashes. Be sure to wiggle the wand at the base of your lashes and work your way outwards for maximum volume.
- Fill in eyebrows: Use an eyebrow pencil or powder to fill in any sparse areas in your eyebrows. Be sure to choose a shade that matches your natural eyebrow color.
7. Lipstick
Lipstick is Excellent way to add color and definition to your lips, but it can be frustrating when it doesn’t last as long as you’d like. Here are some tips to help you apply lipstick for a long-lasting effect:
- Exfoliate your lips: Use a lip scrub or a soft toothbrush to gently exfoliate your lips and remove any dead skin cells. This will create a smooth base for your lipstick and help it last longer.
- Apply lip balm: Apply a thin layer of lip balm to your lips and let it absorb for a few minutes. This will help to hydrate your lips and create a smooth base for your lipstick.
- Apply lip liner: Use a lip liner that matches the shade of your lipstick to outline your lips and fill them in. This will help to prevent your lipstick from bleeding and make it last longer.
- Apply lipstick: Use a lip brush or the lipstick tube to apply lipstick all over your lips, starting from the center and working your way outwards.
- Blot with tissue: After applying lipstick, blot your lips with a tissue to remove any excess product.
- Apply second coat: Apply a second coat of lipstick using the same technique as before.
- Set with powder: Use a loose translucent powder applied with a fluffy brush to set your lipstick and make it last longer.
8. Setting Spray
Setting spray is a must-have product for anyone who wants their makeup to last all day long. Here are some ways that setting spray can help make your makeup last longer:
- Locks in makeup: Setting spray helps to lock in your makeup, preventing it from smudging or fading throughout the day.
- Reduces shine: If you have oily skin, setting spray can help to reduce shine and keep your skin looking matte.
- Hydrates skin: Many setting sprays contain hydrating ingredients that help to keep your skin looking fresh and dewy.
- Refreshes makeup: If your makeup starts to look tired or faded throughout the day, a quick spritz of setting spray can help to refresh your look.
Here are some steps to follow for using setting spray:
- Apply makeup: Apply your makeup as usual, making sure to blend well.
- Shake the bottle: Shake the setting spray bottle well before use.
- Hold the bottle at arm’s length: Hold the bottle about 8-10 inches away from your face.
- Spray evenly: Spray the setting spray evenly across your face, making sure to cover all areas.
- Let it dry: Allow the setting spray to dry completely before touching your face or applying additional products.
9. Mascara
Mascara is an amazing way to add volume and length to your lashes, but it can be frustrating when it doesn’t last as long as you’d like. Here are some tips to help you apply mascara for a long-lasting effect:
- Choose the right mascara: There are many different types of mascara available, so it’s important to choose one that is suitable for your lashes. Look for a mascara that is waterproof and smudge-proof for long-lasting wear.
- Curl your lashes: Use an eyelash curler to curl your lashes before applying mascara. This will help to open up your eyes and make them look more awake.
- Apply mascara: Use a mascara wand to apply mascara to your upper and lower lashes. Start at the base of your lashes and wiggle the wand back and forth as you move upwards. This will help to separate your lashes and prevent clumping.
- Apply second coat: Apply a second coat of mascara using the same technique as before.
- Use a lash comb: Use a lash comb to separate your lashes and remove any clumps.
- Set with powder: Use a loose translucent powder applied with a fluffy brush to set your mascara and make it last longer.
10. Eyeliner
Eyeliner is a fantastic way to define your eyes and add a touch of glamour to your makeup look. Here are some tips to help you apply eyeliner for a long-lasting effect:
- Choose the right eyeliner: There are many different types of eyeliner available, including pencil, liquid, and gel. Choose an eyeliner that is suitable for your skill level and the occasion.
- Prep your eyes: Follow the steps outlined in the previous section to prep your eyes before applying eyeliner.
- Apply primer: Use an eyelid primer to create a smooth base for your eyeliner and help it last longer.
- Apply eyeliner: Use an eyeliner brush or pencil to apply eyeliner along your upper lash line, starting from the inner corner and working your way outwards. For a long-lasting effect, choose a waterproof eyeliner.
- Set with powder: Use a loose translucent powder applied with a fluffy brush to set your eyeliner and make it last longer.
11. Eyebrow
Shaping and filling in your eyebrows is an essential step in achieving a long-lasting makeup look. Here are some tips to help you shape and fill in your eyebrows:
- Determine your eyebrow shape: The first step in shaping your eyebrows is to determine your natural eyebrow shape. Use a spoolie brush to brush your eyebrow hairs upwards, then use a pair of tweezers to remove any stray hairs that fall outside of your natural eyebrow shape.
- Fill in sparse areas: Use an eyebrow pencil or powder to fill in any sparse areas in your eyebrows. Use soft, short hair-like strokes beneath your brow to thicken and define the natural shape. You don’t want the line to look too dramatic, and you can always add on more strokes. You want the underside of your brow to be clearly defined and sharper looking, while allowing the top part and the rest of your brow to look naturally inexact and free flowing.
- Set with powder: Use a loose translucent powder applied with a fluffy brush to set your eyebrows and make it last longer.
- Consider microblading: Microblading is a semi-permanent tattooing technique that can help you achieve long-lasting, natural-looking eyebrows. It involves using a small blade to deposit pigment into the skin, creating hair-like strokes that mimic the look of natural eyebrow hairs. However, it’s important to consider the long-term effects of microblading before committing to the procedure.
12. Lip Gloss
Lip gloss is a wonderful way to add shine and moisture to your lips. Here are some tips to help you apply lip gloss for a long-lasting effect:
- Exfoliate your lips: Use a lip scrub or a soft toothbrush to gently exfoliate your lips and remove any dead skin cells. This will create a smooth base for your lip gloss and help it last longer.
- Apply lip balm: Apply a thin layer of lip balm to your lips and let it absorb for a few minutes. This will help to hydrate your lips and create a smooth base for your lip gloss.
- Choose the right shade: Choosing the right shade of lip gloss is important for achieving a natural look. Select the right lip gloss shade that complements your unique style and complexion.
- Apply lip liner: Use a lip liner that matches the shade of your lip gloss to outline your lips and fill them in. This will help to prevent your lip gloss from bleeding and make it last longer.
- Apply lip gloss: Use the applicator wand or a brush to apply the lip gloss all over your lips, starting from the center and working your way outwards.
- Blot with tissue: After applying lip gloss, blot your lips with a tissue to remove any excess product.
- Apply second coat: Apply a second coat of lip gloss using the same technique as before.
- Set with powder: Use a loose translucent powder applied with a fluffy brush to set your lip gloss and make it last longer.