How to Make Your Makeup Last All Day (and Night)

Your wedding day is one of the longest—and most photographed—days of your life, so ensuring your makeup stays flawless from morning to night is essential. Here are some tried-and-true tips to keep your makeup looking fresh and beautiful all day long:

1. Start with a Clean, Moisturized Base

Great makeup begins with well-prepped skin. Cleanse your face to remove any dirt and oil, then apply a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer. This creates a smooth canvas for your makeup and helps it adhere better throughout the day. For oily skin, consider using a mattifying moisturizer to control shine.

2. Use a Primer

Primer is a must for long-lasting makeup. It helps to smooth out your skin’s texture, minimizes pores, and creates a barrier between your skin and makeup, ensuring it stays put. Apply a primer suited to your skin type—whether hydrating, mattifying, or pore-filling—before your foundation.

3. Choose Long-Wearing Foundation

For a flawless finish that lasts, opt for a long-wearing, full-coverage foundation. These formulas are designed to stay in place for hours without fading or breaking down. Apply your foundation with a damp makeup sponge or brush, blending it well for a natural, seamless look.

4. Set with Powder

Setting your makeup with a translucent powder is key to locking it in place. Focus on areas

that tend to get oily, like your T-zone, to prevent shine and keep your foundation from moving and creasing. For added staying power, lightly dust your entire face with a setting powder.

5. Waterproof Everything

From your mascara to your eyeliner, choosing waterproof formulas can be helpful, especially if you’ll be crying tears of joy. Waterproof products are designed to withstand moisture, sweat, and tears, ensuring your makeup stays flawless all day.

6. Layer Your Products

Layering your makeup products can enhance their longevity. For example, start with a cream blush or bronzer, then set it with a matching powder product. This layering technique helps your makeup stay vibrant and in place longer.

7. Use a Setting Spray

A setting spray is like a magic potion that locks your entire makeup look in place. Spritz a generous amount over your finished makeup to seal it and prevent it from smudging or fading throughout the day. There are different types of setting sprays—some offer a dewy finish, while others help control oil and keep your makeup matte.

8. Invest in Quality Products and Tools

The quality of your makeup products matters, but so does the quality of your tools. Using high-quality brushes, like my own line of professional brushes, ensures that your makeup applies smoothly and evenly. Plus, regularly cleaned brushes are essential for maintaining both your skin's health and the performance of your makeup. Clean your brushes after each use to avoid bacteria buildup and ensure they last longer.

9. Carry a Touch-Up Kit

Even with the best products and techniques, touch-ups are sometimes necessary. Carry a small touch-up kit with essentials like blotting papers, powder, lipstick, and a concealer stick. And remember, I provide a complimentary touch-up kit to all my brides and bridesmaids, or anyone who books my full makeup services, so you’ll have everything you need to stay picture-perfect.

10. Avoid Touching Your Face

It’s easy to forget, but touching your face can transfer oils and bacteria, which can break down your makeup. Try to avoid touching your face as much as possible, and use a tissue or blotting paper if you need to dab away any oil or sweat.

11. Drink Plenty of Water

Hydrated skin is happy skin, and drinking plenty of water can keep your skin looking fresh and radiant. Staying hydrated helps maintain your skin’s elasticity, which means your makeup will look better and last longer. Plus, it’s a great way to keep your energy up throughout the day!

By following these tips and investing in high-quality products and tools, you can ensure that your makeup looks as flawless at the end of the night as it did at the beginning of your special day. With the right preparation, you'll be ready to celebrate in style without worrying about your makeup fading or smudging.