How to make your makeup last 12 + hours (without ruining your makeup)
You know the moment when your makeup starts to slide just before the photos, or worse, halfway through your big day?
Whether you're a bride, a guest, or just have a long day ahead, there’s nothing worse than makeup that fades, cakes, or disappears.
As a bridal makeup artist, my job is to make sure skin looks like skin, but better, and holds through emotion, flash photos, dancing and everything in between. Here’s how I help my clients (and myself) stay flawless for 12+ hours, no over powdering, no crusty touch ups, no stress.
Start with skin that’s prepped, Not just primed
Primer is essential, but skin prep really is the secret.
I always start with lightweight hydration and then choose a primer based on skin type:
Oily or Combo Skin? I love a gripping primer that helps makeup stay locked in.
Dry or Textured Skin? Hydrating primer smooths and softens before foundation ever touches the skin.
This step alone can make or break how your base wears.
2. Use Strategic Cream + Powder Layering
You don’t need heavy makeup to get long wear. You need smart layering.
Cream blush - later followed by powder blush.
Cream contour - later sealed with bronzer.
Thinly applied foundation - later set with light powder in the right areas only.
Think wet/creams first, then the powders to seal and make your products truly dazzle. This is exactly how I build long lasting, skin like glam for my brides, so everything blends seamlessly, but lasts beautifully.
3. Lock It In Like You Mean It (Yes, SettiNG Spray Twice)
Here’s a trick most people skip: use setting spray twice.
Once right after the base is done, and again at the end of your routine. Think of it like hairspray for your face, but without the crunch!
I swear by this for keeping makeup fresh for long events, long workdays, or destination weddings.
My Go-To Stapes (From My Actual Kit):
These are truly products I reach for over and over:
#ad
Jones Road Miracle Balm -That effortless glow that actually wears well.
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation - It wears like second skin, is self setting (no powder needed) and photographs beautifully.
Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick - A subtle light catching finish that flatters every skin tone.
I love sharing products I actually use (and refill). They’re just reliable.
Want Help Choosing What’s Best for You?
Also to add that every skin type is different. If you’re not sure what will give you the best results, I created a simple Skin Type Quiz here that’ll help you get the the root of it. and pick products/tips that truly work for you.
