What are your tricks for budge-proof, sweat-proof makeup?
I’ll use eyeshadow and face primer with setting powder and setting spray. I’ll opt for longer-wear products–like Marc Jacobs Highliners, which are the longest-wearing eyeliners for me–if I know I need that level of longevity. For base, I’ve been going sheerer rather than heavier (and also less dewy/luminous), so a nice tint but something that can be blended back into place if it does smudge or move. I’ve inherited my mom’s uber sweaty face (finally, something she gave me that I didn’t want!!), which has gotten more noticeable as I’ve gotten older.
— Christine
For eyes, absolutely a primer. UDPP used to be my absolutely most reliable eyeshadow primer but my newest tube – the one that – once again – has the doe foot applicator – doesn’t seem nearly as effective as the previous ones I’ve had (way back from the loathsome “genie” bottle through to the squeeze tubes, which I preferred) so now I rely on MAC’s primer (I just wish that tube had a narrow spout rather than the short, large opening it has). I’ve not been lucky with Marc Jacobs liners – they all dry up long before I can finish them – so I’ll set my pencil liner (usually Sephora, MAC or UD) with matching powder shadow. For face, generally I will just forego foundations in really steamy, sweaty weather (it feels icky having a layer of foundation on my face) and will use a mineral powder foundation if I feel I really need some coverage. And powders generally (setting or mattifying ones) are what I’ll use if I’m wearing a foundation or CC cream. I have a few setting type sprays but I tend to use them more for the freshening/cooling effect they provide than for actual longevity of my foundation.
I stopped using UD’s primer after they went to the doe foot. I hate the doe foot!
Whew – I’m glad it’s not just me. I can’t understand why they did it and why they didn’t just stay with that simple squeeze tube with the needle nose (I wish the MAC e/s primer had a nozzle/tip like that one). It’s not just the doe foot but almost like they changed the formula to work with the doe foot (the formula of the genie bottle primer was better, it seemed to me, even though the bottle design itself was stupidly wasteful).
Glad I am not the only one who hates doe foot. The Urban Decay Primer and the Too Faced Concealer are the two amazing products I won’t repurchase because of that.
I’m having a devil of a time finding smudge-proof pencil liners. Even popular longwear/waterproof liners like the UD 24/7 and Clio Sharp So Simple liner smudge on me after a while. I’ve heard good things about those Marc Jacobs pencil liners. My favorite pencil/gel liner is the sadly discontinued (last I looked) gel pot liners from Clinique—so amazing I may check out their pencil liners to see if they have the same magic.
MJB’s Highliners are the longest-wearing on me – UD doesn’t last as long (though lasts long enough for me, like 8-10 hours) but is easier to remove.
ah, thanks! Good to know!
I’m in the Urban Decay gang, never found Marc Jacobs Highliner long wearing on me. My mom won’t use anything else than Blaquer from MJH, she vouches she could wear it for days if she doesn’t remove it properly with oil and butters. 😆 She’s not a skincare junkie, she doesn’t wear any other make-up than mascara and eyeliner, she just washes her face with soap and water. She’s one of those unicorns that have great skin no matter what, she looks like my slightly older sister. Genetics weren’t kind to me. 😆
Your ma is a true unicorn! UD isn’t the *worst* on me, better than many. Now I recall liking a MJ deluxe mini once so while I’m no unicorn I may have to go with your mom on this one.
I’m the opposite of Christine. Probably oily eyes. The MJBs are instantly gone, but UDs are fine. More people have luck with the MJBs than do not. IDK about Clinique pencils, but they do not have the buzz that the Pop cheek line does.
Maybe I’ll luck out and find a sleeper holy grail in Clinique lol. At least the MJ route could work.
Did you try Clio’s other liners? I got their “Gelpresso” liner recently (labeled as waterproof) and was impressed. I haven’t played around too much yet though.
I have not, although I have seen them! I might grab one next time I place an order. Thanks for the rec!
Mostly by setting my base products with RMCA No Color Powder and then spritzing everything with UD All Nighter setting spray. But my very first step is priming my face with a good pore minimizing, oil controlling face primer like Smashbox has or good old Monistat Anti-chaffing Gel Powder. Also, I always have to prime my hooded, still somewhat oily lids before I DARE apply eyeshadows. That never changes no matter what time of year we happen to be in.
Oops! I forgot to mention that for eyeliners, I use Smashbox Fishnet Always On Eye Pencil for my upper tightline and for whenever else I want a pitch black immovable pencil liner, MAC Blacktrack Fluidline for bulletproof wings, and UD 24/7 and Sephora Contour Pencils for any colorful eyeliner that doesn’t budge once set.
I do wish that I was still able to get Essence Midnight In Paris Gel Liner, though. It was even better than MAC’s Fluidline!
For reference, I have really oily skin, so all of these tips won’t work for everyone.
*Practice good skin care, so that you’re not fighting dehydrated patches, etc.
*If you’re going outside or going to be inside without AC, less is more. I forego complicated eye looks, contouring, and such if I know I’ll be hot and sweaty.
*Wear a facial sunscreen that absorbs all the way/dries down. I like Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch.
*Eye primer that dries down all the way is always a must. Too Faced Shadow Insurance is still the best for me so far, though I have a couple new ones to try this summer. UD Primer Potion works pretty well, too. For drug store, I’d recommend Milani Eyeshadow Primer.
*Powder both under and over foundation. If it’s a light-to-medium coverage day, I’ll opt for powder foundation. Keep layers thin, or they’ll look cakey. Then use a setting spray before putting on color products.
*If I need more coverage I use a face primer and a liquid foundation. I find Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H Long Lasting Foundation holds up best for me. I have tried it in temps in the 110°-115° F range. I apply with a damp beauty blender to keep it from settling into my forehead lines.
*Setting spray after foundation and powders, and again after makeup is done.
*If you’ll be outdoors or inside without AC: Avoid cream products such as blush, highlighter, contour, eyeshadows, etc. Avoid creamy pencil eyeliners. If I bother with eyeliner, I go with liquid or a pot liner that dries down all the way.
*Use blotting papers throughout the day instead of adding more powder, which will just get cakey and not help makeup longevity.
For powder eyeshadow, I swear by NYX Proof It Waterproof Eyeshadow Primer. I think it’s better than more expensive primers.
Other than that, I use products that have great lasting power without primers, like Estée Lauder Double Wear Makeup, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils, Benefit Goof Proof and Precisely My Brow Eyebrow Pencils, and Clinique Cheek Pop Blushes. One of my favorite products is Laura Mercier Caviar Stick. They last all day without primer, and I even use them as liner for my bottom lashline. Marc Jacobs Highliners are even better than UD 24/7 eye pencils, but I wish they could be sharpened because they’re too thick and they tend to dry out.
When it comes to budge proof and sweat proof make-up, it’s more of a natural look for me.
It all starts with a matifying SPF, preferably mineral (zinc oxide based) let to completely sink into the skin. No primer… ok… Maybe Hourglass Mineral Veil, since it has extra SPF (if I sweat, I assume I am outside to an event or something).
Foundation is key, I know I need Estee Lauder Double Wear or MAC Prolongwear Waterproof. Trust me, my vain 20 years old self did hikes and mud runs with that on her face. The key is to apply small layers and let them fully dry out.
Setting powder is key. I would go with Estee Lauder Matte Powder foundation or MAC Bloting powder. If I go to a wedding or event were I can touch up, I would take the powder with me.
If it’s a formal event, I would keep my eyeshadow look simple, all matte shadows. ABH eye primer is a must for long lasting looks.
I would actually skip brow pencil and use only the Benefit Gimme Brow, I have already tested that out and it’s budge proof in high humidity.
A waterproof mascara is a must.
And for lips I would keep it matte and neutral if it’s a formal or slightly formal event. If it’s something casual and active, just a lip balm with SPF.
I would love more detail in all of this good advice. For instance there are many raves about Estee
lauder Double Wear Makeup. All of the following are Double Wear. Which one should I try? EL Double Wear Stay in Place liquid? Matte Powder? Soft Matte Hydra? Cushion BB? Water Fresh Makeup? Maximum Cover Camouflage?
I think that most people refer to the classic Stay in Place liquid foundation… the one that everybody also hates you have to separately buy the pump. 😆
https://www.esteelauder.com/product/643/22830/product-catalog/makeup/face/foundation/double-wear/stay-in-place-makeup
That’s what I was guessing and appreciate your confirmation.
Hi Jan,
I’m assuming everyone who mentions EL Double Wear is referring to the ELDW Stay in Place Makeup – the classic “best selling foundation in America”. (I use it too, and find it unbudgeable.)
Good to know! I have way too many foundations that don’t work for me and if I purchase another it will be this one that is always highly praised.
I have a great simple skincare regime that works for me.. however I switched my day moisturizer to the bioderma sebium. I spray MAC fix plus over it and then use concealer and a little powder to set. I use PMG Sublime foundation and only a small amount if i want. My joy is eye make up but I find that I am not using concealer as a base, but either the Mac primer or a cream eye shadow from a pencil or pot as the base and dusting the eye shadow over it. Highlighter is a must but I have been using my liquid and cream products with my Chanel Tan De Soleil as bronzer.. it all seems to blend in nicely throughout the day and I don’t look over done. I have also moved all my lip gloss and luster lipsticks to the front
When the temperature is really hot and the humidity high (Melbourne in summer!), I tend to use either the La Roche Posay Ultra Light sunscreen Factor 50 as a primer or the Skin Physics Supermoist 50+. These work pretty well. I don’t bother with an eyeshadow primer, unless I am going somewhere special.
If I want such a primer, I just use the Nude by Nature Airbrush primer on top of the sunscreen and on my eyes and hope for the best.
I use a matte foundation, matte blush and a translucent mattifying powder to set my makeup. It usually works pretty well.
The La Roche Posay sunscreens for oily skin make amazing primers! Unfortunately I find that the ones I bought here in the US are not as great quality as the ones I used to buy in Europe.