How do you make your foundation last longer?

I’ll do a light dusting of loose powder on my skin, let that sink in an absorb any oiliness from my skincare. Then, I’ll apply a sheer layer all over my skin and build up only where I need the most coverage. I try to let that absorb/set for about five minutes prior to applying a setting powder and then a setting spray.

— Christine

17 Comments

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Mariella Avatar

I rarely wear foundation but if I do and need it to last, I use a “trick” I learned from a sales person at Inglot – I add a drop of Duraline to the foundation and it makes for a really nice application and the foundation really lasts and lasts.

Jane Avatar

Never heard of that product. Many have to try that especially as a more mature (in age, I hope in character too, ha!) woman that has been depending on light powdering to fix for the summer. One less layer helps! Thanks!

Nancy T Avatar

Get my skin prepped and primed before application of my foundation. While waiting for my foundation to fully set/dry, I do my concealer and set the under-eye area, plus my oily areas with my RMCA No Color setting powder on my beauty sponge, then dust my entire face minus lids and lips with finishing powder after doing my eyes, but before cheeks and lips. Will use a setting spray for events or longer days.

Cara Avatar

I apply Embryollise Lait-Creme Concentre (fall/winter) or Belif Aqua Bomb (spring/summer), primer (Nars Pore & Shine or Tatcha Liquid Silk Canvas) and foundation with a damp sponge. Once set, I use the same sponge to press Hourglass Veil powder into my tzone. After everything else is finished, I set with UD De-Slick. My go to long wear foundation is MAC Studio Fix Fluid

Ana Maria Avatar

It’s complicated….
First, the “secret” for me it’s the combo of an SPF, primer and foundation that can go well together; took me years of trying, with many fails, but now I know the formulas that work together for me.
Second, the minimum amount of product must be applied (that’s why I love full coverage formulas, a single pump or even a half is enough) and the layers need to be dried down (I usually wait 3-5 minutes after SPF and 1 minute after primer).
Third, powder is a must. 😀

For me the perfect combo is any of the combo skin SPF from Paula’s Choice, Paula’s Choice Primer + SPF, and any of Estee Lauder Double Wear or MAC ProLongwear Waterproof set with MAC Studio Fix Powder + Foundation.
Applied in small quantities it looks very natural, not cakey and it lasts a long time… long travel (11 flight + 3 hour layover + another 3 hours flight), mud races, Spartan races, Death Valley hikes… I don’t try things like this more than 1-2 a year… but when I have to, I know it will last. 😀

Jane Avatar

Like you, it’s taken time and also like you I’m light with the quantities. The only difference is that due to age, I tend to use foundations that are medium cover or similar to tints that cover evenly. Pat McGrath’s Skin Fetish, Estee Lauder’s Double Wear Nude Water Fresh (discontinued, boo hoo!), Clinique’s Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation SPF 20 and even an oldie that worked well today, Lancôme’s Teint Visionnaire Skin Perfection Makeup Duo, work well with my serum, primer, foundation, powder and Tilbury filter (for glow) combo.

Jane Avatar

Like you I’ve been patting in deep, but without disturbing the foundation a light powder during the summer. I sometimes put it over my primer or cream before foundation, but often I may just put a bit in the center areas of my face after foundation and then a bit Hollywood Flawless Filter (Tilbury) to bring back some glow.

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