Why isn't my makeup lasting?
- Inna Rakus
- Oct 12, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 9
Makeup must remain attractive and fresh throughout the day, as any woman who has experienced a significant event knows. But why is one make-up application perfect into the evening while the other lasts only a few hours? Many factors affect how long makeup lasts, and both professional practices and the science of cosmetic items are involved. Let's look at the main reasons why look can stay flawless all day long.

Taking care of your skin is the key to staying strong
The foundation of long-lasting makeup is properly prepped skin. Your makeup will "slip" or fade in a few hours if you are not well prepared.
Crucial steps to take
Cleaning: To enhance the uniform application and durability of makeup, excess sebum and impurities can be removed.
Moisturizing: Skin with properly balanced moisture levels is less likely to flake and become dry, which creates the perfect surface for makeup application.
Primer: Experts use primers to smooth skin texture and pores. Primers also help makeup "stick" to the skin by creating a barrier between the dermis and foundation.
Did you know: A lot of contemporary primers include silicones, which create a thin, imperceptible layer on the face to keep look from penetrating the pores and extending its wear time.
Durable foundations
The longevity of cosmetics is significantly influenced by foundation. Special compounds contained in long-lasting foundations increase their resistance to heat, moisture, and the natural oiliness of the skin.
Characteristics of durable foundations:
Composition: these foundations include polymers that create an invisible mesh on the epidermis, holding pigments in place. They may also contain oils that evaporate some time after application, leaving a matte finish.
Water-resistant: formulas protect makeup from being washed off by sweat or accidentally getting wet on the face.
Did you know: Modern foundations can stay on the skin for up to 24 hours thanks to developments in chemical engineering. Manufacturers use the latest technology to create a product that is resistant to temperature extremes, moisture, and oiliness.

Sustainability of eye and lip makeup
External factors can have a significant impact on eye and lip makeup - blinking, touching, eating, and drinking can ruin the look. However, modern products are designed with these factors in mind.
Eyeshadows and eyeliners: water-resistant formulas and shadow bases help eye makeup stay clear and color-saturated even in humid or hot conditions. Gel and cream textures of eyeliners and shadows often contain waxes or silicones that make them long-lasting and smudge-proof.
Lipstick: special pigments and oils included in long-lasting lipsticks slowly seep into the lips to leave a long-lasting hue. Water-resistant formulations and highly pigmented matte lipsticks are also in style.
Factual statement: water-resistant lip and eye products are made using volatile oils and silicones that evaporate after use, leaving the skin with a pigment that lasts for a long time.
Regulation of sebum production
Sebum, which is produced by the sebaceous glands, is one of the biggest threats to makeup's ability to last. Look loses its durability more quickly on oilier skin. Make-up can persist for hours if sebum production is controlled.
Using matting products can help regulate sebum production. Such products contain absorbent materials like microspheres or silicates, which absorb excess oil and prevent shine.
Cosmetics contain minuscule porous particles, such as silicon dioxide, that can absorb sebum throughout the day without leaving the skin feeling tight.
Proper Application Techniques
Even the most long-lasting products won't work effectively if they aren't applied correctly. Application techniques play a key role in the longevity of makeup.
Layering: putting makeup in thin layers helps it “bond” better to the skin and last longer. For example, applying foundation with a brush or wet sponge provides even coverage.
Sealing: It is recommended to give each layer of makeup a few seconds to “sit” before applying the next product.
Did you know: makeup artists often use the “baking” technique, where after applying foundation, a thick layer of powder is applied to areas prone to greasiness and then removed with a brush a few minutes later. This method helps to prolong the durability of makeup on these areas.
Last step
An essential last step is using setting powder and spray. "Sealing" the makeup begins with the application of foundation. Setting spray and powder are necessary for creating long-lasting makeup.
Powder: by absorbing extra sebum, the fine powder particles give your makeup a matte texture that keeps it from shining all day. Fixative spray: specialized sprays containing fixative agents help makeup remain longer by creating an imperceptible, thin coating that secures all of the makeup layers.
Did you know: Some fixative sprays contain polymers similar to those used in hairspray but adapted for the face. They allow your makeup to stay fresh all day long without being felt on the skin.
Conclusion
Persistent makeup is the consequence of carefully chosen materials, skilled skin preparation, and professional application procedures. Modern cosmetic advancements and achievements in the field of skin care enable you to produce images that preserve their freshness throughout the day, regardless of environmental conditions.
Sebum, which is produced by the sebaceous glands, is one of the most powerful adversaries of makeup longevity. The more oily the skin, the faster the makeup wears off. When sebum production is managed properly, makeup can last for hours.