Let’s be honest, we all put in some effort in the morning, making ourselves presentable — no matter if it simply involves a tinted moisturiser and some mascara or the full 30-minute face application.

However, usually by the time 4pm hits, we glance at our reflection in the mirror and think: “I’m sure I did my make-up this morning . . . where did it go?” And never is this more true than on Christmas Day when you’re running around preparing foods, kissing rellies and unwrapping presents.

With my tips, you can tackle Christmas with a great face of make-up and know that it’ll be there at the end of the day.

Before you apply foundation

A clear sign that your skin needs extra hydration is when your make-up does a disappearing act. As disturbing as it sounds, if your skin is thirsty for moisture, it will literally drink make-up for hydration. Address this with a moisturiser that is more suited to your skin. I prefer a rich moisturiser at night and a lighter one during the day.

The next step is critical for long-lasting make-up — use a primer. Generally, all primers consist of the same ingredients: a silicone base with some extra vitamins. Choose the primer that feels the best to you. Different levels of silicone will mean extra “filler” for example. If you have quite large and open pores, scarring or deep lines, a lighter silicone base won’t be enough. You can also use specialised primers, such as a pore minimiser or line filler.

Look at it this way; a painter wouldn’t paint a canvas without a priming base coat, as this protects the canvas and the paint, as well as ensures the painting has a longer life. Make-up artists work on the same principle. A primer prepares the skin for the foundation, smooths out any inconsistencies and keeps make-up lasting all day.

I use my foundation brush to apply primer as it softens and also prepares my brush for the foundation.

Set your foundation

Always make sure you set your foundation with a powder. There are so many different powders available that it can be quite confusing. Powders can be compact or loose — I generally go for compact.

A powder can also add coverage — this is more about how you apply it. If you lightly dust your powder, you will find that it acts as a setting agent, which you can reapply throughout the day. If you firmly buff your powder in circular motions, you will get far more coverage and a more matt effect.

Powders can also be used to control the colour of your foundation. For example, if you choose a foundation that is slightly too golden, you could counteract this with a pink-based powder. You may decide to go for the option of a translucent powder (one with minimal colour and maximum setting capabilities). Rice mineral powders are incredible for absorbing excess oil.

What about the eyes?

If your eye shadow is giving you trouble and your 4pm glance in the mirror shows a streaking line through your eyelids, you will need to use some powder on your eyelids before you apply eye shadow. Eyelids are one of the oiliest parts of the face, which is why the eye shadow starts to crease.

Do you have panda eyes at 4pm? Pencils are usually a cream-based product, and will melt in the sun. Eyes are a warmer area, which is why the pencils tend to move. Take some of your translucent powder, or if you prefer a little more depth, use an eye shadow over the top of your eye pencil. Another good tip is to apply the pencil with a brush, instead of straight on to the skin. Colour your pencil into the back of your hand and lift it up with an angled brush.

Don’t do this at home — or anywhere

Lastly, there are several make-up setting sprays on the market designed to lightly mist the face and refresh the make-up. I’ve met too many women who think hairspray will do the same thing — it won’t. Don’t use hairspray on your face. Not ever.

You should ideally only ever need to carry a lipstick, gloss and a powder with you during the day. Spend a little extra time in the morning doing your all-day make-up correctly and it will save you having to reapply it halfway through the day. This way you can get on with enjoying Christmas rather than worrying if your make-up still looks OK.

For those with oily skin

If you feel as though your foundation is dripping off or your skin is quite glossy — this is an indication you have excess oil in your skin. It’s not all bad, people with oily skin tend to age better.

To keep your make-up lasting, use a foundation with a matte finish. If you’re not too sure, test it: put a small amount on to the back of your hand and blend it in a little. If it sets and becomes harder to blend away, your foundation is matte.

Go for a fresh and warming cheek tint and lip shade to give you a healthy flush, without looking overdone.

 

© The West Australian

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