8 tricks for making your foundation stay all day

With the heat ramping up and humidity arriving about the same time your foundation is doing a disappearing act, it’s time to take action. Otherwise you face another summer with a shiny forehead and a dewy sweat-moustache, with your makeup nowhere to be found. 

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A warning: Keeping your foundation on and still looking perfect by the end of the day can be done, but it takes work. Each one of the steps below will help a little more than not doing anything, but collectively they work brilliantly, they just take time and effort.

Refine your skincare routine

Making sure you’re using the right products for your skin type, as well as optional extras like a hydrating serum and an exfoliating acid will create a balanced base that is smooth and wont produce extra oil that can make a slip-and-slide for any colour that goes on top.
bh loves: Dermalogica Daily resurfacer, $135

Make friends with primer

If primer always seemed like an unnecessary step you might not have found the right one. They really come into their own in summer, when they create a smooth canvas for your foundation to adhere to. While there has been a step away from silicone primers to more dewy, water-based versions - they’re still the best option for makeup longevity!
bh loves: The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer, $14.70

Choose a long-wearing foundation formulation

There are so many great long-wearing formulations around now, you can find good options at every price point. A lightweight matte version has great staying power. If you have oily skin look for a water-based or oil-free formula.
bh loves:  Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation, $86
Clinique Beyond Perfecting Super Concealer 24-Hour Wear, $42

Master your application

You want to apply foundation sparingly, starting from the centre of your face and using a sponge or brush to buff outwards. Slowly building one thin layer of a full-coverage formula will last much longer and look more natural than just packing on a thick mask of colour.  Spot apply extra concealer just to cover any blemishes still visible.
bh loves:  Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge x 2, $35.99

Use powder sparingly

Dust lightly across your T-Zone, under your eyes and on your chin or any areas prone to shine, rather than uniformly covering your entire face. If you’re not a huge fan of powder, try Hourglass’s Ambient Lighting Powders. They will set your makeup and blur your complexion in the most flattering way without appearing obvious or settling in lines.
bh loves: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder, $73

Try a setting spray

Another item that suffers a reputation for being a bit gimmicky, but in reality works brilliantly, is setting spray. It’s a go-to makeup artists rely on for events, because of its ability to keep colour from transferring.
bh loves: Max Factor Lasting Performance Setting Spray, $25.99

Have a touch-up plan

If you go straight in with a brush and more foundation all you’re going to do is move any excess oil around your face along with any makeup that’s still remaining. Instead, carefully absorb shine by dabbing with blotting paper and then re-apply any extra colour with a sponge, pressing on gently just in the areas that need it
bh loves: Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Blotting Papers, $27

Stop touching your face

Sounds simple but you’re proabably doing it more than you think! The warmth of your hands can remove makeup quickly so try and go ‘hands free’ as much as you can.

What's your go-to long-wearing foundation?