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The 8 best long-lasting makeup products: powders, primers, and lipsticks that stay put from 7am until midnight
The products I know I can rely on...
‘tis the season of shorter days, longer nights and as the majority of us get use to our party season back in the office the majority of the week, we need to make sure that our makeup is not doing us dirty and disappearing off of our faces by lunchtime. And if there is anyone that you can trust with recommendations for long-lasting makeup, it’s me. I’m not one to toot my own horn but as someone that does 6am starts to present on This Morning and then legs it to the office for a full day at my laptop and then goes to dinner or drinks, I know a little something about the makeup items that actually work all damn day.
I have combination/oily skin and therefore do reach for matte or satin finishes naturally, but, I will say, even if you have dry skin, dewy finishes and or creamy textures very rarely equal long-lasting. Matte finishes do not have to be flat and thick and you’ll see via my round-up below that you can achieve a skin-like look without compromising on the natural look.
Charlotte Tilbury AIRBRUSH FLAWLESS SETTING SPRAY MATTE
While I do like the OG version of this setting spray this new matte version is a game changer. It mists on seamlessly with no big droplets and sets down well leaving a satin matte finish versus the dewier look of the original.
I first put it to the test after doing a day at work before whacking on more makeup and heading out to the British Hairdressing Awards. I misted over my skin tint that I already had on and then applied a full coverage base on top before looking it in with a final spritz. It lasted all night and I didn't look cakey at all. Sold.
I so so so rate this affordable primer. It's grippy AF but doesn't feel weirdly sticky and absolutely doesn't pill. The trick is to apply it to your hands first and warm up before applying, and then wait around 30 seconds before you apply foundation. Honestly it seems small but makes such a difference to the smoothness of your application and the grippiness of the primer.
I have to admit, when I first got this, I was so confused as to how to use it. I'd even listened to sweet Danessa herself explain the power of this blurring balm IRL. I think it's because there are so many ways to use it so let me streamline it for you.
The best way to use this for all day flawlessness is as a primer but it can be used as a setting balm, a highlight or a contour balm too. I love the universal shade the most but if you like super-full coverage then a tinted shade is perfect. Scoop out a little with the spatula and pop on the back of your hand, softening and then apply with a soft brush to your T-zone.
There was much furore about this lil pen when it hit the store. With so many shoppers unimpressed by the 'inconsistency' of the product pay off. But despite it being a bit of a misundertood product it has quickly become one of my ride-or-die long-lasting lip buys and to ensure good colour pay-off each time I simply store it upside down. Bingo!
I hate to do any kind of lip without a lip liner and this one genuinely stays put all day. I use the shade rich brown to create a deep nude lip and I don't have to worry about it all day.
No need for microblading over here, this wax sets brows and they do not budge. Beware, you only need the smallest amount to brush through and keep set, and if you use too much you will be at risk of a little flaking.
The true icon in the matte long-lasting makeup game. Cosmo Beauty Team's resident matte makeup lover, Lia is the biggest fan of this stating in her review on site; "While the coverage is elite, the wear is this foundation's USP. Over a few weeks of testing, the longest I wore it for (at one time) was 14 hours... 'Twas a long day. And while it showed in my demeanour, it didn't show on my face. My foundation was more or less intact at the end of the day, and above all, shine was controlled throughout."
I hate having to constantly check my lip when I'm wearing anything other than nude and this liquid lipstick is the only bright shade i trust to no move about my face throughout the day. I swear you could mainline a BLT baguette for lunch and still have a flawless French lip.
I swear by this incredible powder for the best enhanced setting. When I need a full 16 hour+ kinda makeup look I reach for this and then set with my Charlotte Tilbury. But on a day-today this powder is more than enough. I use a soft flat brush and dust around my undereyes, T-zone and chin.
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
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