No matter how handy you are with your makeup and tools, it is inevitable that sometimes your makeup will shift or wear off quickly.

Heat, oil production, touching your face, and sweat can all affect how your makeup wears. If you plan to wear your makeup for an extended period, expect to make a touch-up or two to keep it looking fresh.

Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to help lock your makeup in for longer and prevent creasing around the eyes and mouth areas.

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Foundation will always look better on smooth, exfoliated skin, so be sure to use an AHA or BHA gel regularly, and/or a very gentle scrub in the shower. Even a damp facecloth or muslin cloth used with your cleanser will help shift dead skin cells and smooth your skin.

Using a toner before makeup application will remove any last scraps of makeup or debris, and will refresh and moisturise the skin's surface. Once your skin is clean and exfoliated, it's time to prime.

If your skin is dry, go in with a nourishing moisturiser ten minutes before applying your foundation - but don't overdo it. If your skin is oily and has a tendency to go shiny, choose a mattifying primer. For normal or combination skin types, go for a lightweight primer to give you a smooth canvas. Unless you're after a very dewy, natural finish, don't apply facial oils before foundation. Save these for your nighttime routine.

Beauty Guru Product Recommendations

Anti-aging AHA Exfoliant for sun-damaged skin: Paula's Choice AHA Gel or Liquid NZD$40

Anti-aging BHA Exfoliant for blemish prone skin: Paula's Choice BHA Gel or Liquid NZD$40

Gentle exfoliating scrub: Goodness Every Week Face Scrub $15.99

Primer for dry skin: Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Moisturiser NZD$40

Primer for normal skin: Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Light NZD$76 or BareMinerals Prime Time Foundation Primer NZD $38

Primer for oily skin: Dermalogica HydraBlur Primer NZD$94 or Paula's Choice Shine Stopper Instant Matte NZD$36

Primer for ultimate longevity: Hourglass Veil Primer NZD$32 - $196. Suitable for all skin types.

(For $15 off your first Paula's Choice order click here)

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Not all foundations are created equal. If your goal is longevity, be sure to choose a specific long-lasting foundation. The technology in makeup these days in incredible, with many brands offering truly outstanding long-lasting foundation options. Long-wearing formulas usually offer a medium to full coverage; if you'd like a lighter look, use less product and buff it out with a big stippling brush. Generally, you will need to work quickly over small areas before the foundation sets.

If you want your makeup to stay put, as a rule, avoid anything with a dewy finish. Lightweight tints, BB and CC creams generally aren't long-wearing, so avoid these if you need coverage for the long haul. If your foundation is lovely but doesn't last as long as you'd like, consider altering your routine and adding some extras in (see section number three).

Beauty Guru Long-Wearing Foundation Picks

M.A.C ProLong Wear Foundation and Concealer
Estee Lauder Double Wear
NARS All Day Luminous Foundation
L'Oreal True Match Foundation
L'Oreal Infallible Foundation
Revlon Colourstay Liquid Foundation

Long-wear foundations tend to be more on the matte side and can make your skin look dry. If your skin is dry, counter this with a moisturising base and/or primer before application.

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If you're serious about creating a long-lasting look, it's time to bring in the big guns.

Setting sprays are a wonderful way of locking in your makeup. Some setting sprays (like M.A.C Fix Plus Spray) are like spray on toners and give the skin a lovely dewy finish. However, these sprays won't make your makeup last longer.
The best in the business is the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray - now available in NZ via the Mecca website here. I adore this magic spray and use it on all my makeup clients.
Setting foundation with powder is an effective way of locking your makeup in, but too much powder can leave the skin looking a little dry or flat. If you like a matte finish, go for gold and powder lightly all over your face. If you'd like to set your makeup and achieve a natural finish, use a transparent white setting powder around the nose, eyes, chin and forehead on a small brush to lock in your makeup.
The M.A.C Pre + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder is amazing for all skin types and doesn't add any colour or extra coverage to the skin.

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Makeup has a tendency to settle and crease in certain areas like around the eyes and the mouth. Here are some top tips to prevent creasing.

Avoid super greasy eye creams or face creams before applying your makeup (unless you have very dry skin). Give your moisturiser a good ten to fifteen minutes to soak in before makeup application.
Tone your skin first to create a fresh canvas for makeup - I always tone eyelids as they are surprisingly oily. Always choose a gentle alcohol-free toner.
Use a primer under the eyes and around the mouth. I love the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion and the Hourglass Mineral Veil for this purpose
Use a Beauty Blender Sponge to pat and press your makeup around these areas. Rubbing makeup in can move it around and leave a patchy finish. Press, rather than rub.
Spray your Beauty Blender with makeup setting spray to moisten it before use. This will help to further lock in your makeup.
Don't overdo your application. Layers and layers of foundation and concealer around the eyes can end up cakey and settle into fine lines. Go light with your application. Use a high-coverage concealer and pat in the tiniest amount.
If makeup does start to settle into creases, pat it out again with your fingertips or a Beauty Blender.
SET everything. Use a tiny amount of transparent setting powder on a small fluffy brush to set concealer around the eyes and mouth.
Take your Beauty Blender, brush, concealer and powder out with you. If it's a special occasion and you want to look flawless, do a little face check every few hours. A quick pat with fingers will often be enough to blend out any creasing - avoid rubbing and smearing makeup around your face.
Try not to touch your face once your makeup is finished. The warmth of your hands can shift makeup.

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When it comes to cosmetic colour and formulas today, we are spoilt for choice. If you want your makeup to last, be sure to opt for long-lasting options that will see you through the day (or night).

Eyes

Always apply an eyeshadow base to prevent creasing. I love M.A.C Paint Pots for this purpose.
Choose a smudge-proof or waterproof mascara.
Line your eyes with a budge-proof liner like the Kat Von D Tattoo Liner or M.A.C Fluidline.
Do your eye makeup first and wipe underneath your eyes with a makeup wipe before applying foundation.

Brows

Use a brow pomade or waxy pencil for long-lasting brow definition.
Set your brows in place with a clear or tinted brow gel.

Cheeks

Apply a cream blush then a powder blush on top to set (use both products sparingly).
Layer your highlight in the same fashion - powder over cream.

LIPS

Opt for a long-wearing liquid lipstick that will not shift. Try Kat Von D, Mellow, and Jeffery Star.
For extra staying power, apply a lip liner to the entire lip surface first.
Avoid wearing gloss over your lipstick. Glosses move pigment around.
Avoid layering lipsticks over lip balm. Apply a thick layer of balm, leave on for ten, then remove before colour application.

5 Tips To Prevent Creasing & Help Your Makeup Last Longer