Outfit Details: Tshirt: Express // Jeans: Nordstrom
Alright guys, I know the struggle. You spend a bunch of time doing your makeup only to have your skin look all shiny a few hours into your day with your makeup basically sliding off your face. I’ve been there!
I was getting so frustrated because I put a lot of time and effort into getting my makeup to look the way I wanted and then it looks nothing like it did when I finished just a couple hours later. Finally, after trying TONS of products and really working on my skincare & makeup routines, I have figured out a solution to keep my skin looking matte and my makeup fresh for the entire day!
Below I’m listing my tips to prep your skin as well as my holy grail makeup products that keep my makeup looking great all day. All product links are listed in gold and also at the end of the post!
Skin Prep
You can use the best beauty products in the world and if you don’t prep your skin correctly they will never look great. BUT, it is super easy to prep your skin for makeup once you get into a routine of doing so!
Exfoliate!
I struggled with flaky skin for YEARS and I realized I was either not exfoliating enough or too much. I’ve found two amazing products that keep my face flake free and are still gentle on my skin. I use Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant every morning to wash my face. This is a super gentle exfoliate that also hydrates my skin and doesn’t cause breakouts. On Monday and Friday evenings I use Saturday Skin’s Rub-A-Dub Refining Peel Gel for a heavier exfoliation to really get rid of any built up dead skin / dirt. Both of these products have done wonders for my skin and make prepping for makeup application super easy!
Moisturize
Finding the perfect moisturizer for your skin type can be tough, but just keep trying out different ones that have reviews closest to what you experience with your skin and eventually you will find your perfect match! Currently I use Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream in the evenings to lock in moisture overnight and Belif’s The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb in the mornings for a lighter but still hydrating feel. Both of these have worked really well with my acne prone skin (aka no breakouts caused!). Moisturizing is key becasue, going back to #1, you don’t want the flakies coming out when you’re trying to put on that flawless face!
Makeup Primer
I know some people deem makeup primers unnecessary, but trust me they are a must! You don’t have to spend a fortune either. There are TONS of good primers out there and, just like finding the perfect moisturizer, it can take time to find the best one for you. If you have oily skin definitely look for a matte primer, but if you also have dry skin like me look for a hydrating matte primer. I use the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer and I noticed a huge difference from day one of using it! It is almost like putting another lotion on my face and it instantly blurs imperfections.
Foundation
Liquid Foundation
I have tried SO many foundations ranging from $5 to $50 and have finally found one that works well with my skin. I use the Estée Lauder Double Wear and it has worked miracles for my skin! This one is a bit on the pricier side, but I have been using it everyday for the past 5 months and still have almost half of the bottle left. I noticed that with some of the cheaper foundations I had to use a lot more and ran out fairly quickly, so to me spending more for the Double Wear is DEFINITELY worth it!
That being said, everyone’s skin is different so just keep trying different foundations out until you find the one that works for you. I know Sephora will give you samples of as many different foundations that you want to try with enough for 2-3 uses for free! Finding the right foundation is key if you want your makeup to last all day.
Powder Foundation
To keep my makeup matte and oil free throughout the day one of my MUST HAVE products is my MAC Stuido Fix Pressed Powder Foundation. I put a light coat on my skin using a large, fluffy foundation brush after my liquid foundation. It helps to ensure that any blemishes are covered and gives me an airbrushed finish. If I don’t use my powder foundation I notice that my skin looks oily much quicker and doesn’t last nearly as long.
Setting Your Makeup
Setting Powder
Alright guys.. this is my #1 holy grail makeup product. The BECCA Hydra-Mist Set & Refresh Powder is AMAZING!!! First of all, when you put it on it literally feels wet /cool on your skin (don’t let this fool you.. it’s 100% a powder lol) and makes it feel super hydrated and refreshed. For me, using this setting powder is the most important step in my makeup routine. If I forget to put it on after doing my makeup I can tell within an hour or two. This powder is also a great way to refresh your face after work or being out all day, saving you from needing to re-do your makeup.
To use this I just dip a flat-top kabuki brush into the powder and swirl it onto my face in sections: right and left cheeks, chin, nose, and forehead. During this process I also blend my bronzer and blush for a more natural look.
Setting Spray
I have never used a setting spray in the past, but I recently picked up a travel size of the Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray and I’m really happy with it! I have definitely noticed a difference and it helps to put a little hydration back in my skin after using all of my powders. The travel size is only $15 if you want to give it a try without paying for the full size.
SO… all-in-all my three main products for keeping my makeup matte all day long are the Fenty Beauty Primer, the MAC Studio Finish Powder Foundation, and the BECCA Hydra-Mist Setting Powder. These are my go-to, ride or die, must have items! I hope this post helps anyone like me with crazy oily skin who just wants their makeup to stay in place all day.
Leave a comment below with your holy grail makeup product!
XOXO
Amanda
