With the silly season upon us, many of us have a more eventful social calendar than previously. Getting ready can mean going the extra mile with our makeup.
But after putting in all the work, it can be disappointing to see your foundation has worn off or mascara smudged halfway through the night.
With that in mind, we consulted top editorial and fashion makeup artist Kiekie Stanners for some insider tips and product recommendations to help us get prepared to party.
Stanners reveals her tips for a great look that lasts and how to touch up your makeup later on.
How can we get makeup to last well for a party event or long day?
Your beauty prep is key! By just putting product on, without taking the time to layer in stages, will mean your makeup may shift.
When it comes to your base, try layering your foundation and concealer. This is a more specific technique for longevity. Apply a wash of foundation first, then specifically add extra foundation or concealer in areas that makeup can shift from, like the t-zone and under eyes and set this area only with a very light powder.
I like to go back over this area again with liquid concealer to double-set by using a beauty blender and pressing in gently.
Eye makeup will never last the distance without a longwearing base to avoid creasing – always start with a long wear cream all over the eyelids first before starting with any powder or liner products. Any colour is fine, but a warm neutral can be used under any style of eye makeup you desire.
I’m a fanatic for a face spray – not only for refreshing the skin in warmer months but for revitalising makeup that may have been applied hours ago. If set properly with powder initially, a face mist can help makeup look like ‘real skin’ throughout the night. I adore the Caudalie Beauty Elixer Spray.
Makeup artist Kiekie Stanners
What about a long-lasting lip?
Lip pencil always! We have obviously seen a massive drive in lip-liner-love thanks to an over-drawing trend but by using a pencil all over the lips first, prior to adding lipstick will give a base that provides long wear colour even after a cream has worn away.
What are your favourite long-wear products?
I’ve come to trust quality products over the years, that are specifically designed for industry performance. The M.A.C Studio Fix franchise of foundations, concealers and powders are the OG range of reliable longwear! There’s a reason this product has been loved forever, as it gives coverage and stays in place in a range of different textures based on your skin needs.
The Charlotte Tilbury range of lip pencils are also incredible – creamy to apply, comfortable to wear and stay in place beautifully.
Most recently I’ve adored the Westman Atelier Mascara for giving extreme volume but with no drop down or smudging – yet is easily removed at the end of the day too – win win!
If you have a few minutes to touch up a makeup a few hours in, what do you do?
There are certain areas of the face that are prone to makeup moving – under the eyes, through the hot-spot t zone and on eyelids so this is where I would be checking first. Before reapplying any new colour, press makeup back into the skin with a beauty blender type sponge or tool first. You want to press any creasing away and make sure to create the illusion of real skin first – you don’t want to set any creasing in place any longer!.
Next I’d apply a light face mist – make sure to use a product that is designed to softly hydrate so you are bringing a glow back to the skin, and lastly touch up with a long wear liquid concealer. You don’t want to end up looking overly powdered at the end of the evening so by touching up with concealer your makeup will still look fresh. I adore M.A.C Studio Fix 24-hr Smooth Wear Concealer.
What are you excited to wear for a party or event this Christmas or summer?
I am just so excited to wear makeup again! Whilst I’ve adored a minimal makeup routine over pandemic times, nothing beats getting glammed again and feeling lit! I’m excited to see new Christmas makeup launches from brands this season but my go-to will always be a sparkling golden eye! It instantly adds glow, feels light and summery and can be worn day or night. I currently love the Ellis Faas Creamy Eyes liquid to powder product.
