Festival-Ready, Holiday-Proof: Six Tips for Long-Lasting Makeup

Whether you’re heading to a festival, catching flights or just trying to stay cool in a heatwave, summer can put your makeup to the test. Danielle Nichol, Product Director at REFY Beauty, shares her go-to tips for keeping your makeup fresh, no matter where the day takes you.

1. It’s in the prep

When it comes to long-lasting makeup, good prep is everything. Skincare doesn’t just keep your skin hydrated – it gives your makeup something to grip to, helping your base stay in place for longer.

Before applying makeup, I always recommend starting with a thorough cleanse. Your routine will depend on your skin’s needs, but a hydrating moisturiser and – if you’re heading out in the daytime – an SPF are a great place to start.

Just make sure to give your skincare time to fully absorb before moving on to makeup.

2. Prime, prime, prime

You might skip primer on a normal day, but when you want your makeup to last, it makes a real difference. Like skincare, a good primer helps makeup grip better and stay in place for longer.

The trick is to find one that works with your skin. I always tailor my primer to how my skin’s behaving that day – if I’m feeling oilier, something balancing like niacinamide makes a real difference to how my base wears. On drier skin days, I’ll reach for a more hydrating option.

Always wait a minute or two after applying primer before going in with your base. Similarly to skincare, this gives it time to settle properly, so your makeup grips better and lasts longer without slipping.

3. Less is more

Lighter layers tend to hold up better in warm weather. They’re less likely to shift or crease, and they’re much easier to touch up if needed.

I always start with a light hand and focus coverage only where it’s needed. From there, you can build gradually in any areas you want more. It gives a more comfortable, longer-lasting finish that still looks like skin.

4. Don’t forget the brows

Brows can be one of the first things to smudge or lose their shape during the heat. I always set mine with a long-wear clear brow gel after I’ve filled them in with my pomade or pencil.

This step helps to lift, set and lock in the brows, as well as any product you’ve applied to them, so they stay exactly where you want them – all day (or night) long. Think of it as a setting spray, but for your brows.

5. Set everything in place

If you want your makeup to stay put, setting it in place is key.

A lightweight powder helps lock cream products in place and absorbs excess oil, reducing creasing and smudging as the day goes on. Just focus on applying it where you need it – often, the t-zone and under the eyes – to keep oil in check without dulling your overall glow.

To go the extra mile, finish with a setting spray. It creates a light film over your makeup that helps hold everything in place, while also adding a fresh, skin-like finish. It can also help to melt powders and creams together, so your makeup looks more natural and lived-in.

“These are the steps I always rely on when I’ve got a full day ahead – they help my makeup stay put, feel comfortable and still look fresh hours later. With the right prep and the right products, you really don’t need to do much to make your makeup last. A few smart tweaks can make all the difference.”

WHERE TO SHOP

The REFY Collection is available now at www.refybeauty.com.