How to Keep Your Makeup from Melting Off
One of the most common questions I get as a makeup artist is: “How do I keep my makeup from sliding off my face?” Whether you’re preparing for a long workday, a night out, or your wedding day, makeup longevity all comes down to skin prep, product compatibility, and the right finishing touches.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to create a base that lasts.
Step 1: Establish Your Skin Type
Before you even think about makeup, it’s important to know your skin. Ask yourself:
Does your skin feel tight after cleansing? You may be dry.
Do you get shiny quickly, especially in the T-zone? You may be oily.
Is your skin shiny in some areas but dry in others? Likely combination.
Does your skin feel balanced and comfortable? That’s normal.
Why this matters: skincare products (and makeup) are formulated for specific needs. Using the wrong type of moisturizer can cause your makeup to pill, separate, or slide off.
Step 2: Choose the Right Cream for Your Skin
Dry skin: Look for richer creams with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or squalane.
Oily skin: Choose lightweight, oil-free gel moisturizers.
Combination skin: Use a balancing moisturizer… often a gel-cream works best.
Normal skin: You have more flexibility, but a medium-weight moisturizer is ideal.
💡 Pro tip: Even though I use primers on my brides for an extra sense of security, I truly believe the best primer is good skincare. If your skin is properly prepped with the right moisturizer, your foundation has the perfect canvas to adhere to.
Step 3: Match Your Makeup to Your Skincare
Your foundation and skincare needs to work together. If your moisturizer is oil-based and your foundation is water-based, they can repel each other and cause separation or peeling. The same goes for layering too many silicones with water-based products.
If you’re not sure, look at the first few ingredients on the label. My favourite tip is to ask ChatGPT to help break down what’s in your products. (Prompt example: if I’m using Dior Forever Skin Glow Foundation, is that a water base, oil base or silicone base? Next question: what type of cream also has that same base and would work well together). Matching formulas is one of the most underrated keys to making makeup last. And using Chat GPT as a tool to look further into those strange ingredient lists is so so helpful.
Step 4: Apply Products with Intention
Use thin, even layers of foundation. Don’t cake it on.
If you are using an oil/silicone based foundation, avoid using a sponge soaked in water. Use a brush instead.
Set lightly with powder (my absolute favourite is Huda Beauty) focusing only where you need it most.
Touch up oils during the day with blotting papers before adding more product.
Step 5: Fixing Spray vs. Setting Spray
This is where most people get confused.
Fixing spray helps melt the makeup into the skin. It makes powders look natural and skin-like, reducing that heavy or cakey appearance. Examples are: Mac Fix Plus, Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray & Morphe Continuous Prep & Set Mist. Unfortunately, if you use one of these as a setting spray, chances are it wont keep your makeup looking fresh as long as you’re hoping.
Setting spray (often alcohol-based) locks everything in place. This is what will give you true staying power through heat, humidity, or a long day. Examples are: Urban Decay All Nighter (Waterproof), One/Size by Patrick Starrr On ’Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof, & MAC Fixt ORIGINAL Alcohol spray.
For all-day wear, I recommend starting with a fixing spray to blend the makeup seamlessly into your skin, then finishing with a light mist of setting spray to secure it. But if you are only interested in getting one product, I recommend the One Size On ‘Til Dawn Setting Spray. I use this on every single client, and it makes me feel reassured that the makeup will hold all day!
✨ Final Thought:
Makeup that lasts starts with knowing your skin, choosing the right products, and layering them strategically. Once you master this, you won’t have to worry about your makeup melting off before the day is over.
