How To Make Your Makeup Last All Day Without a Million Touch-Ups

Wearing makeup is such a fun and creative way to enhance your best features, boost your confidence, and show off your artistic side—but it’s hard to figure out how to make your makeup last all day long. Whether you’re into full-glam, clean girl aesthetic, or barely-there no-makeup makeup, it’s all about expressing yourself. But if you’ve ever glanced in the mirror at 3 p.m. only to find your once-flawless face fading fast, you know the struggle of keeping things fresh.

Frequent retouches can eat up your time and energy during a long day. Not to mention, makeup is expensive, so you don’t want to waste it. And that’s exactly why I’m sharing my favorite tips and tricks for how to make makeup last all day. That’s right: Let your look shine from sunrise Zooms to happy hour hangs. This practical guide will help you master longevity, no matter your skin type or budget.

Keep reading to learn how to make makeup last all day, and to see a list of the eight best makeup products that do just that.

How to Make Your Makeup Last All Day

Want your makeup to stay put from morning ’til night? You’re in the right place. In this post, we’re going to talk about whether it’s actually possible to make makeup last all day, and how to make that happen with smart application strategies, a few editor-approved tips, and the makeup products that really go the distance. Whether you have dry skin, oily skin, or are just tired of makeup settling into fine lines, this post has got you covered.

Can Makeup Last All Day?

Yes, makeup can last all day—but only if you use the right combination of prep, technique, and product. A long-lasting look starts with skincare and ends with a good setting spray (seriously, don’t skip it). By choosing long-wearing formulas and applying them in strategic layers, you can ensure your makeup stays put without constant touch-ups.

That said, the products that work best for one skin type may not work for another—so it’s important to customize your routine. We’ll get into that in a sec.

How to Make Makeup Last All Day

Start with a clean, moisturized base.

Clean skin is key! Whether you have dry skin or oily skin, always start with a gentle cleanse and follow up with a lightweight moisturizer that suits your skin type. This creates a smooth, hydrated canvas for makeup to adhere to.

Use a primer that works with your skin.

A good primer acts like glue between your skin and foundation. For oily areas, try a mattifying primer. For dry skin, go for a hydrating one. If fine lines are a concern, use a blurring primer to smooth them out.

Apply thin layers of product.

Instead of caking on one thick layer, build up thin layers of foundation, concealer, and cream products. This helps your makeup melt into the skin and stay locked in all day.

Set strategically.

Use setting powder to target oily areas like the T-zone. Avoid applying powder all over if you have dry skin, as it can exaggerate flakes or texture. Focus instead on areas where your makeup tends to wear off.

Finish with setting spray.

A final mist of setting spray helps to lock in your makeup and keep everything in place. Choose a formula designed for long wearing results, especially if you’re heading into a busy or warm day.

What Are The Best Makeup Products That Last All Day?

As beauty editors who shake their heads at unreasonable price tags, we’re always keeping up with the best affordable makeup brands. With that in mind, here are some options available at the drug store (or on Amazon) that’ll last all day without breaking the bank.

e.l.f. Power Grip Primer

Available at e.l.f. Cosmetics ($11) | Also available at Target and Amazon

This affordable primer grips onto foundation for hours and works well on all skin types. It leaves a slightly tacky finish that helps everything from blush to highlight stay in place.

Maybelline Super Stay Active Wear Foundation

Available at Ulta ($16) | Also available at Amazon

This long wearing foundation lasts up to 30 hours (only if you’re not super active) and resists sweat, transfer, and oil. It’s great for combo and oily skin, and you can build it up without looking cakey.

L’Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Powder Foundation

Available at Ulta ($19) | Also available at Target

Perfect for a flawless finish that doesn’t budge. It’s lightweight yet full-coverage and ideal for setting cream products or wearing alone. Plus, it’s great for touch-ups throughout a long day.

Milani Make It Last Setting Spray

Available at Ulta ($19) | Also available at Amazon

A true drugstore gem. This setting spray extends wear up to 16 hours and even works as a primer. It gives a natural finish that works for dry skin and oily skin alike. Plus, there’s a sunscreen version that helps keep your skin protected.

Revlon ColorStay Brow Pencil

Available at Ulta ($12) | Also available at Amazon

Brow products are easy to forget, but smudged or faded brows can derail your whole look. This one stays put without getting crunchy, and the angled tip makes for quick application. And it has a brush in the unlikely case that you need to smooth out your brows during the day.

NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner

Available at Ulta ($10) | Also available at Target

If you love a wing, this long wearing eyeliner glides on easily and lasts all day without smudging—whether you’re dancing, sweating, or running around town.

Covergirl Outlast All-Day Lip Color

Available on Ulta ($12) | Also available at Target and Amazon

This two-step lip system gives you a pop of color and a shiny topcoat for hydration. It lasts through meals, drinks, and kisses—no constant reapplying needed.

So, yes. With the right prep and products, you really can keep your makeup looking flawless all day long. And pro tip: one of my good friends is ginger, and she gave us the scoop on the best makeup for gingers.