How To Ensure Your Party Make-Up Lasts

All great make-up looks start with good skin prep – it's what creates that smooth, hydrated canvas for make-up to adhere better and stay looking flawless for longer. One of my favourite tips is to have a good exfoliation routine. The Dr. Dennis Extra Strength Peel Pads are a great way to get that professional-level glow at home. Follow this up with a hydrating, barrier-repairing serum like Naturium’s Barrier Bounce to lock in moisture and keep your skin calm and plump.

The night before, you could even indulge in a restorative overnight skincare routine to prepare for your event. Use an intense repair cream like Night Hack Intense Overnight Repair & Glow Cream or Estée Lauder's Advanced Night Repair to work its magic while you sleep. A well-rested face makes all the difference during party season. And don’t forget to finish with a reliable moisturiser like the S’Able Labs Moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated and supple – it’s also a lovely primer that will give your make-up better longevity.

Speaking of primer, I really believe this is the secret to long-lasting, flawless make-up. Primers are the essential bridge between skincare and make-up, creating a smooth base that helps your foundation adhere better and stay in place all night. However, not all primers are created equal, and choosing the right one for your skin type is key. Whether you need extra hydration, oil control or a blurring effect, there’s a primer out there to meet your needs these days.

For dry or dull skin, the NARS Light Reflecting Hydrating Primer offers a moisture boost and radiant finish, perfect for keeping skin plump and glowing. If you’re after a blurred, filter-like effect to minimise pores and imperfections, the HUDA Beauty Easy Blur Primer is a game-changer. For oily skin or those who need longer-wear performance, the Secure the Sweat Primer controls shine and ensures your make-up doesn’t budge under heat or party lights. Finally, the Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Water Powder Serum combines skincare and priming benefits – ideal for those looking for a lightweight, hydrating primer with a semi-matte finish. Tailoring your primer to your skin’s specific needs not only enhances your make-up’s longevity but also ensures a flawless, comfortable finish that will leave you looking fresh faced throughout the night.

During party season, your foundation and concealer need to go the distance. The key to choosing the right formulas is in the names – look for descriptors like "long wear", "stay-in-place" or "sweat-proof" to ensure your make-up can withstand a night of dancing. These products are designed with durability in mind and my top tip to apply them is in thin, buildable layers to avoid that cakey look. The Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Foundation is a cult classic for its unrivalled staying power and natural matte finish. The YSL All Hours Foundation provides full coverage with a breathable, luminous matte effect that’s perfect for long nights. If you prefer a lighter feel, the IT Cosmetics Natural Matte CC Cream is a skincare-infused formula that contains SPF, making it great for all-day wear. For an affordable yet reliable option, the Maybelline Super Stay Lumi Matte Foundation combines radiant coverage with long-lasting performance. As for concealers, the Pat McGrath Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Concealer delivers a flawless finish with exceptional staying power, while the budget-friendly e.l.f. Cosmetics 16Hr Camo Concealer is perfect for high coverage on a budget. 

If you want to keep your eye make-up looking flawless all day long, a few key products and application tips can make all the difference. Start by prepping your eyelids with the Pat McGrath Intensifeyes Longwear Eye Primer, which creates a smooth base and locks powder eyeshadow in place. For eyeshadow, choose long-wearing formulas such as the Rimmel Wonder’Last Shadow Stick in ‘Choco Shimmer’ or the luxurious Armani Beauty Eye Tint for a bold, long-lasting look. If you're after versatile colour, Violette FR’s Yeux Eye Paints  offer a rich, paint-like finish with excellent staying power.

When it comes to eyeliner, ditch the kohl pencil in favour of a gel formula like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Gel Liner which delivers precise, semi-permanent results. Pair your look with a waterproof mascara such as the Lancôme Idôle Mascara to prevent smudging and keep lashes lifted all day. If you prefer powders and want a multi-tasking palette that does it all, the NARS Laguna Ultimate Face Palette has some beautiful shades that can be used on the face and eyes – and it’s great to have in your make-up bag for easy touch-ups. 

While both are designed to enhance the longevity of your make-up, setting sprays are lighter and perfect for daytime use, creating a natural, skin-like finish. Fixing sprays, on the other hand, are more heavy-duty, forming a stronger barrier to prevent make-up from budging during special events.

For daytime wear, my go-to is the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray. The hydrating, weightless mist blends your make-up seamlessly, leaving behind a soft, natural finish. Equally, the Vieve Invisiveil Setting Spray delivers a radiant yet long-lasting effect. When it comes to keeping make-up intact during the evening or under demanding conditions, I love the ONE/SIZE On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray for its robust staying power, and the budget-friendly L'Oréal Paris Infallible 3 Second Setting Mist which locks in your look quickly and efficiently.