Top Hacks For Long-Lasting Eye Make-Up
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Top Hacks For Long-Lasting Eye Make-Up

It seems a waste to artfully apply your eye make-up only to have it disappear by 3pm. Thankfully, there’s several things you can do to counteract the afternoon melt. We caught up with expert make-up artist Cher Webb who’s revealed her top tricks for keeping liner, mascara and shadow set firmly in their place.
Pro Longwear Paint Pots, £16.50 | MAC
Pro Longwear Paint Pots, £16.50 | MAC

Ace Your Base

Lock in your eye make-up with either an oil-free primer or a water-resistant eyeshadow base. This will create a barrier and absorb any excess oil from the eyelids, while giving the eyeshadow a texture to adhere to. I carry most of the MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pots in my kit as they’re available in eight great shades and are so easy to blend and work with.

Conceal Wisely

You can also try using a matte oil-free concealer all over the lids which will have a similar priming effect but will brighten up the entire eye area. If you find your concealer causes unwanted creasing, this is because the majority are emollient-based and contain hidden oils and moisture that potentially break down eye make-up. The best way to counteract this is with a texture like NARS’ Radiant Creamy Concealer – thanks to the medium coverage it gives, the formula works well on all areas of the face. For something more affordable? I love the Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer.

Healthy Mix Concealer, £8.99 | Bourjois
Healthy Mix Concealer, £8.99 | Bourjois
Eye Khol, £15 | MAC
Eye Khol, £15 | MAC

Use Kohl To Your Advantage

If you love a rock ‘n’ roll smokey eye, use your kohl pencil all over your lids as your base. It’s my signature look and takes half the faff and time of applying several eyeshadows. Simply let the kohl texture melt into the skin and add your shadows on top. This is a technique we use backstage all the time when creating a sexy, lived-in eye colour.

Try A Tool

Having the right tools to hand during eyeshadow application makes all the difference. Your brush selection is key too – go for firm, medium size brush heads and avoid any that are too soft or bushy. Opt for something flat and firm, like My Kit Co’s My Shade and Shadow Brush. Load the brush with plenty of product and literally press the brush head onto the lids rather than in a sweeping motion. This will prevent any fallout and enable you to layer your shadows, instantly giving them longevity. Another affordable option is the Zoeva 222 Luxe All Over Shade Brush, it gives amazing coverage and is so easy to use.

1.0 - My Shade & Shadow, £13 | My Kit Co.
1.0 - My Shade & Shadow, £13 | My Kit Co.
Prep Prime & Fix Spray, £19 | MAC
Prep Prime & Fix Spray, £19 | MAC

Up The Impact

If you find your eyeshadow textures fade over time and lose impact fast, try wetting your brush pre-application. A light spritz of the MAC Fix Plus Spray on the brush head will dampen the texture and of an eyeshadow and it will have a magnet effect, drawing in all of the colour pigment. This works especially well on baked or metallic shadow formulas.

Use A Setting Spray

After spending time perfecting that smokey eye and refining your make-up, you want to make sure it lasts the duration. A firm favourite is the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray. This is a cult favourite for many make-up artists working in the industry; I keep the travel-size version in my kit and the large one on my dressing table. This powerful mist will hold your face in place for up to 16 hours – the dream! If you are looking for a purse-friendly dupe, try the ELF Cosmetics Matt Magic Mist & Set Spray. It's a drugstore must-have.

All Nighter Setting Spray, £24 | Urban Decay
All Nighter Setting Spray, £24 | Urban Decay
Dual Action Eye Makeup Remover, £18.50 | Laura Mercier
Dual Action Eye Makeup Remover, £18.50 | Laura Mercier

Removal Is Key

Eyelids can get oily, even if your skin tends to be on the dry side. If you’re looking to keep these natural eye oils at bay it’s important to consider the other products in your skincare routine. Go for oil-free removers as the hidden oils are likely to break down make-up faster. Try Laura Mercier’s Dual-Action Make-Up Remover for amazing results. Another high-street option is the Boots No.7 Revitalising Oil-Free Eye Make-Up Remover – an absolute classic!

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