How to have a good makeup day

Ever wondered why your makeup looks good on some days and not so great on others?
Although it can be a result of external factors – such as the weather, if it’s that time of the month, or how much effort you bothered to put in that day – there is a little method to the madness, and steps you can take to ensure your makeup looks good. So if you’re after fresh, flawless makeup that lasts all day, be sure follow these steps…
#1 Exfoliate
It’s simple – the smoother your base, the more flawless your makeup. Start your day with Mukti 2-in-1 Resurfacing Exfoliant to exfoliate away any dead, dulling skin cells, encourage collagen production and improve skin texture. Immediately after use, the skin will appear smooth and refined, ideal for makeup application.
#2 Prep & Prime
Once you've thoroughly cleansed your skin, prep it with M.A.C Prep & Prime Skin, of course – the formula contains silicone to help absorb excess oil, expertly smooth the skin and ensure a soft-focus finish. We recommend mixing in a drop or two of Sukin Restoring Argan Oil as this will really help hydrate, soften and plump the skin.
#3 Know your skin type
Good make up starts with the right products. Taking time to consider whether your skin is oily, dry, sensitive or even dull can make the world of difference to how your makeup looks once applied and how long it lasts. If you’re unsure, take this quiz to see what products best suit your skin type, and also keep the following guide in mind:
- Oily or combination skin – when it comes to foundation, stick to matte formulations, such as L’Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Foundation or mark. Air Matte Mousse Foundation. Next, sweep on a layer of Models Prefer Finale Finishing Powder to ensure makeup stays matte all day long.
- Dry skin – look for a foundation that offers a dewy finish, such as Rimmel London Wake Me Up Foundation or Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation. To further enhance the complexion, use Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick over the apples of the cheeks.
- Sensitive skin – mineral formulations will keep easily aggravated skin at bay. Nude by Nature Natural Mineral Cover will offer lightweight yet effective coverage, while M.A.C Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Powder will ensure a healthy glow.
- Dull skin – start with jane iredale Glow Time™ Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream to enhance overall radiance, then take it to the next level with illuminator. We like Australis Liquid Strobe Illuminating Drops and endota spa Illuminating Highlighter, as the creamy formulas never look cakey or over-done.
#4 Utilise tools
Use Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge for the perfect base and Miracle Mini Eraser Sponge to fix up any mistakes; apply and contour powder with e.l.f. Fan Brush; keep lashes perfectly curled all day with Ardell Precision Lash Curler; and perfect that winged eyeliner with ModelCo Hailey Baldwin Feline Eyeliner and Applicator Tool.
#5 Layer correctly
A good setting spray will ensure each layer of your perfectly applied makeup stays that way all day long. If you’re prone to shine, opt for essence instant matt make-up setting spray; if you’re concerned with dullness, choose NYX Make Up Setting Spray; and if you’re in need of protection from environmental aggressors (i.e. those who live and work in the city), we recommend Barry M Makeup Setting Spray.
#6 Maintenance is key
Keep a packet of NYX Cosmetics Blotting Paper on hand for touch-ups throughout the day. We know it can be tempting to simply apply a little more powder over a slightly shiny, fading base – but your face will thank you if you resist. Simply blot areas of concern to keep makeup looking good, fresh and matte. And if you’re skin is in need of a little more love, give it a good spritz of Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist.
Do you include any of the above in your daily makeup routine? How else do you ensure you have a good makeup day?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
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61 Member Comments
Thanks for these tips.
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Having a dry skin I find using Nude By Nature products a great help. And as this article says exfoliate away any dead, dulling skin cells, really does help and makes my skin looks and feel so much better. The older I get the more I have to do to help my skin. I now dont use much makeup such as eye shadow and mascara and only lipstick every day, unless its for a special day or evening out.
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Super helpful tips.
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Great tips!! Setting sprays are really good for a nice finish
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Hi, I’ve used face scrubs, are they the same as exfoliating?
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its hard to get a good makeup day
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good makeup day that is not that hard, at least it fits into the skin care regimen well
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cleanse and spray!
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Great tips for weekends and special occasions, but not very practical for work days!! Good read though.
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I carry blotting paper with me always. My youngest daughter never uses it. I cant live without it.
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For me it is all about the skin prep beforehand - I use a hydrating mask and eye mask before a big event.
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I think that skipping exfoliation can really make skin flakey and unhappy.
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Way too many steps for a quick daily routine.
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Sometimes there is just no helping my skin, even after doing all of this. Unfortunately this comes with age. :(
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I never exfoliate in the morning I only wash my face and then tone it before my moisturizer and primer.. Hmm maybe that's why I get so frustrated with the look of my face sometimes!!
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Maintaining a good skincare routine definitely helps, as does working out what tools work best for you to apply your base.
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I'm definitely guilty of not exfoliating enough. Unfortunately I'm yet to find a good exfoliant that doesn't contain microbeads.
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I exfoliate twice a week and use some tools, but need to get a makeup sponge. I have yet to use a setting spray.
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I'm doing most of this but I don't exfoliate every day and I've only just started using a setting spray.
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The other day I used L'Oreal Paris's Revitalift Magic Blur as my moisturiser and found that I didn't need to use a primer before I applied my foundation as it applied smoothly.
The only thing I find now that I'm much older is that the eyeshadow colours which looked good on me when I was in my 20's does not look as good now that I'm in my late 50's. I have to go for more neutral colours instead of blue and plum.
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I have the magic blur. Good to know that it can double up as primer!
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I have sensitive skin and love using nude by nature. Just need to work on maintaining my makeup.
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Great tips! I want a more glowy youthful look but I don't like how all glowy dewy products just full of shimmer and make me look like a disco ball!
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Great common sense tips! I wonder what type of exfoliation works best though?
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