How Long Does Makeup Last On the Face? (Explained)

When planning a full day of activities, we all want our makeup to last longer. Have you ever wondered how some people’s makeup stays fresh all day, no matter what they do? I know you also want to achieve this.

So, “How long does makeup last on the face?”

Generally, well-applied makeup can last around 8-12 hours. But you still have to do a few touch-ups during these 12 hours. The reason is not all makeup products have the same lasting duration.

But the good news is you can extend the duration of your makeup with the help of a few tips and tricks. I will discuss them later, so keep reading!

How Long Does Makeup Last On the Face in a Day?

Generally, makeup can last for 12 hours on the face. However, the actual duration may vary depending on the type of makeup you use (powder or cream), the skin type, and how you apply the makeup.

For example, powder makeup lasts longer than liquid makeup and oily skin makes makeup wear off more quickly. Moreover, if you sweat a lot or cry or rub your face, it can also shorten the lifespan of makeup.

Now, let’s see which makeup products last longer and which products you must re-apply.

The Foundation Lasts 6 to 12 Hours.

You might be wondering, “How long does foundation last on face?” On average, liquid foundation can last anywhere from 6 to 12 hours. However, if you haven’t used a primer before applying your foundation, it can decrease its longevity.

Powder foundations are not in trend nowadays, but still, some people use them. Surprisingly, it has better longevity and can last around 8 to 10 hours. If you have oily skin, you should prefer a powder foundation over a liquid foundation.

Concealer Lasts For 8 Hours

“How long does concealer last on face?” is another common question. It’s my personal experience. Like liquid foundation, liquid concealer generally lasts around 8 to 12 hours. It can last longer if you set it with powder.

Cream and stick concealers have better staying power and can last up to 10 hours or more.

Blush and Bronzer

Powder formulas of blush and bronzer can last around 8 to 10 hours. Applying them over a powdered base or using a makeup setting spray can extend this time further.

On the other hand, a cream bronzer or blush has slightly shorter longevity, lasting around 6 to 8 hours roughly. They might fade faster on oily skin types.

Eyeshadow lasts For 10 Hours

Powder eyeshadows can last around 8 to 10 hours. Using an eyeshadow primer can enhance this duration and prevent creasing. Whereas cream eyeshadows generally last about 6 to 8 hours. They might be created more quickly, especially on oily skin.

Also Read: Can You Use Eyeshadow as a Contour? (Explained)

Eyeliner and Mascara

Traditional mascara formulas, such as those labeled as volumizing or lengthening, usually last around 8 to 12 hours. However, they can flake or smudge earlier if you have oily eyelids or are exposed to humidity or moisture.

Waterproof mascara is designed to be more resistant to water, sweat, and humidity. It can last longer, often around 12 to 24 hours. Remember that waterproof formulas can be more challenging to remove and might require a specific makeup remover.

Tubing mascara creates tiny tubes around each lash, providing good longevity. It can last around 12 hours or more without smudging or flaking. Tubing mascaras are usually easy to remove with warm water and gentle pressure.

Now, about the eyeliners.

Pencil eyeliners offer a soft and smudge look. They tend to last around 6 to 8 hours before they may smudge or fade, especially if you have oily eyelids.

Liquid eyeliners, especially those with long-wearing or waterproof formulations, can last around 8 to 12 hours. They often provide a more precise line and are less likely to smudge.

Gel or cream eyeliners, when properly applied and set, can last around 8 to 12 hours. They offer precision and a bolder look and tend to have good staying power.

Lipstick Last For 6 Hours

Regular lipstick can last around 4 to 6 hours, depending on factors like eating, drinking, and talking. Reapplication is always necessary. So, carry the lipstick shade you wear wherever you go.

Matt lipsticks can last around 6 to 8 hours. They tend to be more long-lasting and transfer-resistant compared to traditional lipsticks.

Liquid lipsticks, which often dry to a matte finish, generally have better staying power than traditional bullet lipsticks. They can last between 6 to 8 hours on average. Liquid lipsticks are designed to be more long-wearing and transfer-resistant.

Lipsticks marketed as long-wearing or transfer-proof can stay on the lips for an extended period. Depending on the brand, they can last around 8 to 12 hours or even longer. These lipsticks are made to resist smudging, fading, and transferring.

Setting Products

Using a setting spray or powder can help extend the wear time of makeup by 2 to 4 hours. These products can lock makeup in place and control oiliness.

Factors That Affect How Long Makeup Lasts

Every girl’s goal is to achieve a long-lasting and flawless makeup look. However, you should never overlook the factor that affects the longevity of makeup.

Factor 01: Skin Type

Skin type plays a crucial role in how healthy makeup stays on the skin, interacts with the natural oils on your face, and, ultimately, how long it lasts.

Normal Skin

For those who have normal skin, how it feel to be God’s favorite? Makeup tends to hold up well on this balanced canvas.

Balanced and generally problem-free, normal skin has moderate oil production, tiny pores, and good circulation. Makeup tends to adhere well to normal skin; its natural moisture helps maintain a fresh look.

With an excellent base to start from, normal skin helps makeup maintain its intended look for an extended period.

Oily Skin

People often ask, “How long does makeup last on oily skin?” Well, if you have oily skin, your makeup will only last until you take steps to extend its time. Use makeup setting spray or facial powder to avoid sweat and oil production ruining your makeup.

Dry Skin

Dry skin lacks moisture and can feel tight or flaky. It often has tiny pores and a matte appearance. Makeup may have difficulty adhering to dry patches, causing it to appear uneven and fade faster.

Combination Skin

As the name suggests, combination skin is a mix of different types. Typically, the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) is oilier, while the cheeks are drier. This can make makeup application challenging, as products may be worn differently on various face areas.

How You Prep Skin Before Makeup?

Preparing the skin before applying makeup is crucial for ensuring that your makeup lasts longer and looks its best. How you prep your skin can impact the duration and appearance of your makeup. You must cleanse and moisturize your skin to ensure it is well-prepared. How? Let’s find out:

Factor 02: Cleansing and Moisturizing

Cleansing and moisturizing help create a smooth base for makeup application and prevent makeup from clinging to dry patches. It helps in increasing the longevity of makeup. 

Start with clean skin. Use a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type to remove dirt, oil, and any remnants of previous makeup. Rinse thoroughly and pat your face dry with a clean towel.

After cleansing, apply a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer that suits your skin type. Allow the moisturizer to absorb fully into the skin before proceeding with makeup.

Factor 03: Primer Application

Every makeup artist accepts this fact. If you use primer, your makeup will last longer than you think. Primers often contain ingredients that help to control excess oil and create a barrier between your skin and makeup. This can help prevent makeup from sliding off or becoming patchy throughout the day, leading to longer-lasting makeup.

After absorbing your moisturizer, apply a small amount of primer to your face. Focus on areas where you want your makeup to last the longest. Gently press the primer into the skin, allowing it to create a smooth texture for the foundation.

• Pore-Filling Primer: A pore-filling primer can help minimize their appearance and create a smoother canvas if you have enlarged pores.
• Mattifying Primer: For oily skin, a mattifying primer can help control excess oil and keep your makeup in place.
• Illuminating Primer: If you want a radiant and dewy look, an illuminating primer can add a subtle glow to your skin.
• Color-Correcting Primer: These primers help neutralize redness, sallowness, or other discolorations in the skin, creating a more even-toned base.

What Makeup Products You Use?

Different makeup product has different wearing time. In general, powder makeup products tend to last longer than liquid ones. 

Powder Products Vs. Liquid Products

Powder makeup products are often formulated to be drier than their liquid counterparts. This drier texture helps them adhere better to the skin and can result in longer-lasting wear.

Powder products, such as powder foundation, blush, and eyeshadow, can help absorb excess oil from the skin, contributing to their longevity. This is particularly beneficial for people with oily skin, as it can help prevent makeup from breaking down and fading throughout the day.

Not just that, powder products are commonly used to set liquid or cream makeup products. Applying a translucent setting powder over a liquid foundation or concealer can help lock them in place, extending their wear time.

This is my personal favorite. Once powder products are applied and set, they are less likely to transfer onto clothing, phones, or other surfaces. On the other hand, liquid products might remain slightly tacky or have a greater potential to transfer.

Makeup Product	Wear time
Powder Foundation	8 to 12 hours
Liquid Foundation	6 to 10 hours
Powder Blush	Up to 8 hours
Cream Blush	4 to 6 hours

Lipstick vs. Lip Gloss

Lipsticks, especially matte and long-wearing formulas, have remarkable staying power. They adhere well to the lips and can last between 4 to 8 hours or more. Matte lipsticks tend to outlast their creamy counterparts due to their drier texture. However, they may feel more dry on the lips.

Lip glosses provide a shiny, luscious finish but have shorter wear times than lipsticks. On average, lip glosses last around 2 to 4 hours before needing reapplication. Their creamy texture makes them more prone to transfer and fading, especially after eating or drinking.

How Long Do Powder Products Last On the Face?

On average, powder blush lasts 6 to 8 hours on the face. Factors such as the pigmentation of the blush, your skin type (oily, dry, combination), and using a primer can influence its wear time. Oily skin types might experience slightly shorter wear as natural oils can break down the makeup faster.

Powder bronzer typically has a similar wear time to powder blush, ranging from 6 to 8 hours.

The longevity of powder bronzer can also depend on the brand’s formula and how it interacts with your skin’s natural oils. Like blush, powder bronzer fare well on various skin types, including combination and oily.

How Often Should I Touch Up My Makeup?

You might need to touch up your makeup every 4 to 6 hours to control oil if you have oily skin. Touch-ups for normal or combination skin are a must after every 6 to 8 hours. But you don’t have to do touch-ups if you have dry skin types.

You must do touch-ups in lipsticks every 3 to 4 hours, especially after eating or drinking.

Long-wearing or matte lipsticks last longer and might need touch-ups every 6 to 8 hours.

Lip gloss usually needs more frequent touch-ups, around every 2 to 3 hours, due to its more emollient texture.

As far as eyeliner and mascara is concerned, it generally has good staying power, but you should touch up eyeliner every 6 to 8 hours to maintain its precision. Waterproof mascara tends to last longer and may require fewer touch-ups.

Why Does My Makeup Wear Off Around My Nose and Mouth?

Makeup wearing off around the nose and mouth is a common issue many people experience. If your makeup wears off around your nose or mouth, the reason can be:

• Natural Oil Production: The T-zone, which includes the forehead, nose, and chin, tends to produce more natural oils compared to other parts of the face. These oils can break down makeup, causing it to wear off faster.
• Frequent Touching: The nose and mouth areas are often touched, especially subconsciously, which can transfer oils and cause makeup to rub off.
• Moisture and Humidity: These face areas can be prone to moisture, whether due to humidity, sweating, or even drinking water. Moisture can break down makeup and lead to fading.
• Rubbing and Blotting: If you tend to scratch or blot your face, especially around the nose and mouth, it can disrupt the makeup and cause it to wear off.
• Foundation Texture and Formulation: Some foundations may need help adhering to areas that move more frequently, such as the nose and mouth. The formulation of the foundation can play a role in how well it stays put.

But you can fix this by using a primer. It will help to create a smooth, even surface for your makeup to adhere to. It will also help to control oil production, which can cause makeup to break down and wear off.

FAQs

How long does makeup last with setting spray?

How long does makeup last on the face without setting spray?

Setting spray helps makeup last longer by creating a protective layer that helps prevent smudging and fading. However, the exact duration of makeup longevity with setting spray can vary.

It depends on factors such as the specific product used, skin type, environmental conditions, and the type of makeup applied. On average, setting spray can help makeup last anywhere from 8 to 16 hours.

Does makeup expire if not opened?

Makeup usually stays on your face for a few hours without setting spray. The exact time depends on the type of makeup and your skin. Foundation may last 4 to 8 hours, eyeshadow might start fading after a few hours, and lipstick can last a few hours too. Setting spray can help makeup last longer by preventing smudging and fading.

How long does mac makeup last on face?

MAC makeup can stay on your face for about 6 to 12 hours or more. The exact time depends on what type of MAC product you’re using, like foundation or eyeshadow, and how you apply it. Some makeup might last longer if you use setting spray and powder.

Final Thoughts

All in all, for those asking, how long does makeup last on the face? Makeup can last 6 to 12 hours on the face. But it depends on how you apply it, your skin type, and your makeup products.

Generally, wearing waterproof makeup products can extend the lifespan of makeup. However, even with the best products and practices, makeup may gradually fade and require touch-ups. So, try to carry lipstick and mascara with you wherever you go. A quick touch-up can make your makeup flawless!