Ever had that experience where you leave the house with amazing makeup – only to look in a mirror two hours later to find that it’s all but left your face? Yep, this has probably happened to all of us, and it doesn’t ever get less annoying. It can be incredibly disheartening to see your makeup wear off so quickly, especially if you spent ages on it or if you are at a big event. Our makeup can come off our faces for a number of reasons. It could be to do with the weather – wind and rain aren’t exactly a girl’s best friend when it comes to keeping their face intact. It could be to do with face touching or the wearing of glasses, or even wearing scarves around the face. Plus sometimes, it is simply down to the wearer having oily skin. So what exactly can you do if you suffer with makeup that just won’t stay on? Well, read on and try some of these techniques that can help your makeup stay with you well into the night – so you can party until dawn without a care in the world.

Use primer

You may have heard of people using what is known as a primer under their makeup. These products have been used by professional makeup artists for years, but have only hit the highstreet in the past few years. Primers are essentially products which are applied before foundation or concealer and aim to make your makeup last longer. They are now available from many different brands and come in gel, cream and even powder form. In order to apply it, don’t be scared to use your fingers. Yes, we have all been relentlessly told to apply makeup with professional brushes and sponges ONLY. But in the case of primer, actually absorbs into the skin better when you use your hands, due to the generation of heat. There are also types of primer specifically designed for certain parts of the face, such as this base for NYX eyeshadow.

Use a setting spray

Ever clocked sight of yourself in the mirror before you left the house, and gave your face a quick mist of hairspray before leaving just to make sure that makeup stays on? Most of us have done the hairspray trick, as nasty as it is – and not only does it taste and feel awful, it doesn’t really work either! This is why makeup setting sprays were invented, which are essentially a sealing ‘top coat’ for your makeup. You can buy specific ones for various skin types and some even claim to hydrate your skin too.

Keep backup products in your bag

Unfortunately, there are going to be those times where no matter what we do, the makeup still comes off. For these moments, nothing else will do apart from reapplying the makeup that has already come off. But no one wants to cut their evening short by having to go home to re-apply. This is why carrying some mini makeup saviors on your person can be a lifesaver in times of need. You can often buy handbag-sized makeup these days, but most makeup in general will fit into the inside pocket of your bag. Bring only the essentials so you’re not too weighed down – for example, your 16 color eyeshadow palette probably doesn’t need to come with you. Foundation, powder, mascara and lipstick is all you really need, and you’ll be good to go all night.