With summer underway and calendars filling up with gigs, raves and festivals, makeup is set to work overtime, with searches for “how to make makeup last all day” soaring by 117% in the past month alone.

Thankfully, Carly Cochrane, Beauty Expert at Cosmetify, says a few simple smart makeup tricks can make all the difference. From sweat-proofing your base, to stopping lipstick from disappearing before the headliner even starts, she shares her top tips for keeping your makeup lasting through every set, afterparty and festival weekend.

1. Prep your skin properly beforehand

“Long-lasting makeup always starts with skincare. Before applying any makeup, make sure your skin is clean, hydrated and properly prepped.

“Lightweight moisturisers work best for nights out, especially during summer, as heavier creams can cause makeup to slide much faster once you start sweating.

“One of the biggest mistakes people make is rushing straight into makeup before their skincare has fully absorbed. Giving products a few minutes to settle into the skin properly creates a smoother base and helps stop foundation separating later in the night.”

2. Never skip primer

“If you want your makeup to survive hours of dancing, heat and humidity, primer is essential. It creates a smooth base for makeup to grip onto while helping to control shine and minimise the appearance of pores.

“Mattifying primers work particularly well for oily skin, while hydrating formulas are better suited to dry skin types. Eye primer is also a must if you’re wearing eyeshadow to a festival or gig, as it helps prevent creasing, smudging and fading after a few hours.”

3. Choose long-wear and waterproof formulas

“When you know you’ll be spending hours in a hot venue or dancing outside all day, your everyday makeup products may not won’t hold up well enough. Long-wear foundations, waterproof mascaras and transfer-proof lip products are designed to cope with sweat, humidity and movement much better.

“Layering cream products with a very light dusting of powder can also help lock makeup into place without making it look too heavy or cakey.”

4. Apply makeup in thin layers

“One of the easiest ways to ruin long-lasting makeup is applying too much product too quickly. Thick layers of foundation and concealer are far more likely to crease, separate, and slide off throughout the day. Instead, build coverage gradually using thin layers and lightly set each stage as you go. Not only does this help makeup last longer, but it also keeps everything looking fresher and more natural in photos and harsh lighting.”

5. Lock everything in with setting spray

“Setting spray is one of the most effective ways to help makeup last through heat, sweat and humidity. Once your makeup is finished, mist setting spray evenly across the face to help melt products together and improve staying power.

“For festivals, raves or particularly hot nights, lightly spraying between makeup layers can give even more longevity and help stop makeup from breaking apart later on.”

6. Don’t forget your lips

“Lip products are usually the first thing to fade during a night out, especially if you’re eating, drinking or constantly talking. A simple trick for making lipstick last longer is filling in the entire lip with liner before applying your chosen colour.

“Long-wear and transfer-proof lip formulas are also worth investing in if you want minimal touch-ups throughout the night.”

7. Pack a mini touch-up kit

“You don’t need to carry your entire makeup bag around with you, but keeping a few essentials nearby can make a huge difference. A mini powder, concealer, lip product and travel-sized setting spray are usually enough for quick touch-ups throughout the evening.

How to make your Festival Make-Up last all day