Fashion

11 Long Lasting Makeup Products For Those Who Hate The Retouch Proces

Whether you're a dedicated daily makeup applier or an occasional eyeliner aficionado, makeup application can be a great creative outlet, a form of escapism, or a fake-it-til-you-make-it transformation into the cool, confident cucumber you wish you naturally were. When it comes to using my face as my own portable canvas, I'm usually first in line for the facial pots and paints — including long lasting makeup, of course.

But although I find the creative ritual of preparing myself to face the world stomach-settling and therapeutic, once I'm done and out the door, I'm over it. The moment has passed. As soon as my house key has turned in the lock, all I want to think about are the plans my day has in store, the people I'm going to see, and — most importantly — the food I'm going to eat. At this point in time, if I could completely forget I had a face, I probably would; so the last thoughts I want running through my head are, "On a scale of one to raccoon, how effed is my mascara after that rain shower?" Or, "Is that person just a nasty pasty, or was that an unnerving side-glance-glare down to my liberally lipstick-smeared 'Joker' face?"

Desperate to rid myself of the dreaded clown-face anxiety once and for all (also, I'm just way too damn lazy for re-application) I went on a cosmetic product pilgrimage to unearth the most hard-wearing makeup on the market: And discovered a far more varied beauty loot than I ever would have expected!

Image: Fotolia

by Raffy Marie Parker

Maybelline New York Superstay 24 Hour Color

In light of my ongoing obsession with the crimson lip, what better way to begin than with the don of long-lasting lip colors? Glossy, transfer-proof, and phenomenally life-resistant, this well-reputed gem comes in a range of almost 30 brightly-colored shades (who knew so many lip hues even existed!?).

What’s more, the dual-ended formula is accompanied by a rich, nourishing lip balm — so no nightmares of dry, flaky lips for you, my friend.

Maybelline New York Superstay 24 Hour Color, $8, Amazon

Benefit They're Real! Push-Up Liner

Fitted with a narrow pointed rubber nib, this wonder-liner lessens the risk of pokey-eye related injuries whilst ensuring your eyeliner is precisely on fleek! Matte, waterproof, and satisfyingly smudge-proof, this peeper-framing formula is built to last from dawn until well beyond dusk and comes in a choice of five shades.

Benefit They’re Real! Push-Up Liner, $12, Benefit Cosmetics

Mac Pro-Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation

Whether you moonlight as a competitive swimmer or you simply want to walk through the park during a summer shower without contracting drowned-rat syndrome, this guy is your new skin-perfecting best buddy.

Not only is it primed to withstand sweaty gym sessions, soppy movies, and unexpected torrential downpours; this tenacious foundation offers a pretty satin finish and ridiculously good coverage. As a finicky foundationphile, I can reliably inform you that this is well worth the mulla.

Mac Pro-Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation, $32, Mac Cosmetics

Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Longwear Brow Pencil

From slim, sleek brows to full-on furry caterpillars, Bobbi Brown’s new addition to its Long Wear Collection offers the easy route to effortlessly-drawn eyebrows. With a no-budge 16 hour wear to stand firm against all those sweatily-fun adventures summer brings, this little hard-worker will keep your eyebrow game on-point in even the most relentlessly soggy-foreheaded of situations.

Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Longwear Brow Pencil, $44, Sephora

Aqua Cream Waterproof Cream Color

Deeply pigmented and mixed with luminous mother-of-pearl pigments, these beautiful waterproof cream eyeshadows come in a range of blindingly bright shades, including this seductive little azure number, which makes me want to dive in and swim in its glorious glow.

Aqua Cream Waterproof Cream Color, $23, Makeup Forever

Aqua Seal Waterproof Liquid Converter

There’s a reason why this product sounds like some sort of waterproof super-glue — essentially, that’s almost exactly what it is. However, although this tenacious tack has been formulated to turn all types of eye makeup into waterproof wonder-products (from eye pencils to diamond powders to cream eyeshadows), it’s thankfully also alcohol-free, sensitive skin-proof, and can even be used on your waterline without irritation.

Aqua Seal Waterproof Liquid Converter, $21, Makeup Forever

Rimmel Matte BB Cream

Now as I’ve already stated, I’m a massive perfectionist when it comes to choosing a good makeup base. I’m on the hunt for a skin-loving formula with the coverage to withstand the days I wake up looking like the living dead, and the tenacity to stand on its own two feet without my checking up on it every two minutes to make sure I haven’t magically transformed into a prize from The Shiny Show .

For these reasons, I’d always previously shunned BB Creams, assuming they’d fall disappointingly short of my demands… until I discovered this wondrous bargain. OK, so referring to itself as “9-in-1 super makeup” may seem a little self-indulgent, but when it came to the nitty-gritty task of ticking off my demanding checklist, this product stood by my side through it all. Not only does it last a good eight-plus hours with minimal shine and amazingly good coverage for a skincare-makeup crossover, but one of its three oil-free shades IS ACTUALLY PALE ENOUGH for my so white, milky-bright complexion.

Rimmel Matte BB Cream, $6, Amazon

Daniel Sandler Watercolor Fluid Blush In Joy

This multi-functional liquid blush is not only blendable, long-lasting, and highly water resistant, but also contains vitamin E and Jojoba to care for your skin with every wear. What’s more, this particular hue was created exclusively by Daniel Sandler in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support — so by purchasing, you’re also doing your bit to raise valuable funds for a wonderful cause.

Daniel Sandler Watercolor Fluid Blush In Joy, $23, Daniel Sandler

Tarte Amazonian Clay Matte Waterproof Bronzer

More accustomed to a ghostly glow than anything remotely tan-worthy, I’ve always been vaguely envious of those who simply glance at the sun and turn a fetching shade of bronze. For those of you blessed with effortless tanning ability (and fellow meer mortals wishing to emulate said look) this densely pigmented bronzing block is made to withstand all the sun, sea, and sand you could possibly shower it with.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Matte Waterproof Bronzer, $30, Tarte Cosmetics

Hypnose Drama Waterproof

Now come on, I’d be mad to write a feature on long-lasting makeup without even a mention of the powers of the humble waterproof mascara. This stick of sooty black magic, however, is far from shy and retiring. With a 24-hour hold waterproof formula, the wide brush is perfect for giving your lashes that wide, doe-eyed look, and will withstand the sweatiest, dancey-est, teary-est of nights out.

Hypnose Drama Waterproof, $27, Sephora

Model In A Bottle Original Makeup Setting Spray

To really make sure your makeup stands the test of time — fuss-free, no messing — you need a setting spray as your ultimate secret weapon. Model In A Bottle Original Makeup Setting Spray is legendary among many makeup artists and beauty bloggers; it’s resistant to humidity, smudging, and sad and happy tear-shedding, and works wonders for normal-to-oily skin — perfect for those days when you wake up looking like you’ve washed your face with chips.

Model In A Bottle Original Make-up Setting Spray, $20, Amazon

111