Long-Lasting Foundation Tips: How to Make Your Base Last All Day
Quick answer: Prep your skin and use a primer, apply foundation in thin layers, conceal with a sweat-resistant concealer and set with a light dusting of powder. For a base that lasts, start with Perfectly Primed Primer and Flawless Complexion Liquid Foundation.
Heat, humidity and long days can make foundation fade, slide or separate by lunchtime. With the right prep, products and a few simple techniques, you can keep your base looking fresh all day, whether it's a humid summer or a dry winter.
Step 1: Prep Your Skin
- Cleanse: remove oil and sweat so foundation doesn't cling to dry patches or slide on oily areas.
- Moisturise: use a lightweight moisturiser in humid weather and a richer one when your skin is dry. Let it sink in for a few minutes.
- Exfoliate regularly: gentle exfoliation once or twice a week keeps skin smooth so foundation doesn't catch on flakes.
- Prime: a primer gives foundation something to grip and helps it last.
1. Perfectly Primed Primer
Best for: a smooth base that helps foundation go on evenly and last.
A light, hydrating primer with a subtle champagne-pearl glow. It smooths skin, softens the look of fine lines and creates an even canvas for foundation, without feeling greasy.
Step 2: Choose the Right Foundation
- Normal to dry skin: a hydrating liquid foundation looks smooth and won't crack.
- Oily skin or humid weather: a mineral powder foundation such as Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation absorbs shine and is easy to touch up.
- Build in thin layers: two thin layers last longer than one thick one.
2. Flawless Complexion Liquid Foundation
Best for: medium to full coverage that looks natural and lasts all day.
A lightweight liquid-to-powder foundation that blurs the look of fine lines and pores and evens out skin tone. It's hydrating, feels weightless and gives a flawless finish that lasts, with no flashback in photos. It has more than 6,000 customer reviews on our website.
- Medium to full coverage
- Liquid-to-powder finish
- No flashback in photos
Step 3: Apply It the Right Way
- Use the right tool: a damp sponge or a dense brush gives a smooth, even finish.
- Pat, don't rub: pressing foundation in keeps your primer in place and avoids streaks.
- Focus on the centre of the face and blend outwards.
- Conceal after foundation, only where you still need it.
3. Concealer Crème
Best for: covering redness, blemishes and dark circles on hot or humid days.
A buildable concealer that blends seamlessly and doesn't cake or discolour. Made with beeswax, it's water, sweat and smudge resistant, and suitable for sensitive skin.
- Water, sweat and smudge resistant
- Buildable coverage
Step 4: Set Your Foundation
Setting powder locks foundation in place and controls shine. Use a fluffy brush, tap off the excess and press a light layer onto the T-zone and anywhere you tend to get oily. Avoid heavy powder on dry areas, as it can look cakey.
4. Loose Airbrush Setting Powder
Best for: setting foundation without adding weight.
A finely milled, translucent setting powder that dusts on weightlessly for a luminous finish that isn't heavy or cakey, with no flashback in photos.
See our guide on the best ways to apply setting powder for more tips.
Quick Touch-Ups Without Ruining Your Base
- Blot first: press a blotting paper or tissue onto shiny areas before adding anything.
- Use a little pressed powder on the T-zone. A compact is easy to carry.
- Spot-conceal rather than adding more foundation.
- Less is more: thin touch-ups look fresher than heavy layers.
What Customers Say
"Got both the illuminator and pore minimiser. I love the illuminator under foundation. It makes my skin glow and foundation hold all day."
Meredith B., verified customer
"Love this foundation. So easy to apply."
Judith E., verified customer
"Excellent product, does a great job and good cover."
Sandy B., verified customer
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make my foundation last in humid weather?
Use a primer, choose a long-wearing or mineral powder foundation, apply thin layers and set the T-zone with a light dusting of powder.
Why does my foundation disappear by lunchtime?
Usually it's skipped prep or too much product. Moisturise, prime, apply thin layers and set with powder.
Should I use powder or liquid foundation for long wear?
Liquid suits normal to dry skin; powder foundation suits oily skin and humid weather. Both last longer over a primer.
Can I wear setting powder on dry skin?
Yes, but use a very light layer only where you need it, and moisturise well first.
Can I buy Thin Lizzy foundation in stores?
Yes. Thin Lizzy is available at Priceline, TerryWhite Chemmart and Wizard Pharmacy stores across Australia. The range can vary by store, so the easiest way to get the full range, bundles and online deals is to shop online. See our FAQ page for stockist details.
Looking for a deal? Many of our best sellers are available in bundle offers from time to time. See our current Bundle Offers →
Final Thoughts
Long-lasting foundation comes down to four steps: prep, prime, thin layers and set. Get those right and your base will look fresh from morning to night.
