Olympics 2012: Marathon Makeup and Beauty Tips That Last the Distance

Wed, 1 August 2012 10:02AM

Coming up on next week’s Olympic schedule is the marathon – 42.195 kilometres of hardcore running. The course is set to pass as many London landmarks as possible, from Buckingham Palace to the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral and Big Ben. Sort of like a really painful and sweaty postcard from the UK’s picturesque capital.

Now, I don’t know about you, Primpers, but I’ve been super busy of late. Early starts, long days, working through lunch, tapping away on my laptop until the wee hours and, of course, squeezing in some late night Olympic watching, too (who knew women’s weightlifting or badminton could be so gripping?). Most days, I feel like I’ve run a marathon, even if most of it has been spent sitting down. Which is why I’m drawing on all my long-lasting beauty tips (nice segue, huh?!) right now. I’m applying my makeup around 7.30 in the morning and it’s not being removed, let alone touched up, until well into the night. And I’m not alone. Even the world’s most famous make-up DIY-er, the Duchess of Cambridge, is burning the proverbial candle at both ends right now, considering the Games are in her backyard. Here she is looking fab at the Equestrian event yesterday – just one appointment in her busy schedule:

In case a busy (Olympics viewing) schedule is seeing you putting extra pressure on your regular makeup skills and products, too, I’ve rounded up my favourite tried-and-tested tips I’ve begged, borrowed and stolen from various experts over the last decade.

Here’s to looking flawless from dawn ‘til dusk and beyond:

1. Put only one thing between you and your foundation
Serum plus moisturiser plus sunscreen plus primer plus pore minimiser plus radiance booster does not a long-lasting base make. If you’re serious about staying power, pick just one product and apply it to clean skin before your foundation. A double-duty buy, such as Becca Mineral SPF 30 Primer, $68, Becca Australia is a smart idea.

2. Let your eyes have it…
As lovely as bright red lipstick looks, it only looks that way for an hour, max. And, yes, I’ve tried all the long-lasting options. For me, they either smudge, peel, pill, crack or simply disappear after not very long. If you don’t want to risk it, go for a smoky eye every time, a la the lovely Catherine, above. Dramatic lids require little accompaniment, so even if your lippy or gloss drifts away, no one will be any the wiser.

3. …And remove oil from your lids first
Weirdly, your eyelids are the greasiest part of your face. And grease equals messed-up make-up. Be sure your lids are clean and oil free before you consider applying eyeshadow. Use an oil-free eye make-up remover first, then add a light layer of eye primer, oil-free foundation or a dusting of translucent powder to create a smooth base for colour.

4. Layer your cheek products
While it’s super pretty, cream blush is not known for staying power on its own. But it can work wonders when creating a long-lasting flush. Apply your foundation then dab a cream blush across your cheeks. Next, dust on a little translucent powder to set your base. Now, apply a powder blush, using a large brush, over the top. Double the colour equals double the fun (and endurance).

5. Use a base with stamina
This is where formulas matter. Sheer, dewy foundations won’t last the distance if you’re creating an all-day look. Seek oil free, matte or velvet finish options that have legs. Just out this month is Revlon ColorStay Whipped Crème Foundation, $34.95, from pharmacies, which is designed to last 24 hours. While that may sound a bit extreme, you get the picture. It stays put.

6. Invest in a couple more resilient products
Water resistant mascara (rather than often-drying waterproof) is an essential, and the new Bobbi Brown Intensifying Long-Wear Mascara, $48, is the perfect example. It lasts and lasts. And make like an event make-up artist by treating your pout to M.A.C Pro Longwear Lipcreme, $48, M.A.C. It’s comfy and durable.

7. Line your lips
A mouth-pink liner is a gloss-lovers best friend. Outline and fill in your lips with the pencil to create a canvas that’ll grab colour. Then slick on your lacquer for superior staying power. Try Clinique Quickliner for Lips in Baby Buff, $32, from department stores.

8. Ban powder after leaving home
Topping up on layer after layer of pressed powder will leave you looking pasty and won’t make your look last any longer. Go for a more natural option with powder-free blotting sheets. Press stealthily over your nose, chin and forehead to stop shine whenever the fancy takes you.

And, voila. Medal-worthy make-up that looks (almost) as fresh after watching two rounds in the boxing ring after a hard day at the desk as it does first thing in the morning. Winning!

What are your long-lasting beauty tips, Primpers? And do you have any durable buys you can’t live without?

Until next week,

Emily x

Posted by: Emily Taylor

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Tags: 2012 olympics, becca, clinique, exercise, kate middleton, mac, makeup tips, marathon makeup, revlon, running