Fed up with my make-up please advise.

[mumo3g]

I haven't updated my make-up for years. I tend to only wear it for special occasions. The problem I have is that when I do decide to wear it it doesn't stay on that long.

Now I'm thinking of updating my make-up and doing it properly but I don't want to splash out loads, something medium price if there is such a thing.

Or is there hints and tips to make my make-up stay longer on my face? I recently went to a wedding, out came the make-up. I noticed other people's make-up had seemed to last whereas mine had gone. Did they touch it up or something?

As you can see I'm totally naive with this. Help me please.

Urban decay potion primer for your eyes - this keeps my eyeshadow and liner on for about 15hrs
Primer for your face helps with foundation staying on too. I use philosophy the present (only because it was £4 in t k maxx)

Primer!!! I also dab mattifier on over it during the day (just on T zone), or use oil blotting sheets. I don't tend to retouch the actual makeup and it does last even on my oily skin. Also important is to make sure it all suits your skintype...from primer / moisturiser right through to the foundation, concealer (if you need it) and powder. I also use a misting spray (like Body Shops) to set it all after.

also how you apply. Don't apply foundation straight after moisturising! don't even use much moisturiser if you are oily. Don't apply in a hot bathroom. etc

Bare minerals with their primer underneath works great for me

Clinique's Lash power or Kanebo's Lavshuca mascara
Blinc eyeliner (this isn't foolproof on me as have very watery eyes, but a million times better than any pencil or other liquid)
Colorsport's Lipstain

I don't use foundation as I've seen some people get it so badly wrong and also as I have oily skin I don't want to get spots. (although now you can get sensitive ones maybe right?) Also I don't want to spend ages putting my make-up on.

What I like normally is blusher, lipstick (one that is supposed to stay on for 12 hours) eyeshaddow and pencil. Ocassionally mascarra.

Primer is your friend!!! I use Lancôme la base but the new revlon photo ready one is also good I am a total make up addict have tried any thing and everything

Im watching with interest. Have a make up bag and wear it daily.... But possibly not that well!
Primer.... What on earth is primer and how long have I been missing that?

Primer creates a base for your make up, evening out skin tone and the surface of skin for make up to adhere to.

A decent tinted moisturiser would feel lighter on your skin but also have staying power, if you're nervous of an 'over-done' foundation look.