The mystery of the disappearing makeup

[IamthegreatProcrastinator]

It doesn't matter how carefully I apply my makeup or what brand it is, by about midday it has pretty much disappeared - with the exception of my mascara, which tends to end up halfway down my face.

I'm assuming I need some sort of primer? Can anyone recommend one that doesn't cost the earth and will help my makeup stay on please?

I use the Nivea primer at the moment which I think was a fiver, and have used the Rimmel one which was a bit better (but was about £7 for less of it). It does help but I use an expensive long wear Lancome foundation on top which helps it to stay.

I've also recently discovered Estee Lauder double wear mascara which actually stays on and doesn't smudge! But that's about £20 so not bargainous.

Urban Decay do a spray on thing called All Nighter which glues your make up in place . It's about £19. I've only used it for fixing evening type of make up, but no reson why it would not be fine for day time.

I am currently using Boots no 7 primer with Boots no 7 Intelligent Colour foundation. They are both brilliant and work well on my combination skin (normal/greasy)

Procrastinator, there's so much more to it than primer. Yes primer will help but it starts at the cleanser you use, then which serum you use, and which moisturiser. Have a good look at your whole routine. Doesn't have to be expensive. I find using a lovely Clarins moisturiser makes makeup less long wearing than using a cheap 'Simple' brand one.

Oh, and a really good finishing powder makes a huge difference too. Gritted teeth and coughed up for the Smashbox Photo Set one - it's in a different league to others. Hoping to find a dupe though.

As an experiment yesterday (god, my life is exciting) I left off the Obagi Vit C serum and my makeup lasted less well and looked less smooth, so it's surprising how a product that is so far down the 'layering' order can still make a difference.

my mascara goes down my face if I use an oily remover the previous day.

I am destined not to be a groomed sort of person though.

panda I second the Estée Lauder double wear mascara - amazing stuff!

I always used to use Clinique Lash Power, also v good, but decided to give this a go on Sali Hughes' recommendation. It's a bit more expensive but worth every penny I think.

You can use a primer or even a good quality moisturiser will do the same, like johnsons or nivea. They don't cost that much.

OP, how long are you leaving between applying moisturiser, and applying makeup? Is the moisturiser the correct formula for you, and is your foundation as well?

It sounds like you have a bit too much oil there - either from your skin, or form your products. What are you using?

I second the recco for the Clinique LAsh Power mascara - mine lasts for a good 16+ hours, and I have hayfever and add drops/rub my eyes a bit.

Claudia is right. The whole skincare regime has to be right, otherwise even a pirmer will not cut the mustard. Also, leave 10 minutes between each step, to allow the products to really absorb. So, I apply moisturiser, then have breakfast, apply primer, brush teeth, then apply makeup. It really does work.

Gosh do a good primer that is comparable to smashbox that you can get from larger superdrugs.

Thanks for your replies. I always put moisturiser on (currently one by Johnsons which is SPF 15 and makes my skin feel lovely and smooth), leave while I eat breakfast, then apply makeup (currently Garnier BB cream, concealer, Clinique powder, Bobbi Brown shimmer brick and Maybelline mascara). Always looks like I've barely got any makeup on, if any, by halfway through the day.

I'm having the same problem with my make-up at the moment. I think I probably put my foundation on too soon after moisturising, although I leave it about ten minutes. Can't wear primer or BB creams. I have been putting it down to an age thing also - mid 40s.

OP, you're possibly putting too much moisture into your skin. IIRC, the Garnier BB is to be used instead of a moisturiser and foundation.

Agatha - maybe you could try blotting your face pre-foundation. I use the very glamourous tissue peeled into single sheets - so I use 1 ply of a tissue.

The formulation of the primer and what goes on top matters too. Look at the first ingredient in the ingredient list - if it's Aqua, it's water-based and you'll layer with water-based products. It can also be a gel-based (Aqua+Alcohol); if it's -cone, it's silicone-based. Oil over water or vice versa is not a great idea (can be done in cosmetics with emulsifiers but can cause pilling and sliding off).

"Can't wear primer or BB creams. I have been putting it down to an age thing also - mid 40s."

I am 54 and use Boots no 7 primer and it works beautifully. I don't understand why you think having older skin doesn't work with primer.

Hazel good idea, I'll try it, thanks.

Frugal - I didn't realise that primers could be water based. I thought they all had silicone in. Maybe a trip to Boots this week

bunbaker - its not having older skin that I think doesn't work with primers. I can't wear silicones or various preservatives - they bring me out in a rash - so that's why I don't wear primers. I have tried them and my skin has been a mess very quickly. The age thing I referred to was just because my make-up doesn't stay on so well lately - probably clutching at straws though

Try Bourjois Volume Clubbing mascara (I think it's called - too lazy to check!) Only comes off with eye make-up remover. I have v greasy skin and with any other mascara I am usually rocking the panda look by 12 noon, but the Bourjois one stays put indefinitely.

Re water/gel/'cone based primers - www.creativeartistryfx.com/pre-foundation_products.pdf

Recommend researching on MUA first, then going shopping.