As a makeup junkie, there’s nothing more satisfying than looking in your mirror at the end of the day and seeing everything on your face still in place. It’s taken me years to find the perfect products for my oily/combination skin, but I wanted to share a quick roundup of primers, powders, and sprays that help my makeup last all-day.

PRIMERS

Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer ($6.99)

This is my number one ride or die primer. Seriously-I’m on my fourth tube! I’ve used both drugstore +  popular high-end primers but this formula has done its job under every single foundation/bb cream/tinted moisturizer I’ve ever used. The consistency is thick, not watery, so it helps fill in pores in addition to keeping your skin matte but not dry. On occasion I get a little shine on my nose, but at minimum, I’m getting 7 hours of wear from this (even in the Summer). If they ever discontinue this I will die.

Other great options: Benefit The POREfessional Face Primer + Maybelline’s Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer. These primers are pretty much dupes for each other, so pick whichever fits your budget. I’m not as crazy about these as I am the Rimmel, BUT, they do still do a great job priming your skin.

SETTING POWDER

Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder ($4.99)

While this powder is great for all-over coverage, I love using this to set my undereye concealer. I own it in both translucent +Sandstorm (has a yellow tint), and when you apply this immediately after your concealer, you won’t have any creasing. It works well with both a slightly damp beauty sponge and a small setting brush; the key is to pack it on and brush away any excess. I don’t do well with loose powder, so I can use this on the go without making a mess.

Other great options: Wet n Wild Coverall Pressed Powder (this is neck and neck w/Rimmel’s powder. It’s so satiny, almost like a mineral powder, and it sets undereye concealer beautifully. I use the tan color because it adds a little warmth under my eye while also highlighting, so if you have dark circles, try it out.) + Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder (beautiful all over setting powder).

FINISHING SPRAY

NYX Dewy Finish Makeup Setting Spray ($7.99)

I try to switch it up, but I always find myself coming back to this makeup setting spray. This comes in a matte formula as well, but for myself, I prefer the dewy version because I tend to wear medium to full coverage foundation, and this keeps it from looking heavy and flat. If you ever run out of primer, you can actually use this spray in its place, and your foundation won’t streak.

Other great options: Mario Badescu Rose Water Spray (refreshes + sets), L’Oreal Infallible Makeup Extender Setting Spray, and M.A.C. Fix+ (order the travel size for $10 online to test it out first. For some it sets, for others it’s better as a refresher).

It’s kind of funny that my top go-tos are all from the drugstore, but it really goes to show you that you don’t have to go broke to find quality products!

What products do you use to help your makeup last?

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