Make your makeup last like the stars! Learn celebrity-approved setting hacks, from powder layering to spray techniques, for flawless, all-day glam.
When you catch those celebrities on the red carpet or posting their selfies on Instagram, their makeup looks absolutely flawless—smooth, radiant, and it lasts! But the real secret is not only the foundation or the highlighter, but how they set their makeup.
Whether they are on a 16-hour film set, performing in a sweaty concert, or attending an award ceremony with hot lights beaming down on them, they rely on some clever tricks to keep their makeup looking fresh. The good news is you don’t always need to have a professional glam team to have a similar outcome. With the right products and techniques, you too can achieve a look worthy of a star that is going to last all day and night.
The best makeup setting tricks celebrities swear by—and how you can incorporate them into your routine.
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1. Skincare prep is everything
Before the makeup goes on the skin, however, celebrities all have that same mantra of always starting with a hydrated and suitably prepped skin. Makeup artists like Mario Dedivanovic (Kim Kardashian’s makeup artist) stress the use of skin prep beforehand, because after all, no prep means no makeup.
Moisturiser + primer: Hydrating the skin will help to counteract any patchiness, and a gripping primer will help ensure the foundation can grip so to speak.
Ice facial: Celebrities like Bella Hadid and Irina Shayk will use ice cubes or cryo rollers before applying makeup so that they can tighten their pores and also reduce puffiness.
2. The “Layering” Method
Rather than loading makeup on heavily in one step, celebrities often use more of a light-weight layered technique to create a longer lasting and more variable effect.
First, apply a thin layer of foundation.
Then dust on a very light coat of translucent powder.
Repeat with foundation or concealer where needed.
Finish with another powder.
The ‘sandwich’ technique keeps all makeup in place without looking too heavy. For example, Selena Gomez’s makeup artist Hung Vanngo uses this all the time to achieve a natural but flawless appearance.
3. Powder, then Spray, not the other way
While most of us think of setting spray as an essential step for finishing makeup, professionals have other ways to seal a look.
Powder the makeup first, then spray, then powder.
This technique cross-links the makeup so that you could sweat, humidity will not affect it and it will perform better with flash photography!
For example, Zendaya’s red-carpet makeup has almost always used this technique to lock the glam for as long as it takes.
4. The “Baking” Method
This technique was pioneered by drag queens and is used by celebrities like Kim Kardashian. The baking method simply involves applying a heavy layer of translucent powder to your sites (under the eyes, the jawline, and the ‘T’ zone), letting it sit anywhere from 5-10 minutes, and then dusting off.
Why this works:
Please absorb the excess oil
Helps with highlighting and showcasing features
Reduces creasing
Pro Tip: To really lock in the product, press powder into skin using a damp beauty sponge.
5. Use a Setting Spray Intermediary Steps
Instead of using a setting spray at the end of the makeup application, many celebrity makeup artists use it throughout the steps.
Spray after the primer.
Spray after the foundation.
Spray after you powder, and then do the final spray at the end.
As an example, Lady Gaga’s makeup artist uses this tip to make sure her makeup lasts while she performs for hours on stage.
6. Waterproof Everything
When you see celebrities on red carpets or at concerts and award shows, they often experience tears, sweat, and long days. This is why celebrities use waterproof products. Whether it’s their eyeliner, mascara, or foundation, they often use waterproof versions. Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r foundation is a celebrity favorite for its long-wear formula.
Also, many celebrities use waterproof eyeliners (like Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On) to reduce “raccoon eyes.”
Pro Tip: Instead of using your regular mascara, switch it out for a waterproof one if you are planning on an event or long day—you will see a difference.
7. Blotting Papers Instead of Powder
If you are tired of looking “cakey” throughout your day, then you are going to want to use blotting papers instead of powder every time that you need to “powder” during the day.
Meghan Markle is known to carry blotting papers in her clutch so that she is able to absorb any excess oil without disturbing the rest of her makeup.
Helps keep skin matte and away from unnecessary and excess layers.
8. “Lip Lock” Trick
If you want long-wear lipstick (especially when attending events and dinners), stars have been known to use this little setting trick:
Lipstick
Tissue over the lips
Lightly dust translucent powder over the tissue
Touch up lipstick after removing tissue
This trick locks in lip color for its transfer-proof lipstick and long-wear properties, and it’s a go-to trick with Taylor Swift for her iconic red lips.
9. Cooling Down with Setting Powders
Some setting powders that run on beauty stars’ favs are specifically made with cooling technology to help refresh skin. You often see stars like Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner use cooling setting powders because they provide a natural finish like skin without the cakiness.
Pro tip: If you’re searching for a glow-from-within finished skin look, look for finely milled loose powders with light-reflecting particles.
10. “Sweat-Proof” hack
A lot of performers need to consider their makeup when sweating (think Beyoncé/Jennifer Lopez), which means their makeup artists use specific sweat block, antiperspirant mist (Yes, it works similarly to a body spray, but it is face-safe) before using primer to any performer.
It’s almost guaranteed to hold if your performance makeup appears to melt to the stage lights.
11. Setting makeup with a beauty blender
Instead of using a brush for powder, many makeup artists apply powder to the skin by pressing it into the skin with a damp beauty blender.
This helps to avoid powder sitting on the skin.
And it creates a flawless, locked-in foundation and concealer.
Makeup artist Patrick Ta (who works with Gigi Hadid) has often used this to create a naturally airbrushed appearance.
12. Celebrity Tricks for Getting the Overnight Sleep Look
Setting makeup isn’t just about makeup products; it’s about maintaining the skin.
Celebs like Jen Aniston, Priyanka Chopra, and others emphasize sleeping on silk pillowcases because they prevent friction and oil transfer.
Regular facials and sheet masks allow the skin to hold the makeup for longer the day prior.
While celebrities may have some of the world’s best makeup artists and products to rely on, the tips they have to set their makeup are low-key, simple, and easy enough for anyone to try. From layering, baking, and using the right setting spray as directed, these hacks keep makeup intact through red carpets, photo shoots, and day-to-day lives.
FAQs
1. How do celebrities get their makeup to stay on all day?
Celebs are executing skin prep, lightweight layering techniques with their products, and use professional techniques like baking and spraying between steps of makeup (and in between products). Celebs also love to rely on waterproof products and enjoy using blotting paper abounding so that they can keep their makeup from looking heavy and cake-like.
2. What are the best celebrity setting sprays?
Popular options are Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray, Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, and MAC Fix+. They keep make-up on and skin looking natural for hours.
3. Is baking makeup an okay routine for everyday?
Yes, but it should be reserved for special events or long days. Daily baking can dry out the under-eye area, so do not use it often. You may want to use an even lighter layer of powder for everyday applications.
4. How do celebrities keep their lipstick from fading?
They use the “lip lock” trick: apply lipstick on lips, place a tissue over lips and set everything with powder, then reapply lipstick. Many prefer long-wear matte for performances and events.
