Give your make-up extra staying power.

Lisa Haynes reveals how long-wear cosmetics can help you look good all day

IF you can't be parted from your compact mirror and you're permanently touching up your face powder, it might be time to rethink your make-up application.

More than half (58%) of women say they reapply their cosmetics once or twice a day, according to a recent Birchbox survey, while 3% admit to topping up three to five times.

And there's extra pressure to "put your face on" when you need your make-up to last all day for important events.

MAC senior artist Pablo Rodriguez reveals that it's all in the application.

PRIME TIME

Surprisingly, you don't need more products for longevity, you need fewer.

"The secret is to keep it simple," says Rodriguez. "Use a light lotion rather than a rich moisturiser.

"Make-up tends to last less on oily skin, so it helps to prepare the skin with a shine control product before foundation. A mattifying product like MAC Prep & Prime Skin Refined Zone (£16) works wonders under or on top of foundation."

Primers hold your make-up better, and also minimise pores for a flawless finish.

STAYING POWER

"Do not assume that applying more make-up will make it last longer - there will just be more make-up," warns Rodriguez.

Look for products that "set" on the skin - think gels rather than creams.

A long-wear foundation is the ultimate investment.

"Foundations and concealers that are less emollient (moisturising) will stay on longer in hot and humid weather," says Rodriguez, "and a good powder is essential."

Stick to matte formulations, oil-free powders and waterproof products for extra staying power. Try NYX Matte Finish Make-up Setting Spray, £8.

TOUCH-UP TIPS

If you're prone to shine attacks, you'll need to keep a close eye on your look. Liners and concealers especially tend to crease more if it's hot and humid, says Rodriguez.

"A hydrating mist will refresh your make-up and make it look like you have just applied it, but it will not set it."

Lips are the one feature that will need to be re-touched, especially after eating. Take the exact product you used in your bag so you don't have to switch colours.

Planning an outfit change? "Be careful when getting dressed or undressed to not smudge the make-up," he warns.

THE 12-HOUR TEST

Lisa Haynes put long-wear application to the test at the V Festival with a makeover from expert Rodriguez. But will it survive dinner, drizzle and a Beyonce set?

1PM: Rodriguez is using brushes rather than fingers to really push the products into my skin and achieve an airbrush effect rather than a caked-on look. I'm usually a gloss girl but I'm advised to choose a matte lipstick for longevity.

4PM: I want my look to last so I take Rodriguez's advice and drink out of a straw to retain my Impassioned raspberry red lips.

7PM: My lips suffer death by macaroni cheese. The matte colour is clinging on but now looks more like a subtle stain, so requires a reapplication.

1OPM: Beyonce is on stage and I'm rather chuffed my airbrush-look skin rivals hers after eight hours There's not even a hint of mascara running as I stand outside in the rain.

1AM: I discover there's a downfall to the long-wear look ... average make-up wipes and cleansers won't budge waterproof formulas. I had to use an oil-based cleanser on my eyes. Cleansing took longer than usual, but it was worth it.

Key M.A.C. Products

Studio Moisture Fix SPF15, £22.50; Pro Longwear SPF10 Foundation, £25; Pro Longwear Concealer, £15.50; Paint Pot in Quite Natural, £15; Technakohl Liner in GraphBlack, £14; False Lashes Waterproof mascara, £18; Lipstick in Impassioned, £15; all available at www.maccosmetics.co.uk

Ask for a long-wear makeover at a one-on-one appointment with a MAC Pro Artist, from £30 for 60 minutes (value of appointment redeemable against MAC products). See www.maccosmetics.co.uk/locator for your nearest MAC counter.