Why Your Makeup Hits Peak Perfection After Lunch
We asked two experts to break down the phenomenon—and how to make it work for you.
If my makeup’s holding up like a champ by lunchtime, I chalk it up to one of two things: a magic product or believing that I finally mastered the art of application. And while both might be true, there’s actually more going on beneath the surface—literally. Sure, we all know that sleep, hydration and exercise can do wonders for our skin, but it turns out one of the best-kept beauty secrets for a radiant complexion is simply letting science do its thing.
Throughout the day, your makeup goes through a number of subtle shifts, and that midday glow-up? It’s thanks to a little behind-the-scenes chemistry between your skin, your makeup and your environment. “Your skin’s natural oils, sweat and moisture from humidity meld with the product and cancel out mattifying ingredients, thus making your makeup appear dewier than earlier in the day,” explains Toronto- and Montreal-based makeup artist Ronnie Tremblay. In fact, “marinated makeup,” the act of letting your makeup settle into your skin hours before you leave for the day, became a viral beauty trend on TikTok in 2022. The results? A natural, dewy finish that looks like skin, but better.
Another possible reason for your afternoon radiance could be oxidation, but in a good way. “The pH balance of your skin can alter the makeup’s colouring and shift to a warmer tone, which could make you look more sun-kissed,” explains Tremblay.
All About That Base
Oxidation and other common makeup mishaps—like migration, separation and creasing—are completely normal. But according to Jodi Urichuk, L’Oréal Paris Canada’s makeup artist and expert, they’re totally avoidable with the right prep. “A clean, smooth, hydrated, and protected complexion will give you the best glowing start,” she says. “Using non-greasy sunscreens to combat pollution and harmful UVA/UVB rays, or a silicone-based primer, will protect your skin and help keep your glow in place much longer throughout the day.”
Perfect your base by selecting skincare and complexion products with your skin type in mind. “Anything longwear that is water-based and boasts a healthy glow are key,” says Tremblay. If you have oily skin, prep with a lightweight moisturizer and mattifying primer. For dry skin, prioritize skincare with hydration-heavy ingredients like hyaluronic acid well before applying foundation and opt for liquid and cream formulas that’ll bond better to skin and give you a glowy finish.
Less Is Always More
When it comes to makeup, a little product goes a long way. “Applying thin layers will lead to longer-lasting results,” explains Tremblay. Using less product also helps prevent creasing in areas like the mouth, eyes and forehead. “On hotter days, being strategic with where you place your glow is key to avoiding a sweaty look,” adds Urichuk. She recommends the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Le Glow Highlighter Stick and suggests focusing on the high points of the face—cheekbones, bridge of the nose and cupid’s bow—for maximum impact. For an all-over radiant finish, opt for a foundation or skin tint that has built-in luminosity.
The final—and arguably most important—step for all-day wear (and a good glow) is locking in your look with a setting spray. “Some setting sprays only deposit water, while others include nourishing ingredients that work well for drier skin types,” says Tremblay. “Glycerin is especially great for oily or combination skin, helping to boost glow without breaking down your makeup.” With so many formulas on the market, it really comes down to what your skin needs. Whatever you choose to achieve that glow, remember: your skin is the real MVP in your makeup routine.
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