Insiders’ Guide: How to Get Your Eye Makeup to Last

The secret to keeping your eye makeup from smearing and fading is layering products. But don’t forget that just a bit of smudging and creasing makes your shadow look sexy and lived in.

• Build your base. For a long time, I thought primers were a waste of money, but then I tried the Nars ones—and they’re amazing. A coat of your regular concealer will work almost as well, but don’t use foundation on your eyelids; it’s too moist, and your shadow will slip right off.

• Add cream. Apply a thin layer of cream shadow; it gives powder something to adhere to. It’s like putting on lip liner before lipstick. Choose a color that’s close to your natural skin tone, and any eye shadow will work over it; or, if you want a very pigmented look, match the cream shadow to the powder shadow.

• Set the look. I lightly dust the whole eye area with whatever powder blush or bronzer I’m using on the rest of the face—translucent powder works fine, too, but it doesn’t have the same warming effect. This just adds an extra layer of hold and will tie all your makeup together without changing the color of your eye makeup.

• Curl your lashes. I don’t know why, but I swear it helps mascara stay on longer.