Expert tips for achieving long-lasting makeup looks

According to a recent T Magazine beauty feature, three performing artists and beauty experts have shared their strategies for creating long-lasting makeup that withstands stage performance demands.

The magazine interviewed Valentino Beauty's global makeup artist, Yadim, cabaret performer Justin Vivian Bond, and musician Tinashe. They each provided insights into their preferred products and application techniques for durable stage makeup.

Yadim, who recently worked with singer Charli XCX during her Sweat tour in San Diego, emphasized the importance of layering products for extended wear. The makeup artist recommended using a primer as a base, specifically naming Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer to ensure foundation adherence.

"Putting a powder on top of an emollient product is always going to make it hold longer," Yadim told T Magazine, describing the technique used for creating Charli XCX's signature smoky eye look.

Bond, a 61-year-old cabaret performer preparing for an upcoming show called "Flakes" at Joe's Pub in New York, prefers lighter formulations over traditional long-wear products.

"I want to say my stage look is classics with a twist. But as I get older, I become more classic and less twisted," Bond said, noting a preference for tinted moisturizer over heavier foundations. The performer explained that lighter products are less likely to settle into skin creases during performances.

Musician Tinashe, 31, who handles her own show makeup, detailed her process for creating stage-ready looks that maintain their integrity throughout performances. The artist begins with careful skin preparation using moisturizer, followed by a more opaque foundation application for stage lighting.

"Most of the time I like to let my freckles show, but when I am going onstage, I apply a more opaque MAC liquid foundation called Studio Fix with a Beautyblender," Tinashe said.

The performers' approaches reflect their different needs and preferences. While Yadim relies on setting powders and mixing liquids to enhance product longevity, Bond opts for products that offer comfort during vocal performances, including moisturizing lipsticks that prevent lip dryness while singing.

For eye makeup, the experts agreed that waterproof or smudge-resistant formulas are important. Yadim highlighted the effectiveness of Valentino Beauty's Colorgraph pencil, while Bond praised Victoria Beckham's Satin Kajal Liner for its rich pigmentation and smooth application.

Tinashe shared her technique for achieving dramatic eye effects suitable for stage lighting. She explained her preference for false eyelashes on the upper lid combined with mascara on the lower lashes rather than using waterproof formulas that prove difficult to remove.

The artists also addressed the longevity of lip color, with each suggesting different solutions. Yadim described using lipstick as a stain, applying it with a brush, and setting it with loose powder. Bond emphasized the importance of lip liner to enhance lipstick wear time, while Tinashe revealed her practice of using matte formulations and sometimes adding powder to prevent hair from sticking to lip products during performances.

The T Magazine feature includes specific product recommendations from each artist, ranging from high-end luxury brands to more accessible options. These suggestions span various makeup categories, including primers, foundations, eye products, and lip colors, selected specifically for their lasting power under performance conditions.

The article appears in T Magazine's Beauty School series, which addresses common beauty questions through insights from creative professionals who have developed expertise through their work. The series aims to provide readers with practical knowledge from individuals who regularly face demanding conditions that test makeup durability.

As the magazine notes, these insights come at a particularly relevant time. The holiday season brings increased social events, and makeup longevity becomes a priority for many people, even those not performing on stage.

Each expert's advice reflects their professional experience, with recommendations shaped by their specific challenges, from Yadim's work with actively performing musicians to Bond's considerations for cabaret performances and Tinashe's need for versatile looks that can transition between various stage environments.