At the time of writing, my life and mood have been shifted dramatically by spring sunshine. And so too would my makeup if I hadn’t spent weeks testing new long-wear products designed to stop one’s face melting in the heat. Those of us with oily skin, an active lifestyle or a hormonal propensity for sweating or flushing, can also struggle to hold on to foundation, eyeshadow and more. But until recently, the term “long-wear” often meant dry, dragging, somewhat joyless textures and shades.
My best new discovery is Milk’s superlativeHydro Grip Gel Tint(£34), available in 15 shades; I wear number five and it’s perfect. Its light and comfortable texture and sheer, natural-looking, summery coverage betray what is extraordinarily dogged staying power. Used in place of foundation or tinted moisturiser, this has remained perfectly intact through tears, 16-hour days and a common cold – its glow never dimming. It has a flexible, stretchy gel texture that prevents cracking or caking as skin tires and dries. Concealer, blush, powders and anything else you care to throw on top layer over happily and smoothly (it has a similar texture to a primer). It’s an unequivocal 10/10 and I already know it’ll be among my best products of 2025. For a smidge more coverage with a comparable lifespan, try Maybelline’s impressiveSuper Stay 24h Skin Tint(£13.99).
One can’t talk lasting makeup without mentioning Bobbi Brown’sLong-Wear Cream Shadow Stick(£29.50). There are countless copies of this creamy colour wand, but nothing beats the original for lasting power. I repeat myself only to alert you to the recent but overdue addition of seven new browns to the lineup. Everyone needs a brown shadow in their makeup bag. A scribble-on-and-smoosh-out with fingertip or brush gives instant definition and depth to the eyes.
New setting sprays are launching at an unprecedented rate (a dedicated column on these soon) and I rely on them more than ever to make my morning face go the distance. Charlotte Tilbury’sAirbrush Flawless Setting Spray(£32) is my stalwart, but recently, I’ve loved Make Up By Mario’s excellent newSurrealSkin Soft Setting Spray(£34). This, unlike most, has no fragrance or drying alcohol, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin types. What makes it especially good is the superior pump applicator, which gives the finest imaginable coating of minuscule droplets, resulting in a perfectly comfortable and even finish with no additional shine.