Long Lasting Make-Up

How many nights have you left the house looking flawless only to return looking like a horror movie extra? While a few shots too many may spell disaster for your balance and, um, dignity, it doesn't have to be apocalyptic for your makeup too. Celebrity makeup artist Kela Wong has proven her master skills on the likes of Alicia Keys, Salma Hayek and Sandra Bullock and now shares her pro tips and tricks with you.

Prime time
Foundation, it turns out, isn't the foundation of a long-lasting makeup routine. For makeup that will stay on as long as you stay out, Wong says to start by moisturizing your entire face and neck. She uses Elizabeth Arden's Prevage Moisturizer. A step that the majority of us skip, but is integral to the longevity of your makeup is primer. Wong recommends Skin Prep FX Primer by Cover FX. The primer ensures an even coverage, and helps foundation glide on," she explains. "At the same time it gives makeup incredible staying power, whereas without a primer, makeup tends to be absorbed and look blotchy half way through the day."

The perfect canvas
Now that you're primed and ready to go, it's time for foundation. It's important to pick one with long-lasting capabilities and Wong suggests Cover FX. Apply a thin layer with a brush or your middle finger, she says. As for coverage, "It is always better to use less of a product which offers higher coverage, than to use more of a product less in coverage Set the foundation firmly in place with a powder. Wong recommends Mineral Veil by Bare Escentuals for this. And as for your cheeks? Try cream powder blushes by Sally Hansen.

Eye drama
Night time makeup is all about the eyes and so it's no surprise that high drama eyes can easily turn into high time for a touchup. As with the rest of your face, you should use a primer to help keep your eye color in place. "Color will be true to the palette and will not fade or crease up," says Wong. She stands by M•A•C Eye Primer. Once you've got the primer in place, you can ramp up the color. Wong recommends Bare Escentuals eyeshadows. "[They are] made from minerals and are long lasting, but gentle enough for sensitive skin types," she explains. Top your eye makeup look off with mascara. Wong advises two coats of Elizabeth Arden's Ceramide Lash Extending Mascara in Black.

Finishing touches
For your lips, try Cargo lip glosses. "[They] are lightweight and long wearing without that sticky goo feeling," says Wong. And as for the rest of your skin, she suggests Sally Hansen's body glow spray to finish the complete radiant look.