15 Easy Ways To Stop Foundation From Transferring

Does your foundation always end up on your clothes? If so, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, even the best makeup products can transfer if applied incorrectly.

But with the right tips, you can stop your foundation from transferring and keep your look flawless all day long.

To stop your makeup from sliding off when hugging, kissing, or even when you’re wearing a mask, you can take some simple steps.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to get your makeup to stay in place.

We’ll also share some of our favorite products to help you achieve a flawless, long-lasting makeup look.

How To Get Makeup To Stop Transferring?

Makeup can end up moving for many reasons.

For example, if you have oily skin, your foundation might slide off during the day because of the excess oils your skin produces.

Your makeup will look so shiny, and it will be more prone to transferring.

Or, if you don’t prepare your skin correctly before applying makeup, your foundation won’t have anything to grip onto and will end up sliding right off.

Here are the steps you need to take to get your makeup to stop transferring:

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Put On Your Clothes Before Applying Makeup

To get the best results, put on your clothes before applying makeup. This way, you won’t have to worry about your clothes getting ruined by makeup.

I like to follow this rule if I’m wearing a tight-fitting shirt. I also wear a button-up shirt to protect my clothing from makeup and then take it off once I’ve finished my beauty routine.

This step is essential because you don’t want to get foundation on your collar or clothing.

If your clothes are NOT too tight, you can wear them after you’ve applied your makeup. A quick tip is to turn the shirt around, insert it and then turn it around so if there are any makeup stains, they will be on the backside.

Cleanse Your Face

The next step is to cleanse your face.

You want to ensure that your skin is free of oils, dirt, and makeup before applying anything.

I like to use a gentle cleanser, such as this salicylic acid cleanser, to avoid stripping my skin of its natural oils.

Avoid harsh cleansers as they dry out your skin; use a lightweight formula instead.

You can also use micellar water to cleanse your face if you’re in a hurry. Micellar water is great because it’s gentle and doesn’t require rinsing.

Use A Lightweight & Oil-Free Moisturizer

After cleansing your face, it’s essential to apply a lightweight and oil-free moisturizer.

Avoid using a rich, creamy moisturizer, as it will make your foundation separate.

Instead, look for a light lotion that will hydrate your skin without making it oily.

This moisturizer, for example, is perfect because it’s non-greasy. It absorbs quickly, and it doesn’t leave your skin feeling oily.

If you have dry skin, use a moisturizer with nourishing ingredients such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid.

TIP: Allow the moisturizer to sink into your skin for a few minutes before moving on to the following product. I like to wait for 10 to 15 minutes.

Apply A Gripping Primer

A primer is a must if you want your makeup to last all day long. It provides a smooth base for your foundation, and it also helps grip onto the foundation, so it doesn’t slip or slide.

There are different primers, so choose one that grips makeup. These primers usually have a tacky finish, so that they may feel slightly strange at first.

The key is to apply a minimal amount, dab it onto your face, and then wait a few minutes for it to set before using the foundation.

I like to use this gripping primer as it has a lightweight formula that blends easily into the skin.

It works well for all skin types and doesn’t leave your face feeling oily or greasy.

Use a small amount and dab it gently onto the skin for better results. Press the primer into the skin instead of rubbing it.

If you wear a face mask, focus on the areas where the mask will touch your face, such as on the nose and around the mouth.

Use An Oil-Free, Transfer-Proof Foundation

The next step is to apply an oil-free and transfer-proof foundation.

Many great foundations on the market are designed to be long-wearing and transfer-proof.

I like to use this foundation because it’s oil-free, has medium to full coverage, and is long-wearing.

It’s also essential to avoid dewy foundations as they are more likely to transfer.

If you have oily skin, use a mattifying foundation to help control shine and oil throughout the day.

For dry skin, a satin-finish foundation will help to create a natural and healthy-looking glow.

Make Sure Your Brushes Are Clean

If your brushes are dirty, they will deposit dirt and oil onto your face, which will cause your makeup to slip and move.

It’s essential to clean your brushes regularly, and I like to do it at least once a week.

To clean my brushes, I use this brush cleaner. It’s quick and easy to use and doesn’t leave any residue behind.

You can also use a baby shampoo or a gentle soap to clean your brushes.

Apply Setting Spray On The Foundation Brush

This tip is one of the best ways to prevent your foundation from transferring.

Before you apply the foundation, mist the foundation brush with a setting spray.

I like to use this setting spray as it’s one of the best sprays used by many makeup artists.

To do this, take your foundation brush, and mist it lightly with the setting spray by holding the bottle about 6 inches away from the brush.

Do not soak the brush, as you don’t want the foundation to be too wet.

Then, apply the foundation as usual.

Apply Foundation In Layers

Avoid applying too much foundation at once, as this will make your makeup more likely to transfer.

Instead, apply the foundation in thin layers.

Start with a small amount, then build up the coverage as needed.

To get better results, use blotting paper or a thin tissue and press it gently onto the skin after applying each foundation layer.

This will help to remove any excess makeup which is more likely to transfer.

Set Your Foundation

Use a powder to set the foundation if you want your makeup to last all day.

Start by applying a small amount of pressed powder onto the skin. Use a powder brush and dab the powder gently into the skin.

I like to use this pressed powder, as it helps to absorb any excess oil during the day.

You can use a loose powder instead of a pressed powder, but I like to use the loose powder at the end of my makeup to lock in everything and ensure my makeup doesn’t move.

Use Oil-Free Concealer, Blush, Bronzer, and Highlighter

Use oil-free concealer, blush, bronzer, and highlighter to complete your look.

These products will help to create a natural and healthy-looking glow without making your makeup more likely to transfer.

Apply your concealer, blush, bronzer, and highlighters in thin layers, and avoid using too much product at once.

Apply Loose powder

After applying your blush, bronzer, and highlighter, finish off your makeup by applying a small amount of loose powder to the skin.

I like to bake the powder which means let it set for a few seconds and then brush off the excess with a clean powder brush.

This will help to lock in your makeup and ensure that it doesn’t move or transfer throughout the day.

For your neck, apply loose powder too, and wipe off the excess to prevent the makeup from getting onto your collar.

If you are wearing a face mask, focus on the areas that are in contact with the mask, such as the nose and cheeks.

Choose a good quality powder that’s finely milled, and avoid using a thick formula. This loose powder is one of my favorites as it’s light and doesn’t leave the skin feeling cakey.

Apply A Finishing Spray

After applying all of your makeup, a setting spray is necessary.

This will help to keep your makeup in place and prevent it from moving or transferring throughout the day.

There are many setting sprays on the market, but not all of them can prevent the makeup from transferring into face masks or while kissing and hugging.

I’ve tried so many setting sprays; the ones that worked the best at stopping makeup transferring are this infallible pro spray and this bridal oil control setting spray.

Hold the setting spray about 6 inches away from your face to get better results, and mist it evenly over your makeup.

Avoid spraying too much, as you don’t want your makeup to look wet or too dewy.

Use a piece of cardboard to fan your face and help the setting spray to dry quicker.

TIP: Use a beauty sponge to dab the spray onto the skin and help it to absorb better.

If you are looking for a good setting spray, check our guide on the best and affordable setting sprays from the drugstore.

Use A Waterproof Mascara And Eyeliner

For an extra long-lasting makeup look, use waterproof mascara.

This will help to prevent your mascara from smudging or transferring throughout the day.

I like to use this mascara as it’s very long-lasting and doesn’t transfer.

The same goes for eyeliner.

Choose a waterproof formula to help prevent any smudging or transfer.

Waterproof makeup is a little harder to remove with a regular makeup remover, so make sure you use a waterproof makeup remover instead.

I like to use this waterproof eye makeup remover as it quickly and easily removes all traces of waterproof makeup.

Apply A TransferProof Lipstick

To complete your look, apply a transfer-proof liquid lipstick.

Choose a long-wearing formula to help prevent your lipstick from smudging throughout the day. Liquid lipsticks can be a little drying, but they stay put well.

I like to use this liquid lipstick as it’s very long-lasting and doesn’t transfer.

If you’re not a liquid lipstick fan, you can use regular matte or semi-matte lipstick.

To get the best result, set your lipstick with a loose powder. To do so, fold a tissue in half and press it onto your lips.

Then, take a small amount of loose powder on a powder brush and dust it over the tissue.

Touch Up During The Day

If you want your makeup to last all day long, you might need to touch it up during the day.

If you have oily skin, your makeup can look shiny after a few hours, so you might need to blot your face with a blotting paper or use a tissue to absorb any excess oil.

Then, apply a small amount of loose powder to help mattify the skin and absorb any excess oil.

Best Products To Prevent Makeup Transfer

Here are some of the best products that are transfer-proof and long-lasting.

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation

This foundation is one of the best foundations for oily and combination skin.

It provides a long-lasting look, and it has a matte finish.

It’s also oil-free and has a lightweight formula that blends easily into the skin.

I like to build up the coverage for a natural look, so I start by applying a thin layer all over the skin and add more only where needed.

It does a great job of covering redness, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation.

Revlon ColorStay Makeup

This foundation is one of the best full-coverage drugstore foundations.

It has a lightweight, oil-free formula, and it’s also transfer-proof.

It provides a long-lasting look and blends quickly into the skin without looking cakey or heavy.

I like to apply it with a sponge for a natural look and sheer coverage. You can also use a buffing brush for more coverage.

I set it with a powder and a setting spray, which stays put even on summer days.

L’Oreal Infallible Pro Setting Spray

This setting spray is one of the best setting sprays on the market.

It’s affordable, and it does a great job setting makeup and preventing it from transferring.

I like to spray a small amount of this setting spray into my foundation brush and then apply the foundation all over my face.

It has a lightweight formula that dries quickly and doesn’t leave the skin feeling oily.

SEPHORA COLLECTION Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick

This liquid lipstick is one of the best transfer-proof lipsticks on the market.

It has a long-wearing formula, and it’s available in many shades.

It’s a little bit drying, but it stays put well.

I like to use it on special occasions, but I hydrate my lips before applying it.

Can I Use Hairspray As Setting Spray?

Using a hairspray as a setting spray is not ideal as it can be very drying on the skin.

It can also feel quite sticky and uncomfortable.

Hairspray has a different formula than setting spray; it’s only designed to be used on the hair. It contains many ingredients that aren’t included in face setting sprays.

You can see in the pictures below the ingredients list of the got2b volumaniac hairpray and the NYX matte finish setting spray.