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Courtesy of Cult Gaia
Courtesy of Cult Gaia
Makeup

Special Method for Long-Lasting Foundation You Should Try This Summer

by Kristina Mikulić Gazdović

July 13, 2025

Heat, a hectic atmosphere, sweat on the face, and stress — these are the conditions behind the scenes of runway shows, but you only see the part that take your breath away. They’re also the exact same conditions we face on an average summer day, especially now that summers are getting hotter and hotter.

So, how do you make your makeup last in both situations? I turned to makeup artist Vincent Ford for the answer. With over 20 years of experience working backstage at fashion shows, he’s an expert in high-performance beauty.

Skin prep first

If you follow him on social media, you’ll notice that his models always have radiant, naturally textured skin that looks healthy and fresh. According to Ford, it all starts with solid skin prep and the first step is toner. He also stresses not to skip moisturizer: Your base won’t last if the skin isn’t prepped properly. I like to use a lightweight water based moisturizer that hydrates without leaving a greasy layer. ,” he says. Sunscreen is another non-negotiable step, and his final skin prep essential is primer.

Pick the right formula

Choosing the right foundation formula is, of course, crucial. “In the summer, avoid heavy or creamy foundations that move around. If you have combo to oily skin then matte or soft matte liquid foundations tend to hold up better in the heat. If you have dry to normal skin opt for tinted moisturizers as they will give you hydration without the heaviness that will crease and move in the heat”. But Ford’s real secret is a method he calls powder before foundation.

Powder-before-foundation method

“This hack really works when done right. Lightly dust a light translucent powder over your moisturized skin before applying foundation. It helps create a dry canvas that grips the product. Then apply a glowy liquid  foundation and set again with a touch of powder. It gives a soft focus finish and controls shine from the start.  It sounds like it would be cakey but trust me it looks stunning and lasts all day”.

Set it please

And don’t forget the final step: setting the whole look in place.I always press setting powder into the areas that get oily like the T-zone and around the nose” Ford says, noting that he prefers using a soft puff for more precision than a brush. Setting spray is the cherry on top, locking everything in for extended wear.

And for touch-ups? “keep blotting papers in your bag instead of powder for touch-ups so you’re not layering too much product throughout the day”.

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