Maria Katrina Paras

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<p>In a country where the weather is either hot, humid, rainy, or all of the above, keeping your makeup from melting away can be a challenge. But if there’s someone who knows how to create long-lasting and polished looks despite the elements, it’s a makeup artist. “My clients paid me to do their makeup. Of course, I need to make it last longer,” declares industry veteran <strong>Gery Penaso</strong>. Having worked with his fair share of brides and celebrities, he’s no stranger to crafting looks that can withstand strong stage lights or look fresh even until the after-party.  </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1753326066781502968530_18506359330050463_164529085492758571_n.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px"/><span class="fr-inner"><em></em>Bianca Gonzalez | Makeup by Gery Penaso<em></em></span></span></span><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1753326118759Screen Shot 2025-07-13 at 7.39.03 PM.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px"/><span class="fr-inner"><em></em>Jasmine Curtis | Makeup by Gery Penaso<em></em></span></span></span>Another artist keen on sharing her insights is <strong>Chuchie Ledesma</strong>, a graduate of the Jung Saemmool Art &amp; Academy in Seoul who now specializes in Korean-style makeup. While espousing a less-is-more and yet detailed approach to maquillage, the respected makeup artist and trainer gives us a lowdown on her thoughtful techniques.</div><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/metro-style/beauty/2025/7/7/k-beauty-korean-makeup-for-filipinos-class-chuchie-ledesma-1712" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">READ: Learn Legit Korean-Style Makeup Techniques From This Korea-Trained Makeup Artist</a></div><div> </div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/175334654838011-11-23 Shoot9918 copy.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><span class="fr-inner"><em></em>Kaila Estrada | Makeup by Chuchie Ledesma<em></em></span></span></span>From using the right products, to proper skin prep, to correct layering and setting, these experts share the best tips and tricks for getting makeup to last. With some practice, you’ll be able to upgrade your beauty routine and be ready to go from daytime engagements to evening socials radiantly and with ease. </div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Start with skin that’s been well-prepped with skincare.</strong></div><p>Even before the first dab of foundation is applied, there’s a lot that needs to be done. According to Chuchie, doing a full skincare routine will ensure that the complexion is balanced and hydrated. She starts with a toner, followed by an essence to plump and soften the skin. After this, a lightweight serum is applied, preferably one with hyaluronic acid, before being topped off with moisturizer. It’s all finished off with a serum-type sunscreen to protect the skin throughout the day. </p><p>“Make sure that you allow each product to be absorbed by the skin before applying another layer. And avoid using skincare products with strong active ingredients like retinol or acids, [as] these can make your skin sensitive or flaky, which can mess with how your foundation looks,” she advises. </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1753350294605Chuchie Primers.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/></div><div> </div><div><strong>K</strong><strong>now your skin, and be strategic about the products you use.</strong></div><p>For Gery, a successful look starts with knowing your skin type, which can likewise vary on different parts of the face. “You have different areas there, like the T-zone or your cheekbones. Sometimes the areas that have problems are also different,” he shares. </p><p>In the instance of primers, which are designed to help makeup last, Gery chooses one based on his client’s needs. “For dry skin, I’ll be using the hydrating Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer, because it locks in moisture, and at the same time, the areas that are drier will be hydrated,” he says. On the other hand, he reaches for the brand’s blurring primer for clients with oily skin. </p><p>For combination skin, he sometimes uses two kinds. “On the T-zone, the [Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer] Blurring, which has a mattifying component,” he says. The makeup artist also shares that this product has the added boon of blurring fine lines in the forehead and nose area. He follows this with the brand’s hydrating primer to make the cheekbones look more “plumpy”. </p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1753350337261Gery Primers.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/></div><div> </div><div><strong>Understand the right time to apply primer and when to skip it</strong></div><p>Even if he uses primers strategically, Gery likewise believes that there are times you don’t need it, especially if the skin doesn’t have any issues. Mirroring this sentiment is Chuchie, who shares that primers are only essential if you’re creating a look for the stage where oil and sweat management are key. </p><p>Nonetheless, she occasionally uses blurring primers or the Danessa Myricks Water Powder Serum in targeted areas. “I also use the MILK Makeup Hydro Grip Primer, particularly when I need a bit more grip for longer wear,” she proffers. </p><p>However, to address imperfections or uneven texture, Chuchie reaches for products like Courcelles’ Pore Primer,  Jungsaemmool’s Pro-Lasting Prep Primer, or Smashbox’s Photo Finish Blur Primer. For blurring and brightening in one go, she likes blk’s Daydream Soft Blur Primer. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1753350513325FB_IMG_1745841657577.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><span class="fr-inner">Makeup by Chuchie Ledesma</span></span></span></div><div> </div><div><strong>Apply base makeup in thin layers and build coverage gradually</strong></div><p>Aside from choosing the right products, Chuchie emphasizes that the way you put on your foundation is also very important. “Applying foundation is all about enhancing the skin’s natural beauty,” she says. </p><p>She recommends putting on foundation in thin layers, which allows the product to melt into one’s complexion and create a more natural look. “The first layer is used to even out the skin tone, while the second or third layers are added only in specific areas that require more coverage, such as blemishes or redness,” she expounds. “Application typically begins in the areas of the face that don’t move much, like the cheeks and diagonally toward the tip of the chin, because these zones can hold more product without creasing.” </p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1753350933720Chuchie Foundations.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/></div><div><br/></div><p>Meanwhile, on the more expressive layers of the face like under the eyes, the nose, or around the mouth, only a thin layer of foundation should be used, or even just the leftover product on the brush or sponge. “These areas move frequently when we talk or smile, so using too much can cause creasing or separation,” she explains. </p><div> </div><div><strong>Don’t forget to set your makeup in place</strong></div><p>Gery likewise believes that one should be intentional when using foundation, noting that the less product you have on, the less your makeup will move. He also reminds us that with each layer that you do, it’s integral that you let it dry and allow your skin to fully absorb the product. </p><p>Once this is all done, setting it in place is key. Nonetheless, the seasoned pro doesn’t believe we need a lot to keep foundation intact. “We set [just so that] our foundation won’t move. So even if it’s just a little amount, it will already set,” Gery says, debunking the myth that you need a lot of powder to bake our look. </p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1753350965124Gery Setting Powder.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/></div><div><br/></div><p>Meanwhile, Chuchie believes that if you’ve done your job in prepping the skin and applying foundation properly, half the battle is already won. To keep it intact, set it with powder and use a setting mist tailored to your skin type. For those with oilier complexions, translucent powder is recommended, especially on the T-zone, followed by a fixing spray. </p><p>On the other hand, she mentions that a hydrating mist would be great for dry skin. Her pro tip is to create a “hydrating sandwich” by misting after the first layer of translucent powder, then again after any powder products are applied. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1753351070299504286040_18507784591050463_1984113466898693279_n.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><span class="fr-inner">Bianca Gonzalez | Makeup by Gery Penaso</span></span></span></div><div> </div><div><strong>Be patient when trying to find the foundations and primers that work best for you</strong></div><p>“Everyone’s skin responds differently to different textures and formulas, so what works perfectly for one person may not for another,” says Chuchie. She encourages people to experiment with different products, and notes that it may boil down to a bit of trial and error. </p><p>Nonetheless, in her work, she leans towards hydrating foundations that work beautifully with the soft-focused effect of Korean-style makeup. She’s also been known to at times combine her foundations. She does this by using a mattifying one like the Nars Soft Matte Foundation on the T-zone, and a hydrating one like Shiseido’s Radiant Lifting Foundation on the U-zone, as the cheeks and the jaw tend to be drier. “This balanced approach gives me control where it’s needed, and glow where it’s desired without overloading the skin,” she says.</p>

<p>Make your foundation last all day, and night, with these tips and tricks from some of Metro's favorite makeup experts</p>

Make your foundation last all day, and night, with these tips and tricks from some of Metro's favorite makeup experts

Experts Reveal Their Secrets to Make Your Makeup Last All Day

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Experts Reveal Their Secrets to Make Your Makeup Last All Day

Mariane Perez

Published July 24, 2025 07:00 PM PHT

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Updated July 24, 2025 09:24 PM PHT

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