New Year's Eve parties often stretch late into the night, and keeping your makeup flawless can feel like a challenge. Whether you're dancing, toasting, or posing for photos, you want your look to stay fresh and radiant until the clock strikes midnight and beyond. Here are five practical makeup tricks that will help you maintain a fabulous appearance throughout your celebration.

Start with a Clean, Moisturized Base

The foundation of long-lasting makeup is a well-prepped face. Begin by cleansing your skin to remove oils and impurities that can cause makeup to slide off. Follow with a lightweight moisturizer suited to your skin type. This step creates a smooth surface and prevents dry patches that can make makeup look cakey.

Next, apply a primer designed to control oil and extend wear. For example, a mattifying primer works well if you have oily skin, while a hydrating primer suits dry skin. This layer helps your foundation stick better and reduces the need for touch-ups.

Choose Long-Wear and Waterproof Products

Selecting the right products is key to makeup that lasts. Opt for foundations labeled as long-wear or 24-hour formulas. These products resist fading and smudging, even after hours of movement and heat.

For eye makeup, waterproof mascara and eyeliner prevent smudges caused by tears or sweat. Cream eyeshadows with a long-lasting formula can also stay put better than powders. When applying lipstick, consider a liquid matte formula or use a lip liner to outline and fill your lips before adding color. This technique helps prevent feathering and fading.

Use Setting Techniques to Lock Makeup in Place

After applying your makeup, use setting techniques to keep everything intact. A translucent setting powder lightly dusted over your face absorbs excess oil and reduces shine. Focus on areas prone to oiliness, such as the T-zone.

Following powder, apply a setting spray to seal your look. Setting sprays create a fine mist that locks makeup without adding heaviness. Look for sprays that offer hydration and hold, so your skin stays comfortable and your makeup stays fresh.

Touch Up Strategically Throughout the Night

Even with the best preparation, some touch-ups may be necessary. Pack a small makeup bag with essentials like blotting papers, lipstick, and a compact powder. Blotting papers quickly remove excess oil without disturbing your makeup.

When reapplying lipstick, gently blot your lips first to remove any residue. For powder touch-ups, use a light hand to avoid buildup. If your eye makeup smudges, a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover can clean edges without ruining the entire look.

Highlight and Refresh Your Glow

As the night progresses, your skin may lose some of its initial radiance. To revive your glow, carry a cream highlighter or a luminous powder in your bag. Apply a small amount to the high points of your face, such as cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose.

This quick boost adds dimension and brightness, making your complexion look fresh and awake. Avoid heavy application to prevent shine from turning into unwanted oiliness.