How to put your makeup on a keep it there all day

We spend a lot of time in the morning making ourselves look beautiful. So, why is it we don't do more to keep it that way throughout the day? If I don't reapply on my lunch break, the face in the mirror as I arrive home can look haggared.

I put my reporter cap on and couldn't believe how much I learned! The experts showed up at my place (otherwise known as my on-air friends). We all traded our lasting power secrets.

First, use a primer. I can hear the huge sighs about adding a step in your morning routine. I rolled my eyes too. I mean, why can't we just buy makeup that stays without adding one more layer? We'll work on saving the world of women pulling their hair out later. But, right now, this is the best option we have.

Among my reporter and anchor friends, there are two favorites, Smashbox and Nars. They are both pretty pricey at more than $30 a bottle. Some of the on-live reviewers with oily skin give them both a bad rating. The key is to use a small amount. A dime size is too much. Plus, you don't want to waste your hard earned money. There is also a lot of variety for different skin conditions. You can minimize large pores and fine lines and even add a bronze color.

There is another step. But, it's easy. You can use a finishing spray. My friends prefer Urban Decay's All-Nighter spray and Make Up Forever Mist and Fix. My friend Jen says they work so well that her makeup won't even smudge after a good hug. The sprays are also good if you live in humid or rainy areas.

Here's a couple of other ideas with staying power. There'sa waterproof  mascara and eyeliner. I even use a cheap waterproof eyeliner from Avon ($3.00 when on sale). For your lips, there's lip stain and the all day lipsticks (although I may be one of the few fans of that product in the room). Plus, always, always set your foundation with a powder.

As a television reporter, I would put makeup on four times a day. First, before I left for work, then right before the midday show. The third time was out in the field when I recorded my on-camera shot for the later shows. The last time was right before the 5 p.m. how. I wasted a lot of time and money during those six years. Primer would have been wonderful back then.