7 long-wear makeup products that’ll last through 12-hour shifts

Long shifts, quick bites and lots of caffeine…a nurse’s day-to-day routine isn’t exactly the foundation for flawless skin. If a little makeup is your secret to feeling like your best, most radiant self, make sure it’s prepared for the long haul—just like you.
Still searching for makeup with muscles? Below, seven top-rated basics for a longer-lasting look:

1. Take cover! Blemishes are a bummer, but totally manageable with the right concealer. Aside from having the most straightforward name on the market, Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer provides excellent coverage and will hide even the most stubborn imperfections.

A little tip: Apply concealer after foundation, dabbing over the area with a translucent powder for a stronger set.

2. Twenty-four-hour wear. The name says it all. Revlon ColorStay Foundation is one of those “best product for the best price” kinds of cosmetics. It comes in 20 different shades and has SoftFlex technology.

Full disclosure: While we don’t actually know what SoftFlex technology means, we do know that this stuff stays on like a second set of skin. So there’s that.

3. You’re making me blush. At $30, the Urban Decay Naked Flushed Palette may seem like a lot, but this palette is a three-for-one find, with a blush, highlighter and bronzer trip built to last in the battle against fluorescent lighting and a colorless, night-shift complexion.

For extra-long shifts, dab some highlighter just underneath each eye to help hide tired circles.

4. To BB or not to BB. If you have sensitive skin, swap out foundation for some BB cream. Garnier Skin Renew BB Cream is about $20 less than its higher-end counterparts and an all-day fix.

Furthermore, this cream contains SPF, which is a total must considering you’re constantly reminding patients to wear their sunscreen.

5. Patient-proof mascara. The life of a nurse can be, well, wet. Crying comes with the territory, but waterproof mascara can be a pain to manage and an even bigger pain to remove. Luckily, Cargo Better Than Waterproof Mascara has tubing technology that offers waterproof wear that you won’t have to go to battle with over the sink before falling into bed.

6. Go translucent for the win. Finish your work look with a translucent powder, such as bareMinerals Mineral Veil. Not only will a light layer even out imperfections, it’ll also make sure your makeup stays in place all shift.

7. Ready, set, go. Need something a little stronger than a finishing powder to help power you through the day? NYX Cosmetics’ Dewy Finish Makeup Setting Spray is only $7.99 and delivers just the kind of boost you need to end your shift looking fresh.