I have a serious problem with make-up staying put after i've applied it; i'm aware MAC do a cosmetic fixer called She-Laq, but I don't know how good it is.

Does anyone have any experience with this or other make-up fixers?

Hey hon, She laq is a Benefit product, good for lips, mascara and liner (can feel a bit weird on eyeshadow). I have used it, normally for eye liner. I would recommend going to a benefit counter and getting one of the girls to pop some on you so you can see how it feels and how long it lasts on you.
Do you have normal to oily skin?
Mine is and the skin's oils can break up the pigments used in make up which can lead to a melting/disappearing effect. I've personally found that the best things to do are:

Wait at least 5 mins between moisturising routine and make-up routine. Preferably 10.
Keep your skin in good condition. Exfoliate and use an moisturiser that sinks in and doesn't 'sit' on the skin.
Use a make up base. I use Mac's protect and perfect under my foundation.
Fix with a good loose powder. (I actually use T Leclerc's under my foundation for hot/busy/important days as well as a neutral colour on top. )
Use good make up brushes (including a foundation brush)
Use an eye make up base (I recommend Benefits FYeye) a small amount on the eyelids before eyeshadow will keep your eyeshadow on a lot longer then using foundation as a base. And use a neutral colour all over the eye area to make sure there is a dry base for the colour to cling too.
Take care when applying your eyeshadow, it can be worth splashing out on the mac stuff. As it's more finely milled it's less likely to clump.
Avoid eyeshadow creams - stick to powders. Make sure you tap off excess before applying as too much in one go can lead to clumping and disappearing.
Oh and I do fix my liquid eyeliner with powder eyeliner (again with a good brush), makes it last so much longer.

Other tip:
I haven't used this one, but a couple of people have told me they use a antiperspirant on areas of the face prone to getting really oily (obviously avoid eye area) before make up. (This is used by MUA's on bald headed men appearing on TV too. no-one wants glare from studio lights blinding the camera man).


Hope this helps :-)

She-Laq by Benefit seconded!! It's marvellous stuff!

Excellent advice - I particularly echo leaving a gap between moisturiser and application, using a base on eyes and skin, and setting with powder. She Laq is pretty darn fabulous - worth buying (my sister is a Benebabe so I get lots hee). I hate it when I can't rely on my makeup to stay put - especially under hot lights or when Im at an event filled with people and lots of lights all night. I like it to look as 'matt' as possible..

Of course She Laq is benefit! I have absolutely no idea why I typed MAC...
Thank you all so much for your advice - I think i'll invest in some of the stuff, as well as following blitzgrrl's wonderful advice

Aww shucks! thanks guys. I always knew my random collection of make up info could be used as a force for good.

Ummm I use a spray by Ben-Nye to seal my makeup. ****EDIT: I DO BELIEVE THE BRAND IS MEHRON, NOT Ben-Nye**** It has a minty smell to it, too! It works best for me when used on bare skin (either without moisturizing, or way after LIGHT moisturizing) and then again after sealing my makeup well with a powder. That company makes professional makeup for use in theatre, and to handle theatre-lighting etc., so it's pretty good.

It's not too expensive, doesn't work for lips so much. But if you close your eyes and purse your lips together, give a spritz or so and then run away from the room to avoid minty fumes attacking your eyes, you're good to go! Lasts well all day, even while running around in warm weather, so you require farrrr fewer powderings (maybe one instead of many), no touch-ups for eye-makeup necessary, no smudging or smearing of foundation or concealer... I recommend giving it a shot!

Definately works as an anti-perspirant for your face ---if you're not fussy on using the under-arm variety on your face.

Owwwwww I've never heard of this before ......wanna try it now!! x

I've heard hairspray works too!

Kryolan do a make up fixer called Transluscent powder it's around £5.

I swear by kryolan make up it is amazing and perfect for performing and it lasts for 50 years, well the aquacolour's do. I use the black aquacolour for liquid eyeliner and its great.

You can get it from Home Thats the cheapest place that I've found for it

trixie

MySpace.com - miss Trixie rose - 21 - Female - sheffield, UK - www.myspace.com/misstrixierose