How to Stop Makeup Creasing: Simple Tips for Long-Lasting Wear
Quick answer: To stop makeup creasing, hydrate your skin and let it settle, use a smoothing primer, apply thin layers of foundation and concealer, and set the areas that move most, such as under the eyes, with a light dusting of finely milled powder. Thin Lizzy Loose Airbrush Setting Powder sets makeup without looking heavy or cakey.
You leave the house with smooth, even makeup, and by lunchtime it has gathered in the lines around your eyes and mouth. Creasing happens to everyone, but it's more noticeable as skin becomes drier and expression lines deepen. The fix is usually not more product but smarter layers. Here's why makeup creases and how to keep it looking fresh all day.
Why Does Makeup Crease?
- Dry skin: foundation clings to dry patches and settles into fine lines.
- Too much product: thick layers have nowhere to go but into creases when your face moves.
- Rich eye creams or moisturisers: a slippery base can make concealer slide into lines.
- No setting step: unset cream and liquid products move with every smile and blink.
- Heat and humidity: warm, muggy days make products soften and shift.
How to Stop Makeup Creasing: Step by Step
- Hydrate, then wait: moisturise well, then give it a few minutes to sink in. Applying makeup on top of a wet moisturiser is one of the most common causes of creasing.
- Prime: a thin layer of primer creates a smooth base and helps foundation go on evenly. Focus on areas with visible lines.
- Use less foundation: start with a small amount and press it in with a damp sponge or brush. Build only where you need coverage.
- Go sheer around the eyes and mouth: use only what's left on your sponge in areas that move a lot.
- Conceal with a light touch: dot concealer only where you need it, then pat it in rather than swiping.
- Blot before you set: gently press a tissue over the under-eye area to lift excess product.
- Set with a light hand: press a small amount of loose powder under the eyes and over the T-zone with a fluffy brush or puff. Dust off any excess.
- Touch up smartly: during the day, smooth any creases with your fingertip or a clean sponge before adding a tiny bit more powder.
Under-Eye Creasing Tips
The under-eye area moves constantly, so it creases first. Use a lightweight eye cream and let it absorb fully, choose a creamy concealer rather than a thick, matte one, and apply it in a thin layer. Look up while you set it with powder, so the skin is smooth as the powder goes on.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Layering several heavy products on top of each other.
- Applying concealer before foundation has settled.
- Using a heavy, chalky powder or too much of it.
- Touching your face throughout the day.
- Skipping moisturiser because you think it causes creasing. Dry skin creases more.
Our Picks
Perfectly Primed Primer
Best for: a smooth, even base that helps foundation go on evenly.
A light, hydrating champagne-pearl primer that leaves skin soft and smooth but never oily. It helps the look of fine lines appear softer, so you need less foundation on top.
- Light, hydrating formula
- Subtle, warm glow
- Colour-neutral, suits every skin tone
Flawless Complexion Liquid Foundation
Best for: lightweight coverage that's less likely to sit in lines.
A liquid-to-powder foundation that feels soft and weightless, helps blur the look of fine lines and pores, and gives a flawless-looking finish that lasts. A small amount goes a long way, which is exactly what you want to avoid creasing.
- Liquid-to-powder formula
- Feels weightless
- 33 shades
Loose Airbrush Setting Powder
Best for: setting under-eye concealer and foundation without a heavy finish.
A finely milled, translucent setting powder that dusts on weightlessly for a luminous, flawless-looking finish that isn't heavy or cakey. It helps makeup stay in place for longer.
- Finely milled and translucent
- Not heavy or cakey
- Use under the eyes and over the T-zone
For more on long-lasting makeup, see our guides on how to apply primer, compact vs translucent powder and under-eye concealer for mature skin.
What Customers Say
"Great for under eyes over concealer and makeup"
Kerry C., verified customer (Loose Airbrush Setting Powder)
"Got both the illuminati and pore minimiser I love the illuminator under foundation it makes my skin glow and foundation hold all day"
Meredith B., verified customer (Perfectly Primed Primer)
"I'm always amazed at the coverage I get from such a small amount of foundation"
Joan M., verified customer (Flawless Complexion)
Read all Loose Airbrush Setting Powder reviews →
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my concealer crease under my eyes?
Usually because there's too much product, the skin underneath is dry or slippery, or it hasn't been set. Use a thin layer, blot, then set with a light dusting of loose powder.
Does powder make creasing worse?
Too much heavy powder can. A small amount of finely milled powder, pressed in and then dusted off, helps makeup stay smooth for longer.
Should I stop wearing moisturiser to avoid creasing?
No. Dry skin creases more. Moisturise, then give it time to absorb fully before applying makeup.
How do I fix creases during the day?
Gently smooth the crease with your fingertip or a clean sponge, then press on a tiny amount of powder. Avoid adding more foundation on top.
How do I find my foundation shade?
Use our Colour Match tool, and if it's not quite right, our Colour Swap Guarantee has you covered.
Can I buy Thin Lizzy makeup in stores?
Yes. Thin Lizzy is available at Farmers, Life Pharmacy, Chemist Warehouse and Unichem stores across New Zealand. The range can vary by store, so the easiest way to get the full range, bundles and online deals is to shop online. See our FAQ page for stockist details.
Looking for a deal? Many of our best sellers are available in bundle offers from time to time. See our current Bundle Offers →
Final Thoughts
Creasing is about layers, not age. Hydrate and let it settle, prime, use less product in thin layers, and set the areas that move most. Your makeup will look smoother for longer.
