“School air” is a term mainly popularized by TikTok that partially means makeup looks worse or starts to fade the minute you step into school. While it is a pain, it is avoidable with the right products.

The first step is skin prep, moisturizing is one of the most important parts of your routine for makeup that lasts throughout the entire day. My favorite moisturizer to wear underneath makeup is the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè (concentrated milk cream.) For extra glow, use the Glossier Futuredew serum underneath your moisturizer.

Another product that is almost always going to hold your makeup in place for a long period of time is the Elf Power Grip primer. I take 1-1 ½ pumps in my fingers and warm it up by rubbing them together before applying them to my face. Then I use the Elf Halo Glow-like foundation followed by the Hourglass Vanish concealer for a flawless base. For a more full coverage look, use the L’oreal True Match foundation. 

Setting your makeup correctly is important for long-lasting results. Some powders I like to use to set areas that are prone to getting oily throughout the day are Elf Halo Glow Setting Powder, Fenty Pro Filt’r Retouch setting powder, Maybelline FitMe, or Coty Airspun powder. I mostly use powder with a smaller brush under my eyes, around my nose, or anywhere else I use concealer. The last thing you should do after applying all of your makeup (besides mascara) is use a setting spray. I’m currently using the Morphe Continuous Setting Mist, but I have also used the Elf Stay All Night Mist and it never failed me. 

After much trial and error, I have found what works best for me. While I can recommend it to other people looking to find products to keep their makeup in place all day, what works for me isn’t guaranteed to work for everyone. My biggest tip is to experiment with other products or methods and find your perfect routine.