Make-up artist Shereese Renée shares guide to long-lasting Sumfest glam

Reggae Sumfest attracts thousands of patrons each year, with music, fashion and beauty all playing a role in the experience. Many attendees plan their outfits in advance, and having a make-up look that lasts throughout the event is key. 
With more than five years of professional experience in the beauty industry, Kingston-based make-up artist and founder of the growing beauty brand Snob Beauty, Shereese Palmer, popularly known as Shereese Renée, knows exactly what it takes to create a festival-ready look that lasts. Drawn to make-up by the creativity and artistry it offered, she transformed her passion into a career while working towards a bigger dream, which is creating a complete make-up look using products from her own brand. That vision inspired her to launch Snob Beauty, with the goal of one day offering everything needed for a full face. 
As part of a collaboration with Red Stripe Flavours, Palmer shared her top beauty tips to help patrons have a lasting make-up look throughout the night. 
IT STARTS WITH SKIN PREP
“The biggest mistake people make is thinking foundation is the first step,” Palmer explained. “It actually starts with skin prep.” 
Properly preparing the skin is the foundation of long-lasting make-up, she said. Clean, hydrated skin allows products to apply evenly, blend seamlessly, and stay in place for much longer. Before applying any make-up, she recommends cleansing the skin thoroughly, using a moisturiser suited to your skin type, and finishing with a gripping primer like e.l.f. Power Grip Primer or Maybelline Grippy Serum to create the ideal base. “If the skin isn’t prepared properly, make-up is much more likely to separate or wear away as the night goes on,” she added. 
LESS PRODUCT, BETTER RESULTS
When it comes to foundation, Palmer says more isn’t always better. 
Instead of applying heavy layers, she recommends building coverage gradually using thin layers of product. Brands like Fenty Beauty and Maybelline Fit Me create a more natural finish while helping make-up stay intact throughout the evening. 
“The thinner the layers, the better everything melts together,” Palmer shared. 
Another popular misconception is that loading on powder will help make-up last longer, but, according to Palmer, this also contributes to caking. Instead, she recommends relying more on cream-based products, which blend naturally into the skin and move with your skin rather than sitting heavily on top. 
To lock make-up in place, a light dusting of translucent powder may also be used, particularly in the T-zone, to control shine without creating a heavy finish. 
LOCK EVERYTHING IN
Once your make-up is complete, don’t skip setting spray. 
Palmer says a good setting spray helps keep products in place while reducing the effects of heat and humidity throughout the night. Combined with proper skin prep and lightweight application, it’s one of the simplest ways to extend the wear of your make-up. 
Whether you’re embracing a soft glam or making a bold beauty statement, the key to lasting make-up is preparation, smart application, and a few touch-up essentials. Palmer encourages patrons to pack light but wisely. A powder puff to reduce shine, your favourite lip products for quick touch-ups, and a travel-size setting spray to revive your make-up after hours of dancing can make all the difference. 
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