As the day goes by, even the best-applied makeup can slip, fade, and get phone – or fingerprinted. Long days call for a few quick touch-ups to revive beautifully applied makeup. Following the steps below, in order, will revive the look you started with.
• If you have oily skin, blot away the excess oil by laying either a tissue or oil-blotting paper on it. Perm endpapers also work well. Do this before reapplying any makeup.
• Remove all of your lipstick so you can start over after you have touched up your face makeup. Apply a light layer of lip balm if your lips feel dry.
• Once the excess oil on your skin has been absorbed, take a fresh sponge and smooth out the foundation, blush, and contour (women with dry and normal skin should also follow this step). Use a gentle, buffing motion, making sure to smooth things as you go.
• Apply a little extra concealer under the eyes if that area looks a bit dark or if the concealer has faded.
• If you need a little more foundation over blemishes or discolorations, blend it on now, avoiding the blush and contour area.
• Dust a light layer of pressed powder over the face. A pressed powder with sunscreen that includes the UVA-protecting ingredients of avobenzone, titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide is an excellent option to ensure all-day sun protection.
• Apply more blush or contour if needed, but only if needed, and be careful; color “grabs” more over makeup that has been on the face awhile.
• If you want to touch up your eyeliner, particularly under the eyes where it might have smeared, use a powder shadow instead of a pencil. Use the corner or side of your makeup sponge to remove any smeared eyeliner.
• If your eyeshadows have creased, blot the area gently with a tissue or blotting paper and then use a brush to smooth out the color. Apply a powder over the area to even out the shadows and add whatever color is needed to make the eye makeup look balanced.
• Finally, reapply your lipstick and lip liner.