tried and true
The holiday party season is here and you’ll probably be heading out to some of these celebrations straight from work. The harsh reality is, even expertly applied and carefully maintained makeup will crease, fade, slip or smudge during the day. No worries, I’ve devised a foolproof strategy of touch-up tips to bring back that ‘freshly applied’ look you started the day with… plus some extra tips to make sure you look fabulously festive!
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Get the oil out
Get the oil outBlot away any excess oil on the skin’s surface by gently pressing and patting with either a tissue or a blotting sheet . Those with normal to dry skin can skip this step.
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Blend thoroughly
Blend thoroughlyWith a clean makeup sponge , use a gentle buffing motion to smooth out foundation, concealer and blush you started the day with. Make sure to buff out all streaks and edges as you go. If you have oily or combination skin, make sure you followed the first tip before doing this.
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Condition your pout
Condition your poutRemove all of your lipstick and apply a light layer of lip balm to condition your lips while you touch up the rest of your face.
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Re-apply
Re-applyApply fresh foundation over worn down areas or around the mouth; blend it in with your makeup sponge.
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Blend away blemishes
Blend away blemishesReapply concealer on blemishes and under the eyes .
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Ready? Set?
Ready? Set?Apply pressed powder to re-set freshly applied foundation and concealer.
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Blush on
Blush onBlush is usually one of the first parts of makeup to fade, so reapply if needed. Also keep in mind that you’ll need a bit more color for dimmer evening lighting. Bonus tip: Rose or Mauve toned blush creates the most natural looking flush of color on the cheeks.
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Over the eye
Over the eyeIf your eyeshadow has creased, blot the area gently with a tissue or blotting paper and then use a brush or sponge to smooth out the color . Apply a little pressed powder over the area to even out the shadows. Finally, reapply any colors that have faded during this process.
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Touch up eyeliner
Touch up eyelinerTouch up your eyeliner particularly under the eyes where it might have smeared. Use the corner of your makeup sponge or a Q-tip to clean up the smear before you reapply and then set the liner with a matching powder eyeshadow.
Dress up your pout
Finally, blot off any excess lip balm and reapply your lipstick .
Festive fun tips
You can layer any of these tricks into the touch-up to give your makeup some extra party pizzazz.
- You glow, girl! Create your own “candlelight” glow by applying a highlight powder to the tops of you cheekbones and under the eyes to accent and brighten the center of your face for evening lighting.
- “Burnish” your face with bronzing powder by sweeping from you cheekbones back toward your temples, then across the hairline and finally just below the chin.
- Jewel lining! Turn your smoky eye into a standout eye by relining you entire eye with a jewel-tone waterproof eyeliner . Smudge it into a playful smoke or leave it sharp for graphic impact.
- Light up the sparkle! Lightly brush a glaze of shimmering metallic shadow on your eyelid directly over your existing eye makeup to add an unexpected spark whenever you lower your lid or blink.
- Greek goddess. Top your lipstick off with a dab of sparkling gold or silver iridescent gloss to give it some glamorous gleam.
Above all… remember it’s the holiday season, so have some FUN with your makeup. Now don’t just stand there, powder that nose so we can go party!
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