Makeup Touchup and Shortcut Tips

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You know that sudden horror when you go the bathroom mid-morning, look in the mirror, and realize your forehead is emitting a blinding glare and your eyeliner has melted down to raccoon status? Yeah. That's a good look. And unfortunately, one that we know all too well.

To help put a stop to the daily post-lunchtime face melt, I asked Gilbert Soliz, a lead makeup artist at Sephora, and celeb makeup artist Virginia Linzee to educate us all on the art of the touching up your makeup like a pro. I'm not talking crazy blending and contouring techniques that mean re-watching a YouTube tutorial 5 times -- I'm talking handy, quick fixes to refresh your makeup look throughout the day along with other sneaky shortcuts to give you a bit more breathing room in your daily routine.

Click ahead to see what products and which techniques will have you sleeping in and shine free through happy hour.

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The reason your eyeliner moves two inches by lunchtime? According to Soliz, makeup has the tendency to oxidize, which means slipping and sliding as the day progresses. "To eliminate shine and remove excess oil opt for blotting paper instead of powder to refresh your complexion," says Soliz. "To give skin a quick pick-me-up, I recommend YSL's Touche Èclat, $40. It's an easy way to brighten underneath and around your eyes, especially when you're showing signs of fatigue."

BLOTTING PAPER
Nuance Salma Hayek Ageless Clarity Facial Blotting Papers, $7.99
Neutrogena Shine-Control Blotting Sheets, $6.99

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The Touchup: Think Pink

"If shine isn't a factor, focus any touchups on the center of the face, as makeup tends to slide and travel outward," says Soliz. "After buffing on a bit of powder, apply a peachy pink blush to the apples of the cheeks to give your complexion a radiant boost."

POWDER
E.L.F. Studio Translucent Matifying Powder, $3
MAC Select Sheer/Loose, $25

BLUSH
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Shimmering Peachy Pink, $26
Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Colour in Lotus Pink, $25

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The Touchup: Remove and Reapply

Sometimes, it's important to recognize a lost cause when you see one. "There are several factors that effect the way makeup wears throughout the day," says Soliz. "But if redness is revealed or the skin looks transparent ... your best bet is to start from scratch."

MAKEUP REMOVER
Lancome Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover, $28
Yes to Cucumbers Facial Towelettes, $5.99

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The Touchup: Get Set

If your makeup has a tendency to travel, the solution could be as simple as setting it in place. "After applying makeup, always make sure to spritz face with a finishing spray," says Linzee. "Mary Kay Finishing Spray by Skindinavia, $18, keeps makeup looking fresh longer, which means fewer (or no) touchups are required throughout the day."

If makeup needs to be refreshed later on in the day, Linzee says the number one rule is to keep your hands far, far away from your face. "Fingers are often very oily and cause makeup to further breakdown." Instead, invest in a cosmetic sponge. "Choose a sponge with a pointed tip for hard to reach places (such as the corner of the eyes and around the nose) where makeup tends to crease the easiest," Linzee advises. "Then, spritz your finishing spray onto the sponge and gently dab face and neck to tap/blend makeup back in."

SPONGE
Beauty Blender Sponge, $19.95
Eco Tools Foam Applicator Brush, $5.99

The Cheater's Guide To Mid-Day Makeup Touchups

Who says cutting corners is a bad thing? Add these expert-approved tips to your makeup routine -- they'll make your life easier

The Touchup: Blot and Brighten

The Touchup: Think Pink

The Touchup: Remove and Reapply

The Touchup: Get Set

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