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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
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The Touchup: Blot and Brighten
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

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The Shortcut: The Bronze Age
Now that you've mastered the makeup saves, it's time to cut some corners. You can skip the foundation, concealer and even eyeshadow if you make bronzer your new best friend. "Bronzer is one of the easiest most versatile products to use," says Soliz. After applying all over the face, sweep it across your lids to help create a soft wash of color. Then finish your look with a few coats of mascara."

BRONZER
Too Faced Snow Bunny Bronzer, $30
Urban Decay Baked Bronzer, $12

BY ERICA SMITH | OCT 17, 2013 | SHARES
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