Thursday, August 14, 2014

Freshening Up

Hello lovelies!

Let's face it, no matter how long lasting a makeup product claims to be, there comes a time during the day when we need to freshen up. Whether it's because you are starting to get oily (my case), or walking around all day has caused your makeup to fade, or you're finally having drinks with that guy you've been flirting with and (of course Murphy's Law) you don't have time to put on a full face, retouching your makeup during the day is inevitable. Personally, it gives me peace of mind knowing that I have a few beauty bits with me just in case...

1. First thing is first (I'm the realest): Get rid of the excess oil. Even though they are kinda gross after you are done, I've always gone for blotting papers. TATCHA Aburatorigami Japanese Beauty Papers (yeah, don't even try to pronounce that) are the best ones I've tried so far. They are pricy for oil blotting papers, but worth it because they are natural, powder free, don't disturb my makeup, and leave my face feeling like a  fresh semi-clean canvas.

2. Concealer fixes all. I'm not one to carry around foundation with me, so if at any point during the day my dark circles or any blemishes start to creep through, I go straight for the concealer. I prefer to use one that is creamy, easy to blend with my fingers, and has a doe-foot applicator so I can really get into my inner eye corner (where I tend to get the most darkness). You can of course use which ever concealer you prefer, but I use NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer or (for a more budget friendly option) the L'Oreal True Match Concealer. If things are still looking a bit too oily, I powder my T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) with a mattifying powder, and it's usually the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder.

3. A little liner goes a long way. Now that the skin has been taken care of, it's time to open up the eyes. To define those lashes skip that mascara and instead go for a black liner to tightline. Adding on mascara can actually weigh down your eyes more and can end up looking flaky; and  I know tightlining feels weird, but applying a black liner on your upper waterline adds definition and thickens up the lash line. For this I like to use Urban Decay 24/7 Velvet Eye Pencil, which glides on very creamy and really sticks to the waterline, or the L'oreal Silkissime Pencil Eye Liner, which works just as well but isn't as long lasting. Next, go for a nude (or white if you are very fair) liner on the bottom waterline to open up the eyes and counteract any redness or any mascara that might have run during the day. Honestly, a nude liner makes a big difference when it comes to brightening and opening up the eyes, so give them a try if you haven't already. I am a big fan of the Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Eyeliner in 'Nude'.

4. Don't be afraid to highlight. It is probably the easiest and fastest way to brighten up your whole face if it's beginning to look dull; and the good thing is you can use the same product for both eyes and face. Two of my favorites: the cult classic MAC MSF in 'Soft & Gentle' or for an easier-to-carry-around option Stila Eyeshadow in 'Kitten' ( L'Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow in 'Iced Latte' is very similar). Dab either one on the inner corner of your eyes and on top of  your cheekbones and done! Instantly brighter complexion.

5. Perfect the Pout. Applying a little bit of lip color makes you look and feel more put together and polished. Whether you rather go bold with a daring red like MAC Lady Danger or prefer a more subtle, nude shade, never skip the lips! Lately, I've been wearing either my new favorite nude-combo, MAC Lip Pencil in 'Whirl' with MAC Velvet Teddy, or the super easy to use NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in 'Walkyrie'.

6. Spritz Spritz. Finish off with a refreshing mist or setting spray to make sure everything sets and blends together nicely, and most importantly you don't look caky ('cause nobody wants that!) You can go for something herbal, minty, and refreshing like the Caudalie Beauty Elixir or something that sets makeup and guarantees its longevity like the MAC Fix+ (both are available in travel size so they are not only easier to carry around, but more affordable as well).

Well my beauties, that's all we have time for today. I hope some of these tips were useful in some way. Please let me know in the comments which littles tricks you use to stay looking fresh during a long day! Don't forget to follow me on social media (links below) for any blog updates and other shenanigans I get up to.

Thanks for reading!

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