Good News!
Makeup trends these days are using less makeup than even a few years ago…
Less in coverage and the amount of product we apply. We are mixing textures to work better on the skin, allowing for a real skin result. Eye shadows are more about contouring than thick, dark smokey eyes and focus points are bold brows, lashes and lips.
This all means touch up products you need are becoming less, especially if you have good skin underneath your makeup!
In all my work either at a shoot or red carpet, I find my makeup work in the complexion category lasts very well…
I prime the skin thoroughly before applying foundation to guarantee a lasting look. To me, skin is so important to get right and I take no chance in that falling apart, so a great hydrating moisturizer, even a liquid exfoliator product is often used as my base.
I then use a primer, sometimes an illuminating style for a dryer/dehydrated skin or sometimes a pore tightening and smoothing style for oily skin, either way, it is these steps that help lock in ad bond your foundation to the skin, avoiding a later touch up.
Once that base is locked in, everything else falls in place.
A lot of women complain about their concealer falling and moving into expression lines around the eyes (or other areas of the face), in long wear circumstances. Sound familiar?
This should not happen if you always think about the movement or muscle behind the skin rather than just covering the face with product.
The way the face moves with expression will certainly determine the end result, so if an area, like the crows feet on the outer eye, is very active in movement, apply less product to guarantee no movement of product into that area – this avoids touch ups later on and you look fresher longer, not all creased up.
In all my work either at a shoot or red carpet, I find my makeup work in the complexion category lasts very well…
I prime the skin thoroughly before applying foundation to guarantee a lasting look. To me, skin is so important to get right and I take no chance in that falling apart, so a great hydrating moisturizer, even a liquid exfoliator product is often used as my base.
I then use a primer, sometimes an illuminating style for a dryer/dehydrated skin or sometimes a pore tightening and smoothing style for oily skin, either way, it is these steps that help lock in ad bond your foundation to the skin, avoiding a later touch up.
Once that base is locked in, everything else falls in place.
The way the face moves with expression will certainly determine the end result, so if an area, like the crows feet on the outer eye, is very active in movement, apply less product to guarantee no movement of product into that area – this avoids touch ups later on and you look fresher longer, not all creased up.
MB Pro Tip – Definitely apply your makeup in a relaxed facial state, no laughing or smiling as this can add lines or creases into the end result.
Move the face to see expression or how the look appears when smiling, but do not stretch or pull, or even smile when applying blush, as it is best to apply when completely natural.
The only areas that I touch up, ever, are the lips, a little powder if needed for shine control, a brightening concealer and possibly, but rarely the eye shadow if I have used a cream style shadow and it has creased.
If the eye shadow that I have used is a powder, especially when matte, I find with a good eye shadow base (most eye concealers can work as this) my work does not move at all…
Eye shadows generally crease if no base has been used, or you have used foundation as a base, or a cream shadow was applied.
MB Pro Tip – Don’t touch areas just for the sake of it!
If the product or area hasn’t changed, moved or creased, then leave it. I watch girls touch up and they touch up everything which in some cases can make the look worse, by over doing the pigments, making them move by touching up and applying to much product over time.
The order I touch up;
1. When a face I have made up comes to me a couple of hours later the first thing I do is re-conceal/highlight, more to brighten up/freshen the look rather than concealing anything – this should all of been done perfectly in the beginning.
I know I have mentioned this product A LOT, but it truly is the best for touch ups!
The YSL Touche Eclat Highlighting Pen (RRP $55)
I am known to always use two shades with this product and even if nothing else, this used alone after work to brighten up your look again for after work drinks will work a treat!
If dark circles are the issue, use something like number 3 to eliminate them, but in most cases it is more brightening you are after at 5pm, so use a shade like number 2 under the eye, through the centre of the face and above cheekbone, lightly dabbing the product in and instantly it appears like you have only just applied your makeup!!
It is the ultimate light creator for the skin without being too shiny or shimmery.
This alone makes a big difference to your overall look.
2. Next is eliminating shine; if there is none, don’t just grab a powder compact out for the sake of it, as it will cake up. It is only used lightly, pressing in the powder to areas that need a de-shine.
Normally for me it is nose and sides of nose, very minimal on forehead and chin.
I love the Burberry Pressed Powder Compact (RRP $75)
It is lightweight and perfect for a quick touch – only when needed of course, no one likes an over powdered look!
• You may want to have a bronzer handy if you feel the need to touch up contouring – it is great for cheekbones and eye sockets, but usually everything stays in place. ☺
3. Lastly your lip colour…
This will always need touching up at some point during the night!
With the skin under the eye and through the centre looking brighter, your shine now gone, the lip is now a big feature!
So are the brows and lashes for me, but these areas very rarely should be touched up once applied.
Depending on your lip product and the way you applied, you 
shouldn’t need to re-apply an entire lip; just usually through the centre of the mouth is enough to re-vamp the lip.
If your lipstick is a lipstick texture, it can even be used for a slight bit of colour on the apple of cheek, with a gentle dab, then massage into the cheek.
My favourite and STAY POWER bold lip is the Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro, Matte Lacquer (RRP$49)
Looks like a gloss, but dries more matte and has a great, very long lasting pigment – perfect for being out on the town, not having to worry about being a no lip girl.
Now you have colour back on the lips and the skin is balanced with some brightening, you are ready to hit the town after a long day at work!
Remember ladies, don’t over touch up as you could end up creasing more than when you started, keep it simple.
