Ask Belle: Belle’s Makeup Touch Up Kit

Can you do a post on what you put in your gym makeup bag?

@MissMeganSnyder

Whether you’re touching up throughout the day or refreshing your makeup post-workout, the process begins with your morning makeup application.

Using a primer will keep your makeup from wilting as the day goes on.  I use NARS Pro Prime Oil-Free Primer, but many budget-savvy women substitute Monistat Anti-Chafing Gel (no, really).  If your eyeshadow creases throughout the day, the Urban Decay eye primer is a great product.

Need a makeup bag? I love the one below from River Island.  H&M also has this lovely buff-colored bag and this tribal print pouch.  And these laminated pouches from Orla Kiely are good for frequent, heavy use.

Bag: River Island Snake Print Bag ($20)

From Left, Anastasia Brow Pencil ($22) // Makeup Remover Swabs ($9) // Sigma Beauty Brush ($28) // Makeup Forever HD Powder ($36) // Swisspers Makeup Sponges ($4) // Kevyn Aucoin Volume Mascara ($28)

From Right, NYX Blotting Papers ($4) // Stila Oasis Shadow ($18) // Almay Smart Shade Blush ($12) // Maybelline Age Reqind Concealer ($7) // Stila Stay-All-Day Liner ($20)

When you start a post-workout/end-of-day touch-up, the first thing you need to do is remove excess oil.  The NYX blotting papers are great for that.  Once your skin is mattified, it’s time to re-apply.

First, I use swabs filled with makeup remover to clean up smudged mascara, etc.  Then, I reapply concealer to any uncovered blemishes, the under-eye area, etc. and set everything with powder.  Because this is a re-application, you don’t want to overdo it on the powder or you’ll end up looking cakey.  The HD Powder from Makeup Forever is so fine, that when you apply it with a soft, fluffy brush you can apply just the right amount.

My cheek makeup always needs a touch-up by end of day, but again, I don’t want to over apply.  This Almay blush blends well with my morning shade, and perks up without overwhelming.  No need to look like Bozo the Clown post-gym.

To touch up my eye makeup, I trace the original line of my eyeliner and apply a bit more shadow.  I like a slightly pearlescent shadow, because if you apply matte shadow at the end of the day, it tends to look piled on.  Then, I use the Anastasia brow pencil to highlight the hollow of my eye and the area under the eyebrow.  If I need it, I add a bit more mascara.

Finally, I use a clean makeup sponge to blend everything.  Blending is critical.  This is the step that ensures that you don’t look overdone after your touch-up.

If you need to touch up your hair as well, I recommend a travel size Psssst dry shampoo.  I also carry a travel-size hairbrush, a hair tie, and some bobby pins.  If you find dry-shampoo drying, a texturizing spray can lift fallen roots and absorb a bit of the oil as well.