Ask Belle: Belle’s Makeup Touch Up Kit

Feb 25, 2015

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.

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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.

Ask The Edit, Makeup

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  1. A says:

    “Refreshing your makeup post workout”– um what?! you should cleanse your face completely after working out. holy clogged pores. D:

    • Belle says:

      I think this depends on how hard you work out and how much time you have. I probably sweat as much in the DC heat walking from building to building as I do at yoga. And if you’re working out on your lunch break, you may not have time. While face washing is ideal, it may not always be feasible.

  2. Diana says:

    I absolutely swear by the Mario Badescu rosewater spray as a makeup setting spray. I apply two spritzes to my face (one to each side) in the morning and all my makeup’s still intact 12 hours later when I get home, even my three shades of eye shadow, even on a day of gross humidity.

    I often hit the treadmill after work. With the spray, my makeup easily stands up to 3 briskly walked miles, but it can’t stand up to 3 miles of running. (Can anything stand up to 3 miles of running?) So the spray could absolutely get you through a lunchtime yoga workout.

  3. Katie says:

    If I’m going somewhere after I work out and can’t immediately go home and shower, I use those no-rinse face wipes. Then I reapply a light coat of makeup. Feels so much fresher to me than putting makeup on a sweaty face!

  4. MP says:

    Belle, thanks for this post. I believe you have mentioned that you have a little olive in your skin tone. Would you mind sharing your color in the Maybeine concealer? Thanks again.

  5. […] Series Description: Concealer is a great tool to cover up scars, blemishes and dark circles. Apply concealer to look natural and clean with help in this free video series on makeup application. […]

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