How to Freshen Up Your Makeup After a Long Day

Look bright even when you're not feeling it.

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We all know the story. It's Friday evening and you've finally finished completing an obscene amount of overtime at work, again. It's silly season and silly season means you work loads, you shop loads and you party loads, which, just incase you haven't noticed by your lack of sleep lately, also means you don't have much free time on your hands. You know, that free time you once used to go home, take off your makeup, put on a mask and setting in for a movie (le-sigh).

Chances are, that has all been replaced by rushing to do some crowded late night shopping (me tonight) and/or getting your dance on at your annual work party. So, to help you out between work and said nighttime activities, I thought I would share with you my top tips and tricks to freshen up your makeup after a long, tiring day, and not look like you've just had a long, tiring day. Feel me? Then you'll want to read on.
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TIP #1: My number one trick to hiding how exhausted you really are is to whip out the concealer, like my current go-to, the Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Full Coverage Concealer, and dab it on underneath the eyes in a triangle shape. While I'd prefer to use a brush or Beauty Blender to blend it out, you can also use your fingers if you don't have either on you. This will help you to brighten the area that can look dark and tired after a long day. And make sure you hide those pesky little blemishes while you're at it too.

TIP #2: I don't know about you guys, but after a long day my skin looks somewhat lacklustre. It's either oily or dry, neither of which make you look terribly fresh, if I don't say so myself. On the oily areas around my t-zone, I dab a small amount of the Paula's Choice Shine Stopper Instant Matte Finish (you wouldn't believe how well this stuff works and how far just a little goes!). Of course, it's usually dryness that I battle, so I find that facial mists work a treat to make it look less hydrated. The Jurlique Calming Mist is great for after work, as it not only hydrates my skin, but also reduces redness and calms any sensitivity. One pump of the mist and you'll feel instantly refreshed and blissed-out. Yeah, it's that good.

TIP #3: To make your skin look even more fresh, it's time to add some glow. The Cover FX Illuminating Setting Powder from Sephora adds a beautiful soft and natural glow that also sets your makeup, which means you're good to go for the rest of the night. If you don't have a brush handy though, then the amazing Cover FX Illuminator I also got from Sephora is a great trade, for it works just as well when applied with your fingers to your cheekbones, inner corner of your eyes and cupids bow. The Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief is another great alternative if you're suffering with dry skin and want to achieve a healthy dewy finish whilst also giving it added hydration. All you need to do is apply as little on the back of your hand, dab an even amount onto your finger and press it on top of your makeup. My goodness, does it feel amazing!

TIP #4: You wouldn't believe the magic of the humble white eyeliner. A quick smear of the Maybelline Big Eyes Liner duo in white on your bottom waterline will instantly waken your eyes and brighten your entire face, especially if you find yourself staring at a computer screen all day (pretty much a nightmare for your eyes, in my experience). And, if you need to, since it's a double ended pencil, you can also touch-up your killer black winged liner too. Now that is one handy, purse-friendly product.

TIP #5: If all else fails, a bright lipstick is a no-brainer when it comes to freshening up your beauty look. The best thing? If you wear a pink or peach lippy, then you can also blend a little onto the apples of your cheeks, which will give you a lovely, healthy complexion. The Laqa & Co Cheeky Lip from Sephora is a very pigmented pink, which also works well on the cheeks if you spend a little time blending it (it's what I'm wearing in the photo above). There are loads of lip and cheek duos on the market right now though, so the world/beauty counter is your oyster.
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And just like that, after spending a few minutes freshening up your makeup look, you'll look wide awake and ready to take on the rest of the evening, no matter how much you're craving a comfy bed and chocolate sleep.

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