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The Cheater's Guide To Mid-Day Makeup Touchups

Who says cutting corners is a bad thing? Add these expert-approved tips to your makeup routine -- they'll make your life easier
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The Touchup: Get Set
If your makeup has a tendency to travel, the solution could be as simple as setting it in place. "After applying makeup, always make sure to spritz face with a finishing spray," says Linzee. "Mary Kay Finishing Spray by Skindinavia, $18, keeps makeup looking fresh longer, which means fewer (or no) touchups are required throughout the day."

If makeup needs to be refreshed later on in the day, Linzee says the number one rule is to keep your hands far, far away from your face. "Fingers are often very oily and cause makeup to further breakdown." Instead, invest in a cosmetic sponge. "Choose a sponge with a pointed tip for hard to reach places (such as the corner of the eyes and around the nose) where makeup tends to crease the easiest," Linzee advises. "Then, spritz your finishing spray onto the sponge and gently dab face and neck to tap/blend makeup back in."

SPONGE
Beauty Blender Sponge, $19.95
Eco Tools Foam Applicator Brush, $5.99

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The Shortcut: The Bronze Age
Now that you've mastered the makeup saves, it's time to cut some corners. You can skip the foundation, concealer and even eyeshadow if you make bronzer your new best friend. "Bronzer is one of the easiest most versatile products to use," says Soliz. After applying all over the face, sweep it across your lids to help create a soft wash of color. Then finish your look with a few coats of mascara."

BRONZER
Too Faced Snow Bunny Bronzer, $30
Urban Decay Baked Bronzer, $12

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The Shortcut: Alphabet Creams
When it comes to multitasking beauty balms and color correctors, the pros say to believe the hype. "BB and CC creams seem to be all the rage, and understandbly so," says Soliz. "To really save time in the morning, opt for one that contains a bronzed finished to give you coverage and give your skin a healthy glow."

BB CREAM
Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35, $42
Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream, $12.99

CC CREAM
Olay CC Cream SPF 15, $19.94


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The Shortcut: Balm Brows
Thanks to Cara Delevingne and Lily Collins, brows are seriously having a moment. To fake perfectly a groomed pair in seconds, skipover your tweezers and reach for your lip balm. "After applying lip balm, use your finger to swipe through your brows," says Soliz. "Face powders can get trapped in your brows and alter the color and texture. The touch of lip balm helps remove excess powder and helps keep brows in place."

LIP BALM
Burt's Beeswax Lip Balm Tin, $3.30
Smith's Rosebud Salve, $3.89

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The Shortcut: A Statement Lip
If you're seriously short on time and have zero time to put on your face, focus on all your energy on your lips. "When wearing a statement lip, there's not much need for anything else, so your makeup routine is cut down tremendously," Linzee says. "You save time, but still look polished. Just pair it with a little mascara to show off your eyes, and you're out the door."

LIPSTICK
NARS Velvet Matte Lip Crayon, $25
Aveda Nourish-Mint Smoothing Lip Color, $16

MASCARA
Bare Minerals Lash Domination, $18
Max Factor Volume Couture Mascara, $9.99

BY ERICA SMITH | OCT 17, 2013 | SHARES
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