We’ve all been there. Your under-eye concealer has mysteriously vanished, your foundation is having a mid-afternoon meltdown, and you don’t have the time (or energy) to take it all off and start again. Maybe you’re heading to an event, or maybe you just want to look more like yourself again after a long day in front of a screen. Either way, a full reapplication isn’t always realistic – but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for looking as tired as you feel.
My tried and trusted method for refreshing a full face of make-up in under five minutes involves a few strategic tweaks and just four products. And most of them are miniature-sized – perfect for keeping in your handbag for on-the-go make-up emergencies.
Blot and mist
First things first, blot away any excess oil – specifically around the nose, forehead and chin. Blotting papers are great, but realistically, does anyone still carry them? A tissue works fine.
Next is a hydrating facial mist or setting spray. This gives your base a much-needed drink and brings a bit of life back to the skin. It also softens make-up that’s dried down, making it easier to blend a fresh layer on top.
Two of my favourite mists include Avene Thermal Spring Water Spray (€7 for 50ml from Boots) and Fenty Beauty You Mist Setting Spray (€32 from Cult Beauty). Both feel like a big shot of moisture for the skin, leaving it looking soft and dewy and prepped for the next step.
Concealer fix
When it comes to quick fixes, concealer is king. I usually apply it around the sides of the nose, across the forehead, on the chin, and under the eyes – basically anywhere that needs a refresh. I rarely bother with foundation at this stage – a good concealer, applied generously and blended properly, is more than enough. A great one for this step is Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer (€35 from Brown Thomas). Thin enough (when used sparingly – a little goes a long way) for under the eyes, but the right amount of coverage for the rest of the face.
It’s worth taking a minute to really work it in with fingers or a sponge to help it melt into your existing base. This step alone will instantly take your skin from tired and dull to fresh and bright.
Glow up
Next is my secret weapon: a creamy, multi-use luminizer. Not quite a highlighter, not quite skincare – more of a radiant, iridescent veil that perks up the complexion, disguises dullness, and adds light in all the right places.
My current favourite is KJH.Brand Hyper Shine Lite Pigment (€28 from kjhbrand.com) There are four shades to choose from – I particularly love Lite Gold. Created by make-up artist Katie Jane Hughes, she described this product to me recently as a “do-it-all glow pot”, and honestly, it is. It can be tapped on to the high points of the face, worn as eyeshadow, blended with existing eyeshadow, mixed with cream products, or used alone.
A favourite trick of mine is to smooth a tiny amount under the eyes before concealer – it adds luminosity, hydration and just a hint of colour correction.
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Lips, cheeks and everything else
Finish up with a double duty product that works for lips, cheeks and even eyes. Trinny London Trinity Stick in Mustique (€44 from Brown Thomas) has lived in my bag since it launched several months ago. It’s a dual-ended multi-use stick: one end is a cool-toned brown, the other a bright, blue-toned pink that instantly wakes up the face.
The pink is especially flattering on tired skin – it’s fresh, forgiving, and just makes everything look better. I use it on cheeks, lips, and sometimes even dab a bit on the lids.
One final spritz of hydrating mist or setting spray ties everything together and gives your skin that revived, just-finished glow.
And that’s it – four (mostly miniature) products, five minutes, and a face that looks like it’s had a full refresh without the effort of starting over.
This week I’m loving ... Image Skincare Daily Prevention Nourishing Lip Balm SPF30
A new and impressive all-in-one essential from Image Skincare. Daily Prevention Nourishing Lip Balm (€36) is a clear, almost jelly-like lip balm that delivers cushion-like hydration and broad-spectrum sun protection in a luxe, non-sticky, glossy finish. The palm-sized packaging is perfect for flinging in your handbag.
