Guest Blog

Beauty bloggers, professionals and people who generally know stuff

Why you need to invest in a Makeup Touch-Up Toolkit

Wed, 26 October 2011 11:56AM

Let’s face it: no matter how much primer or setting powder we use each morning, we always look a little worse for wear by the end of the day. That’s where our touch-up toolkit comes in. We all have at least one Primpers – the arsenal we keep in our handbags, office drawers and glove boxes. It should consist of foolproof products we can use without a second thought, blindly at our desks or in the car, and come away looking unequivocally gorgeous. These products are helpful for emergencies but ideally, they should be used in steady rotation throughout the day to ensure utmost flawlessness. A few product suggestions from my own toolkit…

Nars Bronzing Powder in Laguna, $72.00 and Yachiyo Kabuki Brush

These two products are the very definition of foolproof. I use the beautifully soft, dome-head brush to dust the incredibly natural shade of bronzing powder in a 3-shape on either side my face. (Remember what Zoe said a few weeks ago? Bronzer is not blush.) It does wonders for my polished-ness. (Oh, there were no real words to describe it!)

Becca Crème Blush in Frangipani, $48.00

This little wonder is the crème blush version of Nars Orgasm. I just pat it on the apples of the cheeks with my fingers, blending upwards toward the temples and voilà, a radiant, healthy glow!

Tatcha Aburatorigami Blotting Papers

I have a phobia of pressed powder (as much as I love makeup, I don’t like it to be at all visible on my skin) so I use these Japanese hand-made, whisper-thin papers instead. They keep my makeup in place but take away every drop of excess oil to reveal a lovely, satiny complexion.

Chanel Aqualumiere Lip Gloss in Glass Quartz, $46.00

This lip colour is simply perfection. I would be doing it a disservice if I tried to describe it – let’s just say that it is the ultimate “my lips but better” shade, with a smooth, hydrating texture that is to-die-for.

Clarins UV Plus Protection Day Screen SPF 30+, $46.00

Oh I know, this isn’t a makeup product… but I would be remiss if I wasn’t to advise carrying a sunscreen in your handbag every day! This little bottle encases a magically silky fluid that is perfect for the toolkit because it can be applied ON TOP of makeup. I simply rub it between my hands and pat it onto my face before that pesky spontaneous sun exposure. I also use it on the back of my hands several times a day. (Yes, I am very sun conscious!)

So that’s how I deck out my touch-up toolkit, Primpers.

Which products do you keep in yours?

Do you touch up often throughout the day?

How do you keep yourself looking fresh and gorgeous all day long?

Laura Curtis is a part-time makeup artist and beauty blogger, check out her blog Life.Beauty.Laughter here.

Posted by: Laura Curtis

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Tags: blotting paper, bronzer, creme blush, laura curtis, lip gloss, makeup kit, sunscreen

59 Comments

Posted by: Jasmin Enthusiast // Fri, 3 December 2010 07:46am

I think this here is my biggest failing. I don’t keep a touch up toolkit except when I go out and I madly try and shove as many touch up products into my clutch as I hear the taxi driver beeping impatiently at me. New Year’s resolution – keep a touch up toolkit at my desk and in the car.
Posted by: Talithaw Enthusiast // Fri, 3 December 2010 07:49am

I carry 5 things with me always.
1. Lip stain
2. Issada Baked Mineral Foundation w/ Kabuki brush
3. MAC eyebrow pencil
4. MAC creme blush in Lillicent
5. small tub of moisturiser.
These 4 things keep everything as fresh as it was when first applied in the am.
Posted by: Talithaw Enthusiast // Fri, 3 December 2010 07:50am

Whoops, i can’t count on a friday (pbviously) i meant 5. I also meant to say thanks for this blog
Posted by: Zingtoki Newbie // Fri, 3 December 2010 08:22am

Mine is:
+ Eyelash curler and mini Clinque mascara
+ Maybelline mousse concealer
+ Maybelline matte pressed powder.
+ Some random Nation creme blush which is bloody excellent for cheeks and lips but I maintain i have NO IDEA where I got it from. But it remains bloody excellent.
Posted by: Kbeard Enthusiast // Fri, 3 December 2010 09:05am

The Laguna Bronzer is in my kit too. Love it! Also Benetint and Mac blotting paper. Think I may have to try the Chanel Glass Quartz lip gloss — sounds amazing!
Posted by: misslysie Master Fan // Fri, 3 December 2010 09:19am

Points for mentioning sunscreen. I love it how Primped is so sun safe.
Posted by: loopylexy Master Fan // Fri, 3 December 2010 09:30am

Aaaahhhhhh those items are majorly out of my price range >.< $46 for a lipgloss? Eep!
I don't really have a toolkit either but I make sure to have at least one lipgloss, concealer and powder on my, especially on a night out.
The downside is that my concealer really enjoys venturing out of its tube and saying hello to the contents of my bag.
Posted by: Shaybear Devotee // Fri, 3 December 2010 12:23pm

I love the idea of a sunscreen that can be put on OVER one’s makeup!! I MUST have this! Also, applying sunscreen to the backs of the hands is something I’ve started doing recently. Very good tip! : )
Posted by: Tarshb Master Fan // Fri, 3 December 2010 12:30pm

I’m not as good as I used to be but mainly because the last time I bought MAC Blot the sales rep talked me into a shade much too dark because “it’s a really sheer powder so it doesn’t really matter what shade you get”, just to get a sale when they were out of my shade.
I usually have:
a couple of cotton buds
Lipstick (usually too many!)
Lip Liner
Lip Brush
Pressed powder
Mini perfume
Bobbi pins
and if I have a large enough bag:
Mini boar bristle brush
Mini hair spray (cedel)
If I’m out during the day:
Mini Palmers body lotion with SPF
Posted by: tiger Supporter // Fri, 3 December 2010 01:31pm

I touchup my gloss. Sometimes use pressed powder if it’s been a hot day and re-line my eyes if it’s melted a bit. I don’t like to cart too much stuff around with me so I prefer to use long-wearing makeup instead of constantly touching up.
Posted by: Blanche Supporter // Fri, 3 December 2010 02:11pm

I like to keep with me in my bag Stila illuminating powder foundation for touch ups, usually a few lipsticks, Body Shop blotting papers, Korres pomegranate lip butter, and I have an old eyeliner floating round in my drawers at work as well.
Sunscreeen seems a good idea!
Posted by: Helena // Fri, 3 December 2010 02:48pm

I usually bring my whole make up bag with me in my handbag, its so much easier than having two sets of things or having to dig around for things in my massive bag!
Posted by: missfashionista Supporter // Fri, 3 December 2010 03:52pm

Great post Laura. I really need to put together a toolkit as I am sick of trying to remember to take prods with me for touch ups. Main one I find is kohl eyeliner, it just seems to slip right off (onto underneath my eyes).
Posted by: Becca Master Fan // Fri, 3 December 2010 04:19pm

I usually carry with me:
-Lanolips 101 Ointment
-Revlon Colourburst in Rose
-YSL Touche Eclat Concealer
-NARS the Multiple in South Beach
-MOR Cosmetics Perfume Oil in Lychee

Great for easy touch ups on the go.
Posted by: Labile Newbie // Fri, 3 December 2010 06:10pm

I LOVE having a nosy at the items that take pride of place in a girl’s bag!

Here’s my list:

- Clinique pressed powder
- NARS Multiple Orgasm
- YSL Touche Eclat I find works well as an illuminator AND an emergency concealer
- Clinique liquid eyeshadow in Muffin
- My usual Revlon eyeliner pencil
- My usual MAC liquid liner
- Covergirl outlast lipstain in mauve (mauve sounds horrible but it’s really a lovely natural pink)
- a mini mascara (clinique or mac or any)
- Benefit high brow for a tired water line and inner corners of eyes
- Maybelline lippie in coral crush

At work I have cleansing wipes and eye drops, I usually have a random clear gloss rattling around in my bag and I always have lip balm and hand cream. Sounds like heaps but my make-up bag is actually fairly small. And I keep meaning to buy blotting papers…
Posted by: Laura // Fri, 3 December 2010 08:11pm

Thank you for all your lovely comments Primpers And so many wonderful suggestions – I will definitely be trying them out myself!

loopylexy – I really love the Australis lipglosses, “Lambada” is my favourite. It is a gorgeous pale pink… I think they retail for about $15

missfashionista – Have you tried the new Stila smudge sticks? They are a cream eyeliner in a pencil form, and completely waterproof – so they don’t budge!

If you have any questions about my post, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments and I will check back to answer them as best I can You can also contact me via twitter (@laura_valerie). xx
Posted by: Laura // Fri, 3 December 2010 08:12pm

Oh and sorry for all the scary looking smiley faces!
Posted by: Olivia Jayne Supporter // Fri, 3 December 2010 09:42pm

I reallyyyy like the sound of the Sun Protection Day Cream! Are there any cheaper versions around?

When I’m out I always carry with me:
- Napoleon Perdis Pro-Palette concealer
- My usual eyeliner and mascara
- Whatever lipstip/gloss I am using that day
Posted by: sushibaby Supporter // Sat, 4 December 2010 04:04pm

I carry around a makeup bag in my work bag, however of the items in that bag, here is what I use: Shiseido blotting papers, lip gloss/stick (which ever I am wearing), YSL touche eclat, black mac tecnokohl eyeliner, vaseline, mini perfume, Rimmel white eye kohl
Posted by: Jessica // Sat, 4 December 2010 11:44pm

I try to carry blotting paper wherever I go, as an oily faced gal it’s a true neccessity for me. That and a lip gloss and I’m pretty set for any occasion! I’ve basically come to terms with the fact that no matter what I do, I will never look fresh and gorgeous all day long

lol xx
Posted by: Tina-1291133452 Master Fan // Sun, 5 December 2010 01:00am

I never leave the house without:
australis lipgloss
rimmel lipstick
physicians formula pressed powder
mac bronzer
rimmel eyeliner
model co mascara
maybelline concealer
aaaaaand 2brushes.
Posted by: Katemahoney Supporter // Sun, 5 December 2010 11:04am

lipstick & hope for the best!
Posted by: xKMS Master Fan // Sun, 5 December 2010 12:47pm

whoa… everyone has their touch-up kits wayy sorted out. :S the only thing i take with me is lip balm and i absolutely notice by the end of the day even though i use both primer and setting powder-everyday- that my make up is a bit blotchy. i have blotting papers from the body shop but my skin isnt very oily.. do the blotting papers get rid of the blotchyness of makeup? And adding extra bronzer scares me a bit.. (im pale).. i dont wanna look like a bag lady.. lol. any suggestions for a really light bronzer? thankyouu
Posted by: Kallyn Devotee // Sun, 5 December 2010 08:07pm

I really need a touch up tool kit. Usually I just chuck far too much stuff in my bag. Just like Jasmin, my new years resolution is to clean up my act and get a toolkit, and a chic little one at that. I plan to spend it up big at duty free and sephora when I go to the states!
Posted by: CarlyMichelle Supporter // Mon, 6 December 2010 11:42am

I’m slowly working my way up to a toolkit which I can keep at the office for touch ups, though tis proving expensive to get double of the staple products.
Posted by: muso Master Fan // Mon, 6 December 2010 05:33pm

Definitely blotting papers. It’s really useful to tackle my combination/oily skin. Dusting powder from my dermatologist – gives really good matt coverage. And my lippie of the day.
Posted by: Laura // Mon, 6 December 2010 06:02pm

xKMS – It depends which blotting paper you use! Some can take away your makeup along with the oil, so you need to touch up with powder afterwards. Tatcha (the one I recommended) does help with blotchiness, because it takes away the oil that is causing it, without disturbing your makeup – I don’t touch up with powder at all. Also – Too Faced (at Kit Cosmetics) do amazing bronzers for pale skin – Sun Bunny and Snow Bunny are my favourites.

Olivia Jayne – I have been told that the Nivea Face Veil is similar to the Clarins. (I haven’t used it so I’m not completely sure!)
Posted by: georgiamae83 Enthusiast // Tue, 7 December 2010 10:14am

Wow, I didn’t realise a make-up/touch up tool kit was so popular! I’m lucky to have my lip gloss and maybe a lipstick in my bag. I’d never even considered to carry anything else around with me. But as summer has now appeared maybe I should reconsider and invest in some blotting papers. Though like some of the comments I’m not too sure on how to use if you don’t have oily skin but want your make up to stay in place.
I think i’d be best off ‘winning’ a tool kit so i know where i should be! hehe.
Posted by: laurenb Enthusiast // Wed, 8 December 2010 06:55am

I carry blotting paper (Bloom, they’re lavender scented!), a mini clear nail polish, Benefit Rush Hour (doubles as lipstick and cheek stain), a small sample cream eye shadow in a neutral/gold-y colour, small Invisible Zinc, Smashbox Anti-Shine Compact, a mini mascara, and a whole lot of bobby pins and elastic bands. I carry a lot of ‘just-in-case’ stuff. I also have moisturiser (body and hand), face mist, band aids, panadol etc. etc.
Posted by: Bantam Master Fan // Thu, 9 December 2010 10:50pm

Love these tips. Saving this article =D
Posted by: xKMS Master Fan // Sun, 12 December 2010 04:43pm

thankyou so much for the suggestions!!! definately going to try out the too faced bronzers! :)
Posted by: nicorasan Supporter // Wed, 22 December 2010 01:17pm

sunblock on top of makeup??
Posted by: pinkdivamua Enthusiast // Sun, 26 December 2010 06:14pm

Yay! I have BECCA’s Creme Blush in Frangipani and have used Chanel’s Aqualumiere Glosses in the past – they are too divine.
I highly recommend keeping a pressed powder on hand for midday touchup, a spray toner and a gloss too. That’s all – keep it simple.
Posted by: misschris Master Fan // Wed, 26 October 2011 12:08pm

I take my lipglosses everywhere with me as well as my Inika light reflecting creme for touch ups.. As I’m not out at work I don’t have to worry about a bag full of stuff anymore.
Posted by: nadia Devotee // Wed, 26 October 2011 12:23pm

During the day I don’t take anything because I’m just running around with the kids and don’t have time to touch up anyway. When I go out though, I take a concealer, blush, lipliner, lipgloss and blotting paper. I can rescue my makeup with just these products easily.
Posted by: Coconal Master Fan // Wed, 26 October 2011 12:42pm

I usually have pressed mineral powder, lip/cheek stain, lip/eye liner, mascara, lipstick, gloss and lip balm with me…plus oil blotting papers, mini perfumes, bobby pins and hair elastics, just in case.
Posted by: VivaLaVicki Devotee // Wed, 26 October 2011 02:14pm

I think blotting papers are a gift from god!
Posted by: Ellie101 Enthusiast // Wed, 26 October 2011 02:21pm

I recently bought the B by Bloom concealer kit and it is my new touch up kit. It’s tiny, so it fits in my purse (let alone my handbag) and has skin correctors in green and yellow, three shades of concealer and a highlighter. That, whatever lippy i’m wearing that day and perhaps a cream blush covers it.
Posted by: Louise-1295043242 Master Fan // Wed, 26 October 2011 02:43pm

that creme blush sounds fab! Love Nars Orgasm -a creme blush version would be great for Spring and Summer!
Posted by: zoeeangelaa Master Fan // Wed, 26 October 2011 03:47pm

I don’t tend to touch up to often during the day.

I do like to carry Lip Balm, Lipstick/Lip gloss (depending on my mood), Sunscreen, Eyebrow pencil (mine has a brush on the end) and mini good quality hair brush.
In summer I add a good mist and in winter its moisturiser.
Posted by: zoeeangelaa Master Fan // Wed, 26 October 2011 03:48pm

& mini hand cream.
plus sometimes eye cream
Posted by: Julieow Master Fan // Wed, 26 October 2011 03:53pm

Must look up Frangipani- Becca cheek products are the best- actually scrap that Becca products full stop are! I carry this mini Bare Escentuals mineral powder and kabuki – they are so cute, Dermalogica medicated concealer to boost spot fighting during the day and one of a few Burts Bees tinted lip balms
Posted by: tegania11 Master Fan // Wed, 26 October 2011 04:23pm

aaaah blotting papers, you complete me!
Posted by: imogenkate Newbie // Wed, 26 October 2011 05:04pm

Laguna again- that stuff must be amazing, everyone loves it!!
Posted by: strawbsundae Master Fan // Wed, 26 October 2011 05:57pm

It’s weird how there are so many comments dating back to Dec 2010!

I always keep sun lotion, lip balm and gloss in my handbag
Posted by: beautybee1 Master Fan // Wed, 26 October 2011 07:01pm

I really need something to tidy my eyeliner – I’m a bit panda eyed by the afternoon so I keep thinking to myself I have to carry some wipes with me. But my touch up kit always contains an eyeliner and lipgloss.
Posted by: Bridals // Wed, 26 October 2011 08:07pm

1. concealer
2. nars laguna bronzer mini
3. salve rose balm
4. brown eyeliner pencil

ohhh and cotton tips!
Posted by: looksrdeceiving Devotee // Wed, 26 October 2011 08:33pm

I always have sunscreen,pale lipgloss,dark lipstick and a moisturiser..
Posted by: prudielou Enthusiast // Wed, 26 October 2011 08:49pm

I always have on me my paw paw ointment, MAC Blot powder, doesn’t put a film of powder on your face, but sops up the shine brilliantly.
A variety of lipglosses, bright and neutral in colour as well as my nars laguna bronzer and brush and concealer for those pesky spots!
Posted by: STACEYJ. // Wed, 26 October 2011 09:04pm

Where would you get the Tatcha Aburatorigami Blotting Papers from? Sounds exotic!
Posted by: Becca Master Fan // Thu, 27 October 2011 11:19am

I keep a little bit of everything in my bag,
always a multi-vitamin spray-toner to combat the aircon, mascara, eyebrow kit, hairspray, eyeshadow & a Nars stick bronzer.
Posted by: Heavy // Thu, 27 October 2011 11:25am

Chantecaille lip chic -rose and nude colour
Ysl touché éclat
Shu umera concealer
Napoleon perdis eyeliner-black
Mini flowerbomb perfume
Benefit eyebrow gel
La mer lip balm
By Terry tinted moisturizer pen
Posted by: emilylauren Enthusiast // Thu, 27 October 2011 12:07pm

Sometime its like I feel like I have my entire beauty collection in my handbag! But I always find if I take something out, I tend to need it!
I always have blistex lip balm, j(ust incase i feel my lips getting dry – which seems to happen with I work in air cond or central heated places)..Lip gloss – l’oreal, maybelline or benefit, MAC concealer, Eye liner – generally a loreal one, MAC powder, a container of bobby pins and hair elastics, dry shampoo and a comb
No wonder my handbag is so heavy all the time!!
Posted by: leahonthedoor Enthusiast // Thu, 27 October 2011 07:01pm

always always always carry
-paw paw ointment (the best thing ever)
-about a million lip glosses
-UK Beauty concealer (cheapie from London but soooo good and has lasted me ages)
-borjois kohl black or rimmel kohl brown eyeliner (depending on what I’m wearing)
-millions of bobbipins that I can never seem to find when i need one!
What I do need to invest in is a mini-makeup bag so I don’ keep losing things!
Posted by: Tina-1291133452 Master Fan // Fri, 28 October 2011 04:36am

ah i need my laguna bronzer <3
i ALWAYS carry concealer with me!
Posted by: SydneyRose Devotee // Fri, 28 October 2011 07:30pm

I lost count! I have so many cosmetics products. It depends on what I’m wearing on the day as to what makeup items I use.
Posted by: sprinkles37 Master Fan // Sun, 30 October 2011 09:10pm

I normally only have lip gloss, balm and hand cream. I really should bring more, but normally only touch up my lips
Posted by: p3charmed Master Fan // Tue, 1 November 2011 01:29pm

no i dont cos i dont wear makeup.im working on clearing up my stubborn as acne with dr lewinns medic range first, and man is it magical stuff.few more weeks is hopefully all it will take i always have paw paw ointment with me though and a number of lipglosses too
Posted by: lovefashionangel Master Fan // Sat, 17 March 2012 08:35pm

Thats definietly a repeat after me moment ‘bronzer is not a blush’