This simple trick will help your makeup look pristine all day - and night

Rushing from one ‘do to another? A makeup artist shares the handiest trick to refresh your base without having to reapply

A flatlay of makeup products with a clutch bag
(Image credit: Getty Images 1795964635)

It’s peak rush-around season. ‘Tis the season of crammed-in social plans alongside work and life admin, not to mention the mile-long post office queue.

And in that rush, you’re unlikely to find a spare half hour to do or re-do your makeup, especially if you’re dashing from one event to another. Annoyingly, even your best foundation will start to wane after its eighth hour of wear, but do you really have to start the whole look again if you want a fresh face?

Thankfully not. There’s a handy trick that will help your foundation look freshly applied, recommended by make-up artist Jamie Genevive. The best bit? It’s incredibly quick and easy.

How to refresh your foundation hours after the first application, according to an MUA

You'll only need to use three products - all of which you probably already own and are easy to pop into even a tiny clutch bag. The technique is incredibly simple too. “Use a sponge to gently blend any creasing or natural oils that have built up, then apply a tiny amount of concealer anywhere you want to rebuild that coverage before patting out with that same sponge,” recommends Genevive. "Apply powder if needed, then refresh your whole base with a healthy dose of setting spray to lock everything in and melt everything together.”

The three products you'll need

The sponge will even everything out while the concealer will help re-cover any imperfections. The powder will take away shine, and then the mist of your best makeup setting spray will blend the whole thing together and make the whole base look freshly applied.

Genevive explains the importance of applying lightly, especially when topping up your bronzer or blusher. "Use a light hand and sheer layers - you don’t want to disturb any of the makeup underneath, or get a cakey finish."

So there you have it - an easy way to refresh your whole look without having to remove and reapply your makeup or load on lots more foundation - happy party season!

Rhiannon Derbyshire
Senior Beauty Editor

Rhiannon Derbyshire is the Senior Beauty Editor for Woman & Home and other publications. 

She started interning for glossy magazines while working alongside her Fashion Journalism degree. There, she was lured to the beauty desk, seduced by matte lipsticks, posh shampoos, and every skincare product imaginable. 10+ years into her career, she can confidently tell you why the best mascaras are always high street, and why SPF is a non-negotiable all year round. Ask her about her curly hair routine, skincare minimalism, and how to find the exact right red lipstick