4 Products for a Midday Touch-Up That Won’t Break the Bank

We spend time in the morning perfecting our skin care routines, carefully applying our makeup and saying a little prayer for everything to stay put and look fresh all day long. Sometimes it does, but more often, once 2 pm rolls around, our skin begins to look dull and tired, and that once-flawless makeup application begins to cake, smudge, or even fade. It’s a reality we, sadly, know all too well. But don’t fret! We’ve rounded up four products that can help revive skin and refresh your look back to its dewy glory. What’s more, each one costs less than…drumroll please…10 dollars. Happy primping!

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP BLOTTING PAPERS 

First things first, get rid of excess oil. Before you add any additional products to your face, you’ll want to make sure it’s shine-free. Your secret weapon for this very crucial step? Blotting papers. They’re ideal for midday touch-ups because they work instantly to absorb oil without disrupting the makeup you woke up early to apply. NYX Professional Makeup Blotting Papers are 100 percent pure pulp paper and come in four types—Matte, Fresh Face, Green Tea, and Tea Tree—to target oil and leave skin looking fresh. Pick your favorite sheet and dab gently onto your skin, concentrating on your T-zone.   

NYX Professional Makeup Blotting Papers, $4-6 

Now that your canvas isn’t shining like the morning sun, it’s time to conceal any visible imperfections or discolorations. This 2-in-1 concealer and corrector formula is infused with ACTYL C, an ingredient known for its antioxidant benefits. But that’s only one reason why we like it. The targeted applicator helps conceal spots on the skin’s surface. Choose from one of six flawless shades, apply it over your blemishes or under eye circles, and gently pat to blend. Afterwards, dab a small amount of moisturizer to the high points of your face for an added glow.

Maybelline Superstay Better Skin Concealer, $9.99

By midday, lips can start to feel dry and cracked. Remove any residue of lipstick and apply a hydrating lip balm. Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1 is formulated with soothing emollients—squanalea, lanolin, wheat germ oil, and vitamin E—to temporarily help protect lips from drying effects and relieve that awful chapped feeling (you know what I’m talking about). Follow up with an application of your favorite lip color.   

Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1, $7

You can never go wrong with a little extra help from a makeup setting spray. Well, that might not always be true, but NYX Professional Makeup Makeup Setting Spray-Dewy has never betrayed us. As a last step in your touch-up routine, spritz a little bit onto your face to help keep your newly touched-up makeup in place and to give your skin a gorgeous, dewy finish. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and provides the ultimate pick-me-up before sitting back down in front of your laptop and taking on the rest of the afternoon.

NYX Professional Makeup Makeup Setting Spray-Dewy, $8