You spend a good amount of time each morning putting together the perfect professional look for the office. Then there’s that first meeting. It’s hot. The presentation doesn’t go well. Two cups of coffee and four frustrating phone calls later and you’re ready to call it a day. But wait, it’s only noon. You’ve still got half a day and an evening yet to go…

Heat can make your makeup sag or cake. Drinking hot liquids can smudge your lipstick. And stress can wreak havoc on everything from your skin tone to your eye makeup. On top of that, your skin has been producing oil all day. It’s time for a touch-up. But with your busy schedule, you’ve only got five minutes before that lunch meeting. Here are a few tips to help you pull off that perfect mid-day touch-up – in five minutes or less.

Clean-up

Blotting paper is an absolute essential when you’re on the go. They can be a quick touch-up all by themselves. Keep a packet of them in your desk and another in your purse. Use one to blot the excess oil from your T-zone without disturbing the makeup underneath.

Eyes

Use a clean cotton swab to remove any caked or flaking makeup from the corners of your eyes and to touch up the edges of your eyeliner. The key is to keep what you put on in the morning looking great without reapplying your whole look, so only add more eye shadow if absolutely necessary.

Cheeks

Only add foundation or concealer if you must. If a blemish has reared its ugly head since morning, apply only a small amount of concealer at a time, being sure to blend it outward. A small amount of powder can help you blend and a light dusting over the nose and cheeks can help control oil for the rest of the day. If your color has faded since morning, brush on a little more. Start with the apples of your cheeks and brush upward with a couple of quick strokes. You don’t want to overdo it, just brighten it up a bit.

Lips

Your lips are area that takes the most abuse during the morning. Hot coffee and warm boardrooms can spell disaster for even the best-dressed lips. This is the one area where it is best to start over. Blot any caked color off your lips and apply some lip balm if needed. Then take a moment to reapply your lip liner and lipstick.

Additional tip: Check your teeth. You may not think of it, but your teeth speak as loudly as your eyes when it comes to your first impression. A travel toothbrush and a small tube of toothpaste can be an indispensable part of your at-work makeup kit.

With these tips, you can freshen and brighten your look in five minutes or less – even during your most stressful days.

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