Tool Thursday: Tools I Use to Fix Eye Makeup Mistakes

It happens to me all the time. Uneven liner work, fallout, smudges, you name it. Instead of removing everything and starting over, here are a few tools and tricks I use to fix those mistakes on spot!

Option 1: Makeup remover and cotton swabs

I always have these little mini bottles of eye makeup remover and cotton swabs close by so that when the “accident” happens, I can correct it right away! I like to use these super pointy cotton swabs rather than generic Q-tips because they are more precise and the tip is densely packed and doesn't leave strands of cotton behind. As for the remover, anything should work but the Chanel Gentle Biphase Eye Makeup Remover is my absolute favorite. It is so gentle yet so effective at breaking down makeup, be it long-wear or waterproof! Plus, it doesn't leave any oiliness or greasiness behind. The cooling and refreshing scent is also a nice bonus! To use: simply soak the tip of a cotton swab with the remover and run it over the area where you wan to fix the mistake! Poof, mistake gone in a flash!

Option 2: Eye cream (or face primer) and cotton swabs

The drawback of using an eye makeup remover in option 1 is that it removes the “base makeup” as well and you may have to retouch it before moving on to the actual eye makeup again. And if you are not fond of the idea, here's something else you can use: a good eye cream! Apply a small dot on the tip of a cotton swab and glide it gently over the spot to correct. You are less likely to remove any base makeup with this option, and plus, you get the moisturizing/anti-aging benefits of the eye cream, too! I like the MAC Fast Response Eye Cream one because the tip applicator is very precise and I can squeeze out very little amount each time without wasting the product. It also leaves the skin on my eye extremely silky smooth, thanks to its silicone-y texture! I actually came across this super helpful tip from Karen (she always has the coolest tips on makeup applications!). But you don't have to use this very specific product, any moisturizing eye cream should all work the same (shown above is Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Eye Concentrate). Or if you don't have an eye cream, try a face primer (such as Benefit the POREfessional)! It works just as well!

Option 3: Makeup eraser sticks

Or how about a one-stop-shop solution: use pre-filled cotton swabs! These Almay Oil-Free Makeup Eraser Sticks are cotton swabs that come pre-filled with the brand's makeup remover. All you have to do is break the tip and let the remover flow to the other end, then dab it along on the areas that need correction! Not only are they effective and super convenient, they are also very portable! I always keep a box in my work makeup bag since I'm testing new products all the time. I don't know if something is going to smudge on me so I need to be prepared for emergencies!

Do you have any tips on how to fix eye makeup mistakes? Have you ever tried any of these options?

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