In just a few minutes, you can take your makeup look from pretty and professional to soiree savvy. It’s easy, fast, and doesn’t require you to bring your entire makeup wardrobe along for the ride. A few key products will have you looking beautiful and ready to party. You’ll be able to quickly transition from work mode to fun mode. Here’s how to take your makeup from a day at work to a night out on the town.
Face first. When you get ready for work in the morning, you’ll need to pay special attention to your face. First, use a makeup primer to prepare your skin for a flawless application of long lasting foundation. Next, use a stick concealer to touch up any blemishes or problem areas. Throw the stick concealer in your makeup bag for later. Apply your liquid foundation with a damp sponge to get even coverage. Set it with your favorite pressed powder foundation over top, and then toss that in your bag, too. Try to choose products that are long-wearing, they’ll save you time later because you won’t have to touch them up as much.
Soft, beautiful eyes. Keep your eyes soft and neutral. Use an eye makeup primer, too, because you want to make your eye shadow last all day. I like to use an eyeshadow pallet since that keeps all the colors handy. One of my favorites is an Urban Decay pallet. Sweep a soft, pink shimmery color like “Cherry” under brows, and try “Chopper” on your lids. It’s a soft, warm, shimmery taupe that looks great on everyone. Use a sable eyeliner to lightly line your eyes, and finish with a simple coat of mascara. Bring your pallet and your mascara along.
Blush. Blend a neutral blush or bronzer or cheeks – just a very light application will be perfect. Remember, you’re going for a soft, neutral look.
Pretty lips. Wear a soft pink lip to complement this soft look, or punch it up with a deep wine color. Whatever you prefer will look great. A dab of gloss just in the center will make your lips look full and beautiful.
When it’s time to go to the party, sneak off to the ladies room for a quick touch-up. Here’s what you’ll do.
Touch up your face. Use your concealer to touch up any blemishes that are peaking through and then dab a little in the inside corner of your eyes to make you look fresh and awake. If you want, dab a little concealer on any shadowy places on your face, such as around the corners of your nose. Use your powder foundation to touch up the rest of your face. Most likely, you’ll be in a slightly darkened atmosphere, which will give your skin a softer look and naturally hide any imperfections.
Add your accent color. Here’s where the fun begins. Touch up your eye shadow if you need to. Next, you’ll need a great accent color for your eyes. I like “Vert” from my Urban Decay pallet, which is a bright, shimmery green. Dark purple, electric blue, or smokey charcoal will all work great. Just find a bright, shimmery color you love. Use it to line your eyes right over your other eye makeup. Don’t be afraid to extend the line past your eyes for a bright cat eye look. Be careful not to drop eye shadow under your eyes! A shadow you can use damp is preferable, because it will minimize eye shadow fall out. Line your eyes with a bit of black liner and add a coat or two of mascara.
Layer on the gloss. With a bright or dark eye, you don’t need a ton of lip color. A sheer gloss will do perfectly. A bubblegum pink will add a hint of urban edge to your look, and a deep wine gloss will add a vampy feel without being too dark. Just make sure it goes great with your beautiful eyes.
Quick as a wink, you’ve created a great eye look and touched up your makeup. Now add on your confident attitude, a great smile, and you’re ready to party.
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