Work-appropriate makeup is lovely. It’s subtle. It’s natural. It’s for work. But when you’re heading out to play, you want to amp up your beauty routine.
But who has the time to completely reapply everything from foundation to mascara before heading out on Friday night? There’s got to be a way to take your day look to nighttime without the hassle. And there is.
First up, something you don’t want fading when you’re posing for flash photos throughout the night is coverage. Most of us don’t carry a full-on foundation in our handbags, but concealer is another story. Stick with your go-to or try something a touch creamier. You don’t want to apply a purely matte concealer on top of what’s faded and get dry crusty bits under your eyes. Instead, reach for something like the Milk Makeup Flex Concealer (Shop here), which is lightweight and doesn’t require a brush for blending.
For those who deal with an oily T-zone, powder is usually your best friend. And a simple compact with a mirror for all your night-out touches is just what you need. But sometimes, a powder can look cakey or have a white cast in photos. So rather than dealing with that, pick up the Mally Evercolor Poreless Face Defender (Shop here). This works sort of like a pore minimizing primer but is used as a touch-up on top of your makeup. It mattifies any oiliness and blurs any big pores that have begun to show through.
Take your neutral day look to a smoky and sultry look for date night. You don’t have to keep an eyeshadow palette in your bag, just a simple eyeliner. Pick any color that works for you. Although a deep brown, bronze, or black will go with most outfits, eye colors, and styles. We recommend the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Smog (Shop here). It’s a rich and shimmery brown that sets and stays in place, but it’s also creamy and rich, which gives you plenty of time to blend it for a soft, blown-out look. Take some on your upper lash line, lower lash line, and even on your inner rim for some more drama and dimension. Then you can use a Q-tip or even your finger to blend everything.
If you’re not one for touch-ups, this may be the only thing you need to make a statement with your beauty. A classic red lip takes any subtle look up to glam with just a few swipes. The Bite Beauty Power Move Hydrating Soft Matte Lipstick in Cayenne (Shop here) is a flattering red for all skin tones, ages, and more. Plus, if you want the most comfortable lipstick of your life that won’t fade weirdly, this is the one for you.
And what will take your night out look from touched up to fresh-faced? A setting spray. Travel sizes are ideal for your handbag, or stop by an Ulta, Sephora, or a department store on your way to the bar or club and take a few sprays from a tester for a quick prep up. Our favorite is the Too Faced Hangover 3-In-1 Replenishing Primer & Setting Spray (Shop here). Not only does a simple spritz of this refresh any dulled makeup, but it’s good for your skin too. It’s that finishing touch that’s sure to make your makeup look freshly applied after a long day.
