Awesome tips, Karina! I usually just throw on some eyeliner and red lipstick to go from day to night, but I'll definitely have to try some of these out (especially those smokey eye sticks)!
When you’re logging long hours at the office, you don’t always have much time to primp for a post-work happy hour or a hot date—let alone stop at home to shower and reapply your makeup.
So, unless you like the idea of lugging your whole makeup bag everywhere, what you need is a few go-to products you can throw in your purse. I asked New York City-based makeup artist Deanna Davis for her favorite day-to-night makeup secrets, and here’s what she shared: Just five products, and you can transform your daytime look into an evening stunner—even from the office bathroom.
1. Get a Fresh Start—Sort Of
Instead of piling more foundation and powder on your face (which, let’s face it, can create a cakey mess), refresh the makeup you’re already wearing with a few spritzes of a hydrating mist like H20 Plus Face Oasis Mist ($10.00, ulta.com). Then, use your fingers or a makeup sponge to blend in any unevenness that may have occurred during the day. And if you need a little concealer here and there, now’s the time to re-apply.
2. Create a Rosy Glow
No matter how tired you are after a full day of meetings and emails, perk up your face by blending a shimmery pink cream blush like NYC Cream Blush in Tickled ($6.99, ulta.com) on the apples of your cheeks. “It creates instant light and radiance,” says Davis. You can also swipe a bit on your eyelids for a brightening eye-shadow-like effect.
3. Add Some Drama to Your Eyes
Nothing says evening-ready like smoky eyes. And the fastest, easiest way to get them is to smudge a metallic charcoal pencil along your upper eyelid, then use your finger to blend the color. Davis loves Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Eyeliner Trio Smoky Eyes ($10.99, cvs.com), a set of three soft, deeply pigmented liners in silver, charcoal, and black so that you can create a lighter or darker look, depending on your mood.
4. Lengthen Your Lashes
For even more drama, add another coat of mascara—just make sure you use one that won’t look clumped over your morning layer. Try Maybelline Great Lash Mascara ($4.49, soap.com), a longtime makeup artist favorite, since it allows you to build up lashes with multiple layers.
5. Get Wine-Colored Lips
If you only have the time it takes to ride the elevator down from your office to freshen up, slick on an intense wine lip color. It takes just a few seconds, but it’ll transform your whole face. “It’s a color that livens up your skin, and really is the single fastest way to look like you’re going out for the night,” says Davis. For all-night staying power, try Maybelline SuperStay 14 Hour Lipstick in Wine & Forever ($8.99, ulta.com).
That’s it—five products and five quick steps are all you need. Stash them in your desk drawer or purse for easy access, and an evening-ready look will always be just five minutes away.
Tell us! What are your favorite quick-change products and tips?
