With all little preparation, you can be ready for any beauty emergency that might come your way. Stash a few multipurpose fixes in your bag, desk, or car so you are always ready for anything. Create a simple emergency arsenal so you never have to run home or pickup drugstore products that you don’t really need.
A little improvisation goes a long way once you have some inspiration. You don’t need to carry an entire makeup bag stuffed full of products to deal with each little thing. If you pack smart, you can have one little bag that will do it all.
Issue #1: Your hair is flat
The best protection again midday hair mishaps is to carry great hair accessories. The flashier they are, the more they will help you. If your whole look is feeling blah, add something bold. Go for rhinestone hair pins, brightly colored headbands, or glittery barrettes.
Even if you don’t normally go for dramatic pieces, try them on anyway. Something that looks completely tacky hanging up in a shop might actually look subtle once it is surrounded by your hair. Do a little experimenting. They can be especially helpful is you are looking for a way to quickly transition your look from day at the office to night out on the town.
If you are out and have limited supplies, get creative. Push some chopsticks into your bun. Wrap a necklace around your pony tail. Make a headband out of a scarf (and always carry a scarf to keep you ready for all different kinds of beauty emergencies from shirt stains to greasy locks).
Dry shampoo is one of the best ways to totally transform your hair when you are on the go. It is especially useful during summer or any other time that you think that you might get sweaty. If you have a limited amount of space, just carry a travel size container with you. A little really does go a long way.
If you’re out and you find yourself without dry shampoo, try some baby powder. True, it is a bit better for blonde hair but you can use just a dab on any shade. They key is to brush it out really well. If you have dark hair, cocoa powder will make your hair smell great and add some volume. If it’s all out of reach and you are in a rush, reach for some wet towels. Dab them on your roots and let it dry.
If your hair is looking a bit frizzy after a few hours out, you can just add some body lotion. Don’t go too crazy with it. Less is definitely more in this case. Add a very small amount then apply more as necessary.
Issue #2: Your face is glowing, in a bad way
Those brown recycled napkins and toilet seat covers are your best bets for blotting oil. It is great to carry around actual oil blotting sheets but, if you find yourself without them, look for the next best thing.
If your concealer has worn off and redness is popping up, use some eye drops. A little bottle is a great staple for your emergency kit.
Too mush blush? It’s easy to make mistakes when you are trying to touchup in a rush. Just go over it with some translucent powder. If you used the cream variety, just dab it off then add a tiny bit of liquid foundation.
Issue #3: Your eyes aren’t popping anymore
A plastic spoon can make a great eyelash curler. Just press it against your lashes and push it toward your eye gently. Follow up with a fresh coat of mascara if you have some handy.
If you just plain look exhausted, it’s another good time to pull out your eye drops. Be careful to only use a tiny drop so you don’t end up washing away all of your makeup. White or beige eyeliner or shadow is another great way to make you look a little more alive. Dab some shadow in the inner corners of your eyes to open them up.
You can also use liner, just be sure to blend it well. To add a bit more drama, line your lower tear line with some off-white or beige liner. It will give the illusion of wider eyes.
Plan ahead with some multitasking products: What to pack
#1: Petroleum jelly
Petroleum jelly is the perfect solution for a patch of dry skin so you will definitely want to keep it handy during the harsh winter months. The best thing about it is that you can dab it on over any part of your body. It’s amazing for your lips and your feet but you can also use it on your hands and face. Don’t worry about it making your breakout.
It isn’t going to clog your pores so you don’t always need to carry around a special facial moisturizer. In fact, petroleum jelly is much less likely to create an issue than using regular body lotion.
If your hands are looking rough, use just a little bit. If your nails are dull and your cuticles need some help, it is really one of the best things that you could use.
If you haven’t been wearing open toed or heeled shoes for a while and your feet are a little scary, petroleum jelly will make a huge difference. Just put a very thin layer on over your foot, especially on your heels, to gloss over any dryness or cracking. Keep it minimal though or you’ll be sliding out of your shoes all day.
If your face is looking drab or your foundation has started to look a bit cakey, a little bit of Vaseline will change everything. Use it in the places that you would normally add a highlighter. Create a reflection over cheekbones, the bride of your noses, and under your eyebrows.
If your shoes are killing you after a few hours, rub some petroleum jelly on the pressure points. Do it at the first sign of discomfort and you will be able to prevent blisters and chaffing before they happen.
#2: Baby wipes
If you were overly zealous with your mascara, put a baby wipe over your finger and gently pull it over your lashes. Take a little petroleum jelly after that and rub it across your lashes to darken them and create a bit more separation.
If you sprayed a bit too much perfume, go over the area with a baby wipe. It will clear away the smell in no time.
It’s great to have makeup removal wipes with you too but these will work to clear up any smeared liner or shadow.
What to keep in your bag at all times
Okay, so you can’t carry everything but do plan to at least keep the essentials with you at all times. Lip balm is one of the best things to keep on hand.
Petroleum jelly will help your lips in a bind but it’s not ideal. The best thing that you can find is a quality balm that moisturizes and adds a bit of color. If it’s tinted, it can do double duty on your cheeks for a pop of color. Lip stain is also great for your lips and cheeks but, if you only carry one, go with the moisturizing variety.
Hand lotion is important for keeping the rest of your body hydrated. If you get really dry skin, you know how uncomfortable it can be waiting to get home to hit the bottle of cream. Don’t forget, you can use this on your hair too!
Hand sanitizer is another must-have. Don’t go crazy with and use it in place of hand washing though. Reserve is for those occasions when you just can’t get to the sink. It’s invaluable after hours of touching cart handles and subway bars. Go for something that is decent quality so it doesn’t dry you out too much.
Sanitizer is more useful than you might think too. Use it on the face of your phone so you don’t get a buildup of dirt and oil- this is a common cause of breakouts! If you already have a breakout coming on, you can dab a bit on top of the pimple to dry it up.
A mini hair brush is also super useful for obvious reason. Tuck it away with some travel sized dry shampoo is you have the space in your page.
To keep a relatively even complexion, carry some concealer and translucent powder. It’s always helpful to have a mirror when you’re on the go and compacts are small so you can probably always squeeze one into your bag. A double sized concealer stick will also go a long way. Look for something that can tone down redness and take away under eye circles.
Cover photo: elizabethroseco.com
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