Everyone knows that getting ready is better than actually going out. There's something ritualistic about it that's wildly enjoyable: choosing an outfit, maybe a pre-event aperitif, the meditative process of applying your makeup. But slow and steady isn't always the way things go. Maybe you scored a last-minute invite, maybe you aren't that enchanted with makeup application, maybe your aesthetic is less done, more undone. Either way, if you need to turn your face up a few notches in no time at all, we've got 5 easy ways to do so. Reed scrolling to read.
Press on some glitter shadow
If you've got 30 seconds to make yourself party ready, press on a little bit of glitter shadow. It will add purpose to your look, and looks good against an otherwise-raw base. Pick something with a fine texture, such as the Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow (these also do not budge). We're also big fans of the Hourglass Scattered Light Pressed Eyeshadows — you can literally apply them with your finger in the office bathroom/back of an Uber/into your iPhone front camera.
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Apply a soft liner
If you're handy with makeup or have a few minutes to spare, a soft smoky liner is guaranteed to dial up drama. A soft kohl is typically the easiest option, especially if you're applying it on top of additional makeup. We love CHANEL's 3-in-1 Eyeshadow Eyeliner Kohl in a dark grey, navy or chocolate, or the Sisley Phyto-Eye Twist. The latter is softer, so can be buffed across the entire lid.
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Add a smudgy lip
It's a beauty tale as old as time: if you're in a desk-to-dinner situation, add a bold lip. You can reach for an obvious classic red, or something softer but still with impact. Reach for a berry, brick-red, plum or tangerine. Use your finger to pat it in instead of applying straight from the bullet (this ensure a lower-maintenance finish that will look better with wear).
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Add lots of blush + a chunky lash
If you don't like to bend the beauty rules but want to look like you put in a *little* bit of effort, simply apply way more mascara and blush than you usually would. A chunky lash is edgy and cool, while a flushed cheek adds a youthful freshness. A cream blush is typically best in this instance, something like the Ilia Multistick. It isn't too pigmented, so it's easy to build and blend with just your fingers. Any excess can be taken across the lips or eyelids, too.
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Go heavy on the gloss
One of the easiest ways to turn basic makeup into *fancy* makeup is to add lots and lots of gloss. And not just on the lips, but to the eyes, cheekbones, cupid's bow and bridge of the nose. Either reach for a clear balm like CHANEL's viral Multi-Use Glow Stick in Transparent, or the Gucci Beauty Éclat De Beauté Effet Lumière multi-use gel gloss. If you prefer a slight iridescence, the Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlighter in It's Lit has a dewy finish with a slight lilac-halo effect. For lips specifically, it's got to be Byredo Liquid Lipstick Vinyl in Fantome. Fir an extra-sheeny skin finish, mist a few layers of Tatcha's Luminous Dewy Skin Mist.
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