Freshen up your complexion. It's very important to take care of your skin. Without a nice canvas to work with, no amount of makeup is going to make you look gorgeous. It's just a fact. So first of all, make sure to moisturize everyday. If you're in a rush (like going straight to a party from work), stash some blotting papers in your bag. They go a long way--no one wants to have oily skin. Throughout the day, smooth out your concealer, so there are no creases under your eyes. You can also keep a makeup sponge and foundation with you for spot application where it's needed. Adding a light dusting of translucent powder to the face is the last step! You can do all of this within five minutes and you don't have to carry around your entire makeup bag all day.
Get glowing. Skin can look a bit dull at times and a touch of shimmer is the answer. It's the quickest way to brighten up your complexion. Just apply it to your cheekbones, and you'll instantly look more fabulous.
Emphasize your eyes. No matter how tired you are, the right eye makeup can hide it, while creating an alluring look at the same time. I usually go with my smoky brown eye look when I'm tired because it's quick and looks great. But you can use the same concept with any color palette--parties are a great place to try out different, bright colors. Also try adding some shimmer to the inner corners of your eyes. It makes them look wider and more awake.
Choose your lip color without fear. Lots of women end up using the same lipstick for parties as they do during the day. Honestly, that's boring. With the rest of you dressed up, it looks weird to have your lips not "dressed up" as well. Think of it like wearing workout clothes with high heels--it's just the wrong mix. One of the easiest way to get party-ready is to apply a bright lip hue. I'm talking bright reds, fuchsia -whatever tickles your fancy! It makes them pop and instantly makes you look fab. If you're the type of person that doesn't wear lipstick, or is a bit scared to go bright, you can always go with a pink or mauve hue and layer on a shimmery gloss for a similar effect.
Revitalize skin the morning after. Chances are, you'll be feeling a bit hungover and your complexion won't be at its best. The first step to looking beautiful in the morning actually starts the night before. I cannot stress enough how important it is to remove your makeup before going to bed. Especially eye makeup. If you don't have the energy for a full cleansing, just use makeup remover wipes. You can even leave them on your nightstand for easy access. You'll notice that your eyes are less puffy and your skin is brighter.
Hide the morning-after dark circles with concealer. Concealer is my BFF. But when picking one out, make sure that it's light enough to cover dark circles--but not so light that makes it look like you're wearing a white mask around your eyes. Go with a matte finish. It doesn't draw attention to the under eye area. They also last longer, so you won't have to touch up your look throughout the day. You can also add a little shimmer to other parts of your face to draw attention away from under your eyes.
Happy Holidays!