Going out straight from work requires a little of forward planning, and with help from those in the know you can now perfect the transformation from desk to dance floor
2009-05-27
Refresh and intensify
Cramped lavatories, limited mirror space and bad lighting often make applying make-up after work tricky. To avoid mishaps and save time it's best not to remove any make-up you're already wearing. "First refresh your skin using a hydrating mist such as Mac Fix +, and reapply concealer. Then, you can just intensify the make-up you're already wearing by using the same products to add more contrast and definition" says Pablo Rodriguez, Senior Make-up Artist at MAC.
Conceal it
We can all look a bit tired and droopy-eyed after a hard day's work. Thank goodness for concealer! Rachel Wood, make-up artist at Benefit recommends dabbing a tiny amount of Benefit Erase Paste under the eyes to brighten and camouflage, followed by a touch of Ooh La Lift - a firming balm containing light reflecting pigments and cooling botanicals.
Lush lips without delay
For dramatic 40s-style lips Rodriguez suggests using a bright colour like MAC's Viva Glam I ? ?a great matte brick red that suits all skin tones.? Forget lip liner. Simply prime the lips with a plumping gel and follow with a slick of lippy. Blot with a tissue and reapply.
Split-second smoky eyes
Smoky eyes are easy to achieve under pressure, since the look doesn't demand too much precision. Use a good quality eye shadow brush to blend dark graphite or grey cream eye shadow just above and below the eye socket for sultry-eyed style.
Timesaving big hair
Celebrity stylist and Herbal Essences expert Ben Cooke advocates using the hand dryer in the powder room to give your hair a boost of extra volume. "Flip your head upside down and blast with warm air. Stay upside down while hair cools to let it set and then flip head back, Use a flexible hold hairspray to help set your look".
