Shift Your Look From Day To Evening in 5 To 30 Minutes
Luckily, transitioning your look from day to night is possible without too much effort. No matter how much time you have to primp (or lack there of), here are a handful of ideas and tips to help you get party ready…Running 5 minutes late already:
If you’ve just popped yourself into a cab, or are driving yourself to your evening destination, you’ll have just enough time en route to make these simple changes toward your party look.
Apply a darker shade of lipstick. Berry shades and reds are perfect for this time of year and add a dramatic pop to your makeup.
Switch your shoes from sensible flats to a hot platform stiletto, and add a sparkling statement necklace or earrings to finish the look.
10 minutes to get ready:
Darken your eye makeup with a charcoal shaded eyeliner. Use a sponge-tipped applicator to smudge the eyeliner for a smokey look (this also fixes any small imperfections in your rushed makeup application).
Apply a very pale shimmery eyeshadow to the top of your brow bone for highlight. My favorite color is MAC’s Nylon.
Brush your hair out and spray with a dry shampoo to add volume, texture, and to remove the day’s wear and tear.
Outfit-wise, choosing to wear a LBD (little black dress) is a great option for the whole day. Pair with a blazer and boots in the daytime for work and in the evening change into a cropped sweater or throw a sequin-shawl over the dress. Choose a patent leather or satin peep toe pump for shoes.
Pictured: dress by Zara.
Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize! Nothing dresses up a daytime look more than adding some jewelry for the finishing touches. Rhinestones and pearls are the perfect stylish evening accent.
30 minutes or more:
If you’ve got more than half an hour, you can afford to spend some time freshening yourself before heading out on the town.
Spritz your face with a mister to help re-moisturize and remove the grit and grime from your day. I recommend Evian’s Brumisateur or MAC’s Fix+.
Apply a translucent powder to help blend your morning’s foundation.
Add some color and glow to your winter skin with a bronzer that has a hint of iridescence. Using a large brush apply the powder around your face (not all over), making one large circle from the top of your forehead to your chin. This technique will imitate the look of spending some time in the sun.
To make your eyes stand out, lengthen your lashes with some falsies (fake eyelashes). Any department store makeup counter will be happy to give you a tutorial on how to apply them. If it still seems like a daunting idea, try starting with “corners,” lashes that will adhere only to the outer corner of your eyes.
Pop in some Velcro curlers to add lift and volume to your tresses. Spray with a flexible hold hairspray. Dress up your hairstyle with a metallic clip or headband.
Bring a cocktail dress with you to work. With 30 minutes you have enough time for an entire outfit change; and slipping a dress on is an easy fool-proof evening option.
Switch from your large multi-purpose purse, to a small evening clutch.
Pictured: Miu Miu clutch.
Just remember, the holidays are all about glamour! It’s the perfect season to test out that bold accessory or daring shade you’ve shoved to the back of your closet or makeup drawer. Don’t be afraid to add some sparkle, shine and sophistication to your attire.
