HOW TO GET OUT THE DOOR IN MINUTES AND LOOK GREAT
You’re on the couch, remote in hand, settling in for a long night of channel surfing when the phone rings. That extra ticket came through and you’d really like to go. The only thing stopping you is you should have been out the door 10 minutes ago.
A last-minute invite doesn’t have to be declined just because you’re sitting in sweats, with undone hair and not a stitch of makeup on. If it’s really something you’d like to attend, by all means say yes, take a deep breath and follow these tips for getting ready and out the door in a flash.
EASY HAIR
Dirty hair is the holy grail when it comes to creating an updo with some staying power — it puts some friction between you and your style so it lasts a lot longer. Simply pull hair back into a sleek ponytail and finish with a quick spritz of finishing spray. Another option is an easy-to-do top knot, courtesy of Jenny Balding, an NYC based Cutler/Redken Stylist:
- Start with dirty hair or mist hair with a dry shampoo followed by a light hold hairspray.
- Sweep your hair into high ponytail and secure with a band.
- Back-brush the underside of the tail to create a slightly disheveled texture.
- Sweep tail around the base of the ponytail and pin using 2-3 U-shaped hairpins.
redken.com
Redken Pillow Proof Blow Dry Two Day Extender & Oil Absorbing Dry Shampoo ($19) has a light, clean scent and it brushes out easily with no residue left behind.
johnfrieda.com
John Frieda Keraflex Flexible Hold Hairspray ($10) is formulated with special, flexible polymers so hair has movement and unbeatable hold.
POWERÂ MAKEUP
Clear skin, defined eyes, and a bright smile can take you very far. Start with a beauty balm, the ultimate multi-tasker — it’s an all-in-one moisturizer, primer, SPF, and light coverage foundation. Spot apply concealer if necessary. Give yourself two coats of mascara to draw attention to your eyes and finish with a swipe of your favorite bright lipstick, the consummate mood-lifter.
maccosmetics.com
MAC Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm SPF 35 ($30) is available in 12 shades so you can easily find your perfect match. It moisturizes, protects, primes, and perfects your complexion so you look fresh.
benefitcosmetics.com
Benefit They’re Real! Mascara ($23) instantly makes your eyes look larger, more open, and wide-awake. Besides a smudge-free, clump-free jet-black formula, this mascara features a specially designed brush with staggered bristles that grab close to the root so lashes are lifted, longer, and fuller.
narscosmetics.com
NARS Semi Matte Lipstick in Heat Wave ($26) is a bold orange-red in a full-coverage, vitamin E-enriched formula.
GO-TO OUTFIT
I bet you have at least one foolproof outfit hanging in your closet that always works and makes you feel on top of the world. Mine is a little black dress that can be dressed up or down. Yours might also be a little black dress, a smart jacket that upgrades whatever it’s paired with or something with lace, sequins, or leather. Only you know what it is and now is the time to wear it!
A SPRITZ OF SCENT
On your way out the door, give yourself a quick spritz to feel fresh, confident, sexy or all of the above. The sense of smell is plugged into the human limbic system of the brain where emotions and memories reside, giving fragrance the ability to elicit a strong emotional response that can affect your mood, making it a very personal choice.
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