You probably really shouldn’t be staying out all night. But if you insist on it, at least do it in style…
Face First: Even the longest-lasting foundation begins to fade well before five, so it’s worth taking the time to re-boot your base. You’re going straight from office to out? Then make sure to have some cleansing wipes stashed in your desk drawer. Next, mist skin with a refresher spray, then smooth on a tinted moisturiser – your best bet for night-time as the mood-lighting means less coverage is necessary, while the dewiness makes skin looks rested and radiant, like it hasn’t been labouring at the office all day. A lighter base also means you can go heavier with your eye makeup …
Party Peepers: To brighten up tired eyes for night, apply some anti-redness drops – there’s nothing like it for instant sparkle. Next, two coats of waterproof mascara to upper lashes, and one coat to lower lashes. Already lashed up? Head straight to the black eyeliner – sexy smudgy eyes are a no-fail night-time look. Choose a stay-fast variety, line the inner rims, then etch along the lashlines and use your pinkie to soften it out a little. Dark eye makeup can bring out any dark circle tendencies, so dab on concealer, then sprinkle a little shimmer dust in the inner corners.
A Little Lip: Stick to pale gloss or a lipstick in a shade close to your natural lip colour. Because 1) you’ve played up your eyes already, so only need minimal lip makeup. And 2) it’s the simplest choice for nights out, because requires very little reapplication throughout the evening.
Good Hair Night: If you don’t have time to get your hair blow-dried or styled for the night, your best bet is a half or full up-do. Second-day hair always holds styles best, so if yours is still feeling clean and fluffy, spritz in some texturiser – this will give your style better grip. Finish off with a light mist of light-hold hairspray.
Pack … Blotting papers – this will stamp out shine but keep the glow, unlike powder, which can pile up and end up looking muddy. Cotton buds – to clean up any eye makeup smudges. A clear lip balm – great for smoothing eyebrows, rough skin patches, snagged cuticles, even for adding extra glow to cheeks later in the night. Bobby pins – a quick fix if your hair starts to unravel on the dancefloor. Gold eyeliner – the perfect pick-me-up for eyes that should be shut tight and tucked up in bed. Concealer –in case you find yourself out until dawn, this will the one thing that makes the walk of shame a little less shameful.
