One rule of thumb, "regardless of whether you�re going strong eye or impact lip," in order to dress up your look, it is necessary to "always curl those lashes," says Wade. It's "such a simple step, but the effects are amazing," she continues. She suggests "three stern pumps of the curler, followed by two coats of mascara [and] all signs of the day�s wear and tear will be gone."
Next: Choose your look
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Decide what to emphasize
Your face is cleaned up, evened out and enhanced so the final step Wade says is to "decide which feature you want to emphasize, be it eyes or lips." She recommends to "always choose one -- otherwise, extreme eyes and lips are competing with each other."
We've used Natalie Portman, seen here, to model two different looks -- bold lips and bold eyes.
Next: See stand out lips
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For bold lips tote glossy lipstick, neutral shadow
If you're more in the mood stand out lips, "choose a glossy lipstick like MAC Lipstick in Hot Tahiti, $15 so that you don't have to worry about precision without sacrificing impact," says Wade.
To finish off your look, use your finger to dab a bit "of light-colored shadow on the lid like NARS Single Eye Shadow in Abyssinia, $23 and you are all set," she says.
Next: See stand out eyes
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For bold eyes tote black liner, cream shadow
If it's a strong eye look you're going for "take your black kohl liner of choice and rim all around the inside of the eyes," says Wade. "Then, opt for an easy-to-use cream waterproof shadow like Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream, $22 in the color of your choice. I personally love shades #1 and #14 for a good night look," she says.
"Dip your ring finger in and blend from the lashline up towards your crease, and then, with a Q-tip (in the spirit of space saving), 'tickle' a bit into your lower lashline. Voila, in just a few simple steps, you have a smoky eye," says Wade. Finally finish the look with a "swipe of clear or champagne-colored gloss on the lips." Try La Prairie Cellular Lip Colour Effects in Cocoa, $40.
Scenario: You're at work. It's 4:55pm and you've had a long, perhaps sweat-inducing day thanks to accounting department Susie giving you lip in front of the big boss. While you're fantasizing about your favorite sweatpants your husband calls saying you need to meet him and his coworkers for drinks at a chi chi restaurant straight from the office. You take one look in your compact mirror and panic.
While some of the above details in this mock scenario are subjective in nature (we don't all have a hubby or a Susie), we have all had to get ready in a hot second when our makeup was eight hours old; Our face is shiny and a second application of deodorant is more necessary than not. Whether it's happy hour you're rushing to get to, or an event or dinner, you definitely don't want the stress of the day all over your face or under your eyes. With that said, let us introduce you to Raychel Wade, NYC makeup artist, La Prairie Colour Ambassador and founder of Cheek to Chic. She shares expert makeup tips for women like you who are off the clock and on the go.
With her help, you'll learn which key makeup and beauty items you should keep with you at all times as well as some handy tricks to transform you from a desk-side mess to ready-for-drinks chic in five minutes or less. See her makeup tips for happy hour now.
