"Redirect your feature focus," says Bowyer. If you have a zit on your forehead, draw attention to a bright lip, or if you have one near your mouth, go heavier on your eyes. Don't shy away from wearing bold makeup in the office, which Procter & Gamble scientist Sarah Vickery says can "give a powerful, 'I'm in charge here' kind of impression."
If you want to draw attention to your eyes, you only need three products to do an amazing smoky eye on-the-go: mascara, dark eyeliner pencil, and dark eyeshadow.
Apply mascara first, which frames the eye instantly. Scribble the pencil from your upper lashline to the crease, and blend it out for a smooth finish. You're using the pencil as a base for the smoky eye. Then tap your eyeshadow on top of the pencil to set it. Prior recommends using a brown, bronze, or charcoal color. "But as long as you're using a color that's deeper than your skin tone, you'll get definition and drama," she says.
Expert tip: Brush powder over your lips before applying lipstick. That way the color will last longer and won't bleed -- even without a lipliner, says Prior.
We see her all the time. The woman in the next lane, swerving because she's applying her mascara while going 55 miles per hour. Or the one who's so busy perfecting her smoky eye that it takes her a solid 30 seconds to start moving after the light turns green.
Oh wait, was that you we spotted on the road today?
It's OK, we won't wag a finger just yet. We know how hectic mornings can get with the kids screaming and the breakfast burning and the dog scratching at the front door because he's ready for his walk.
So, when we are finally out the door, sometimes we, too, hope for a red light or four so we can finish filling in our eyebrows.
And while there's the obvious problem with putting on your makeup while driving (read: it's illegal), there are other risks as well. Like stabbing yourself in the eye with your eyeliner from a sudden stop. Or hitting a bump in the road that forces you to draw your liner so thick you walk into work wearing a cat eye to rival Cleopatra's.
Now, we're not saying that you should forego wearing makeup to the office altogether. In fact, researchers at Harvard University and Boston University found that wearing makeup can actually raise your perceived level of competence, likability, and trustworthiness. It can also help you look more awake and put-together -- even if you didn't get enough sleep or have enough time to get ready in the morning.
That's why we've compiled these makeup looks that are so easy, you can apply them in five minutes flat -- ideally when your gearshift is in park. We also uncovered the best makeup tricks to disguise the problems one too many busy mornings cause: sallow skin, tired eyes, and other dead giveaways that you're overworked and not getting enough shut-eye. Ready to look awake, competent, and not like Cleopatra for that 8 a.m. meeting? Park that car and try one of these looks.
