Don't do neon colors (especially if you're a beginner at this) or any shades that require spotless precision in application. Instead, opt for earth or muted colors, with or without shimmer. Obviously, the most practical of all variations for eyeshadow is the eyeshadow stick. You'll love the It Cosmetics Superhero No-Tug Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick, $25, for its easy-glide, blendable formula which is also very forgiving when you need to edit your placement. The shade range is spot-on for us for this, and the Gallant Gold here will look chic across all skin tones, especially against the black of the mascara.
Avoid liquid or other formulas that may require you to get your hands dirty. In these situations, your best blush will be the pressed, compact blush which comes with a mini brush. Physicians Formula Powder Palette Multi-Colored Blush in Blushing Berry, $15.06, has a soft formula with a slight shimmer finish, providing you with a bit of a highlighter kick. The color carousel makes it easy for you to create a custom look and adjust the color intensity based on your mood or outfit on a particular day.
Again, avoid shades or textures that will show every teeny tiny imperfection; soft, blurry effect lipsticks are not only hot at the moment, but they also allow for a sultry but finished look. M.A.C. Powder Kiss Lipstick, $26, is a moisturizing matte, available with and without shimmer, with a texture that is easy to work with regardless of the instability that comes with a car in motion. Mull It Over is one of their bestselling shades, and it will have lips looking healthy and gorgeous, winter or summer.
Don't. Even. Attempt. Unless it's to test your skills and you're not on your way anywhere but home. If you must, opt for pen-form eyeliner or a gel eye pencil, but do be careful not to poke yourself in the eye in the process. Kulfi Kajal Eyeliner, $20, is a retractable, waterproof, drag-proof, smooth-applying kajal that does come in black, but we love their super-wearable, fashion colors which are great for accents, like the Rain Check here.
You shouldn't use a spray product in a small, enclosed space such as a car, especially if you're sharing that space with another person, so keep The Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50, $69, on your radar. It's a tinted powder SPF 50 formula that is great even for acne-prone and sensitive skin, it comes in 4 shades, and with a built-in, fluffy brush to evenly disperse both the pigment and protection.
