The women before us have been there, we have been there, and the women after us will be there — applying makeup in a moving vehicle while running late. Say what you will, but something happens to us then that is on the verge of having superhuman powers, and women of Earth transform into SuperMakeupWoman, who's arrived where she needed to be, looking put together (good enough) and without so much as a faintest trace of panic and superhero speed she exerted mere moments ago. Ask us to repeat all that at home any given day, and chances are we'll fail to. The only thing that comes even close to that big of a result in such a small window of time, without forgetting the necessary element of panic alongside, is cleaning out the week-old mess in 15 minutes when we get notified of last-minute visitors' arrival.
Yes, I am aware all the boys and those super organized ladies who've never been there may have scoffed at this lack of organizational skills (but still proudly added to the CV, nonetheless), but I feel this ability deserves appreciation and respect. Even more so if you feel like you could never do it or have never done it. Never say never, though; live long enough, and you might find yourself in a situation that requires you to get over something to get to something — fast. Whether it's just the final touches, like adding lipstick or putting on mascara, or doing it all, from concealer to eyeshadow, to applying sunscreen, get yourself a small to-go makeup bag, and these makeup products. That 30-minute car ride to work where you'd ordinarily stare at your phone or out the window? Doing your makeup on the way means you can sleep that much longer in the morning. Perhaps you're on your way to an event and you spent waaay more time than you intended doing your hair or changing your mind about an outfit — whatever your reasons for finding yourself in a situation where you have to do your makeup in the backseat of a car (hopefully not in subway, though; let's stay classy), these picks come in formulas and textures that make it easy to get pretty on the way, even with all the sudden stops and curves and bumps on the road ahead.
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It's All About That Base
But it all starts with body language: so, try not to lean back as you do your makeup, sit up relatively straight and alert. And, now, how to begin? When you don't have much time and need to do your makeup in a car, you want to go for a multitasking product: one that does the job of at least 3, especially when it comes to complexion products. Packaging is a big factor, too: it needs to be practical, allowing for application using only one hand, as your other will be holding the mirror. May I suggest PUR 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15, $29.50? It comes with its own mirror, so you'll probably be using it to apply the rest of the products, but that's not the only reason why you'll love it — this mineral powder combines multiple skincare ingredients and functions as a foundation, concealer, finishing powder, and SPF 15 protection, all in one. It not only provides buildable and uniform coverage but also conditions, soothes, and leaves a radiant finish.
If you have a very dark undereye area and need extra coverage, applying a brightening cream concealer should be the first step in your car ride makeup routine. L.A. Girl HD Pro Conceal, $5.49, comes in 30 shade options, it camouflages redness, hyperpigmentation, and imperfections, is long-lasting, and feels like nothing. The built-in brush will allow you to place an even amount of product where you want it, but you will still have to lightly tap it into the skin with the tip of your finger — as is the best practice when using a cream concealer. What works in favor of this particular concealer, though, is that it's not either runny or thick enough to be a hassle to spread onto the skin, and another important fact is that very little product will remain on your finger due to transference — which makes cleanup practically a non-issue, which is especially handy, you'll agree, when we're not around facilities with running water.
When it comes to mascara, this is what you do: you wait for the red lights and zebra crossings when the car is not in motion, and grab your Maybelline New York The Falsies Lash Lift Washable Mascara Eye Makeup in Blackest Black, $11.99. You need to account for the possibility that you may arrive at your destination even quicker than you thought. When doing your makeup in the backseat of an Uber ride, you want maximum impact within the smallest of timeframes, and you need to have a balanced result i.e. both eyes evenly done at the same moment. You also want to avoid accidentally stabbing yourself in the eye with the mascara brush should there be sudden changes in the smoothness of your ride. The way to achieve this is to work in increments: you don't wait to finish one eye completely before you get on the other one, but rather you repeat the motion immediately as it happens. Start in the middle, as that will create the most impact and take on the majority of the lashes at once. Resist the urge to finish, and repeat the motion on the other eye. Dig into the bottom of the lashes, with a bit of force move the brush left to right and upward in a few swift moves. Repeat on the other side. When the moment permits or you anticipate enough stability to feel secure, go into the outer and inner corners to cover all the lashes. Repeat on the other side. You may even want to go in for a second coat now that you're a pro at this!
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.
