Party Makeup Tips : “Don’t Drink & Apply”
Over the years, I’ve learned something about myself: The more drinks I’ve had, the more makeup I apply. I will be out for the evening, and inevitably at some point, I will want to touch up my makeup. I will think crazy things like, “You know what I need? Three coats of mascara! More blush, too. I’m gonna look awesome!”
But I don’t look awesome after these late-night party touch ups. Instead, all those layers I apply make me look older. And a little clown-ish, too. After years of trial and error, I have developed a strategy to avoid this. Here’s my secret: The planning starts before I leave my house, while I am sober. Sobriety is key here, I can’t stress that point enough. Do not omit this component of the planning process.
While sober, I choose the cosmetics I can’t really sabotage myself with, ones that will do the least damage. And I leave the dangerous makeup at home. Here are my guidelines for makeup I CAN and CAN’T bring with me when I’m drinking.
1. No eyeliner ever. While drinking, I can not be trusted with eyeliner in my hand. Think blurred focus and compromised motor skills. Need I say more?
2. No mascara. It’s a weakness of mine and I love to overdo it when I’m drinking. If I allow myself to bring any, I bring Clinique’s Bottom Lash Mascara. It’s got a tiny little brush, so I can’t really pile the stuff on. Another safe one is NYX The Skinny Mascara. Both are available on Amazon.
3. Bring powder. Drinking doesn’t do any favors for my shiny T-zone, the only part of my face where I will use powder. During the summer, I like to have blotting papers with me. They get rid of oil without adding another layer of makeup.
4. Lip gloss is a must. I bring along a clear or sheer pink gloss to freshen up dry lips. I avoid repeatedly applying color (from lipsticks or stains) because it can look cakey or just way to bright. If I’m drinking and I’ve got lipstick in my hand, it’s a slippery slope toward clown lips for me. I usually just need the moisture and shine of a clear gloss, not more color.
5. I bring one light-colored eye shadow to brighten my eye area. My current favorite is a light shade of peach: Urban Decay ABC Gum.
I leave my beloved under eye concealer at home, it’s too dangerous. After drinks, I’d make a mess of that stuff, adding layers that cake up. But a couple quick swipes of this shadow right under my eyes and near the corners and I look awake again. Nothing brightens up your face like a little light around the eyes.
If I am going to be drinking, I will pack my purse accordingly. It’s taken years for my to learn my lesson the hard way, but I’ve done it. And the first step was admitting I had a problem.
