ABOUT FACE:THIS IS THE time of year when it's often more practical to go out on the town straight from the office. Careful pre-planning of your day make-up will ensure a seamless transition to a party face without starting from scratch in the (usually badly lit) office toilets. Allow 20 minutes for your morning routine. Decide on your products the night before and pre-pack night-time items along with your evening outfit and accessories. Lay out everything you need in order of application for your office face. This will save precious minutes in the morning.
THE OFFICE LOOK
Use a primer or a moisturiser, depending on your skin's needs. Some people find that their moisturiser gives enough hydration in advance of putting on foundation, although primer has the advantage of holding your foundation in place. Laura Mercier primer (€41) is excellent.
A good choice in foundation is MAC Face and Body (€36), which comes in a great range of shades for all skin colours, and gives coverage without looking heavy. Laura Mercier's concealer (€27) deals with the under-eye area, and for blemishes, her award-winning Secret Camouflage (€38) will do the trick. Be careful not to overapply products - less is definitely more. Instead, spend time blending small amounts of product for a seamless finish that bonds to the skin. Remember, it's far easier to add a dab more if you need it than to remove colour already applied.
Spending time applying a good eye base will give you the groundwork to add a little drama later on. MAC has a terrific range of eyeshades - a neutral colour such as Brûlée is perfect for using all over the eyelid. Define the area with a beige colour such as Kidd, and if you want to add extra depth at this stage, Brown Denim is a good choice as it can also be used with an angled brush as eyeliner. MAC eye shadows cost €15, and the brush is €19.50.
No matter how short of time you are, always apply mascara, as it will open up the eyes and make you look more awake. Apply Dior Show mascara (€27) to top lashes only for daywear. If you want to define lower lashes, keep colour for later and use a clear gel. Bobbi Brown does a good one for €20.50.
Sweep cheeks with a subtle blush such as Peaches from MAC (€21) and for lips, Freckletone (€19.50) is a shade that suits most complexions.
THE NIGHT-TIME LOOK
Ten minutes is all you will need to transform your day face for the evening. You have already put the time in that morning, and by simply adding a few key products, you'll be out the door in no time.
A highlighter will give sparkle to your cheeks and there are some beautiful versions available such as Fluid Sheer No 2 from Giorgio Armani (€40), and a bronzer below cheekbones will contour the face - try Bronze Mania No 1, also from Armani (€35).
Add definition to the eyes by applying that night-time must - black eyeliner. Bobbi Brown's Gel Liner (€24), is much easier to apply than a liquid. Add lash definition with lots more mascara, this time to top and bottom lashes.
For a subtly defined evening lip style, line lips with a neutral pencil such as Stone from MAC (€14.50) and a gloss such as Babysparks, also from MAC (€24) used over your daytime shade. Finish your look with some hair accessories, which add instant glamour without having to visit the hairdresser.
pclarke@irish-times.ie