
I’m typically not much of weekday party person. Eleven months of the year, I typically head home to a simple dinner enjoyed in my loungewear, chilling with Andre, a good book, or Netflix.
All that changes when December rolls around. Suddenly, I find myself closing up shop and heading to directly to happy hours, open houses, concerts, and pageants. It’s fun! But it can be a challenge to switch from “Work Serena” to “Wow Serena” without much time to refresh. A recent issue of Allure magazine had a great article on 5-Minute Makeup tips, which I’ve adapted for my own style. Play with these suggestions to ramp up your look from “desk” to “dinner party” in no time flat.
Cherry Lips Nothing beats a classic red lip to add sophistication and draw attention. Outline your lip with a red pencil and fill in with your favorite strongly-pigmented red. Then soften the look by lightly running a cotton swab along the edge of your mouth.
Bordeaux Lips If you are worried about red lipstick fading or smearing, you might be more comfortable with this idea. Choose a velvety garnet lipstick, add an inky licorice undertone, and you will create a deeper, longer-lasting alternative to classic red. Press the pigment into your lips with your finger so it has a stamped-on look and concentrate the color on the top lip.
Fake a Smoky Eye Smoky eyes are hard enough to create with a dozen products, endless time, and lots of cotton swabs. Try this hack: a smudgeable, (non-waterproof) eyeliner and a volumizing mascara. Starting at the inner corner of your eye, trace the pencil into the crease and along the bottom lash line, then smear with your finger until there's a smoky halo around the eye. Retrace the waterline and lash line with your liner, swipe on mascara and enjoy the smolder!
Silver Top Liner I love this quick party tip. Swipe a metallic silver eye pencil along the lash. line of your top lid. Skip the mascara and shadow for a shimmery minimalist look that whispers “winter.”
Colorful Under Liner If the icy, silver look is not for you, opt for a festive flash of color in a rich jewel tone along your lower waterline. Sweep the upper and lower lashes with a lengthening mascara before filling the waterline and your eyes will sparkle!
Luminous Skin A day spent indoors, staring at a computer screen, can leave your skin looking dull and sallow. Perk it up with liquid highlighter. Blend a tiny drop in a C shape around each eye, along the tops of your cheekbones, and below your brows for a healthy glow.
Rosy Cheeks Dab a creamy, rose blush on the centers of your cheeks, blending well. If you’re in a REAL hurry, blot some your blush on your lips with your fingers. The easiest pick-me-up known to woman!