WE ALL have universal makeup needs and wants for special events. You generally need to prepare in a way that’s out of the ordinary (even if it means simply applying lipstick). You want to look amazing. You need your makeup to stay in place for hours. You want to be flawless. You need things that discreetly hide unavoidable imperfections to the on-looker. You want the night (or day) to go off without a hitch. We can often find ways to make both happen but not without smoke and mirrors… not all is what you see when the glamorous get gorgeous for big events. Indeed, there are a few tricks to make most of what you need (and want) a reality. Use these tools to make sure things kick off right and stay down that  path all night.

Hairspray

Spritz it on and save your hair’s shape for the entire night out. Carry a little can with you to repair ladders in your stockings during the night, remove lipstick from any unwitting collar and or keep a slippery zipper in place (just loosen up with oil after). Plus, it’s a pretty good, if not the healthiest, temporary makeup fixer. Just hold your breath while applying!

Plasters

Are a lifesaver when you’re out for the night in ‘taxi’ heels. They cover and offer temporary respite from a multitude of sins, including blisters on your heels and toes and to conceal cuts on the knees and palms from falls (or near misses) in those vertiginous things. Plus, keep willful undergarments subdued by slapping on on the edge, like the new Invisible Protection plaster from Hansaplast. You’ll forget you have it on and not a soul will notice it. And they’re great to keep a necklace together that’s lost its clasp.

Mascara

Brilliant for covering roots (brown or black hair only) if you haven’t had time for a salon visit. Plus, you can fill in sparse brows last minute with this undercover multi-tasker (just be sure to wipe the wand before using it otherwise it will deposit too much product).

Lip balm

It’s an excellent cheekbone highlighter (models use it on the runway), a last minute lid gloss, a great way to fix eyebrows in place and a stupendous product to tame flyaways (rub a bit on the palms of your hands and gently smooth over your hair to restore it to its former glory). Just make sure it’s  menthol free.

Makeup fixer

Spray your makeup with a fixing solution before you leave to ensure your face doesn’t end up two inches closer to the ground by the end of the night. Nobody looks good with have melted makeup. Go the extra mile and opt for less cream-based products as well… powder bases tend to stay in place longer. Hairspray and braumatizers fix your makeup in a similar way if you’re in a pinch.

Kirby grips and a hair band

Lifesavers if your down ‘do goes a bit mental or lifeless. Simply wind into a low chignon or french twist and secure along the edges with kirby grips (get good enough and you can do it with just one) or gather into a low ponytail with the hair band and push the hair on the crown of of the head for a stylish bump.

With these tricks you should be able to stumble in at 8am looking just as good as you did when you left the flat at 8pm… what you do in between isn’t our business!