Guest Post by Jessica Herbine
If you are over the age of 21 and have a full or part-time job, you deserve to imbibe in the favorite American past time that is Happy Hour. Grabbing a drink with friends or colleagues after work is a fun aspect of many office cultures and social groups – and it can arise on pretty short notice! Transitioning your look from the office to the bar shouldn’t be a time-consuming, headache-inducing affair. Just keep these tips in mind the next time you’re planning a happy hour outing, and you’re guaranteed to look pulled together no matter how rough a day it’s been.
Freshen Up
First things first, you’ll need to do a little sprucing. If you have dry skin, especially in the winter months, reapply a bit of moisturizer to those trouble spots; if you have oily skin, blotting papers work like a charm for removing unwanted shine. Scrutinize your foundation and concealer and make sure that you are evenly covered and well-blended under your eyes and at the hair and jawline. Always have a small comb on hand to tame any pesky knots worked in from the day’s activities, and a travel-sized can of hairspray if you’ve got an up-do, or curls that need to hold for more than 8 hours!
A light coat of translucent powder can go a long way in enhancing that 5 p.m. glow, so steer clear of adding on any blush or toner. You’ll have enough color by the end of the working day; add any more and you’ll just wind up overcompensating.
Make the Choice
Are you going to go with dramatic eyes or bold lips? While each should be neatened up after a long day, you don’t want to overdo it by putting a heavy focus on both for a laid-back weeknight drink.
To emphasize the lips, apply a coat of lipstick that’s a few shades darker than your normal color – and be sure to blot! Rim with a liner to make your lips look fuller and to keep from smudging each time you go for your glass. If your lips are going to be downplayed, go with a nude or lighter color lipstick. You can also stick with a simple gloss, like Cargo Cosmetics’ long-lasting set from ShopNBC, for a sweet shine.
Touch up your eye makeup regardless, but to play them up for happy hour, again, aim for a darker shade of shadow on the creases above your eyes and the outside corners. Alternatively, you can add emphasis to your eyes with a shimmering color; Nyx Cosmetics’ single eye shadows, sold through Ulta, come in dozens of hot colors and textures.
Prep Work
Since you want to make it out while drink specials are still going, cover your bases early on. Make sure to touch-up your manicure the night before with a color that compliments but isn’t necessarily included in your day-to-night outfit. And if you’re going out in sandals or peep toe heels, double check that your toes are painted, too!
Pack away your makeup essentials in a separate zip bag for easy access, like these cute small and medium-sized clutches from Eyes Lips Face. If you don’t typically wear makeup to work, take the time to apply your foundation, concealer, toner or blush in the morning. A quick swipe of mascara and basic eye liner in the AM will last through the evening and cut time from your after-work routine.
Freshen up with a quick spritz of your favorite perfume, maybe change into a cute pair of heels and you’ll be out the door in no time at all. Remember that you’re in good company – most everyone out between 5 and 7 is also coming from their job, so when in doubt keep it light and natural-looking. Happy Hour is all about letting loose with cheap drinks and good conversation, so just keep these tips in mind and you’ll be kicking back with a glass of wine in no time!
Totally agree with you ! Happy hour is not about going home and preparing a brand new look ! Loved the pink gloss :)
I absolutely agree – going home is missing out on all of the fun! How can you unwind if you’re too focused on or stressed about getting all dolled up? Happy Hour prep should be simple and stress-free. Thanks for your comment, Gisele!