I didn’t happen to me only once, you guessed it: it’s about one of those days when I don’t even have the time to drink my coffee at home (make-up is out of the question, you can imagine), and I receive an invitation in town. At a party, over a glass of wine with the girls or to a concert. I look in the mirror and I say to myself that I have no chance: it’s bound to get home first. Only that, after an hour spent in traffic, and after I had something to eat, I just fell asleep on the couch. But I felt the worst when Mihai called, the guy whom I met by chance, at a stand-up comedy show. He apologised for the last minute notice and invited me to the theater, where he was about to act in a play. At seven o’clock. Aaaaah, seven. I’m leaving the office at six o’clock, so there was no chance to go home first. I racked my brains and invented this lame excuse, so he never called again. Well, that was the moment when I promised myself two things: firstly, that I will always wake up in the morning, in time, and that I won’t ever press on snooze again – so I will have the time for at least a minimal make-up. And secondly: when I will not be able to keep this promise :), I’ll have in my bag a few products that will help me to fix my make-up in my office, in about five minutes. And to this part of the deal, I have managed to keep my word. My vanity case that I always have in my bag contains the products below:
1
A concelear stick
As I usually don’t have time and furthermore it’s complicated to apply the foundation at the office, I found another option: a concealer stick – Perfecting Stick from Shiseido. It corrects and hides any sign, stain or rash. I apply it only where needed and thus my complexion looks uniform. My friends have even wondered how do I manage to look so good without foundation. Well, that’s my secret.
2
The eye cream and the lip balm
This already sounds complicated – to carry even the eye cream in your bag?! Needless to say I’m pretty idle, but I found a La Prairie product, designed specifically to be taken with you every day: it’s a 2-in-1 and it contains both eye cream and lip balm. The eye cream is a miracle, especially since its formula can be applied even over the make-up.
3
The bronzing powder
My favorite is Terracotta Bronzing Powder from Guerlain. It has glowing particles and provides a natural bronzing effect and a fresh look – it’s the perfect version, especially if you haven’t used foundation.
4
The lipstick
If I’m going out and I know that I’ll be away for a few good hours, I always choose a long lasting lip product, that leaves no stains on the glass and which doesn’t need to be reapplied: Vinyl Cream Lip Stain from Yves Saint Laurent. The color stays on the lips for up to 10 hours. Ah, I almost forgot the color: I prefer a strong, bright hue because I know that it will attract all eyes. However, if my lips aren’t perfectly hydrated, I only apply the lip balm from La Prairie, the one I mentioned above.
5
The nail polish
I carry in my bag a little bottle of red nail polish, La Petite Robe Noire from Guerlain. Even though I haven’t had the time for any manicure appointment, the strong color will hide all the potential imperfections. And I apply a layer or two in the lunch break.
6
The perfume
The rule is to be the same perfume that you’ve used in the morning, at home. My latest discovery is Modern Muse Le Rouge Gloss from Estee Lauder: a mix of fruity and spicy notes, floral accords that mingle with saffron, honey and vanilla.
7
The hairspray
I don’t have any hairstyling time at the office, so I choose a spray, which will provide shine, while taming the rebel hair: Morocanoil Hair Glimmer Shine. The whole thing only takes a minute: I simply apply it and then I gently arrange my hair with my fingers. And if you have curls, it’s even better – it will define them on the spot.
