A Quick Makeover: From ‘Lab Drab’ to ‘Ab Fab’ in 10 Minutes
by
By the end of the day I feel like I’m covered in “lab”. So when my friends want to go out after work I really feel like I need to go home to regroup, but home is too far away- not practical. Is there anything I can do in the dingy bathroom at lab to refresh?
The harsh lab environment can crush the best of style intentions for both sexes, but let’s be honest, it’s no scientific secret that men can get ready for anything in about 10 minutes. They stick to their three S’s…a shower, a shave and, well, you can figure out the third one. They refresh at the end of the day with a little cologne (operative word being “little.”) and they’re good to go for a night out.
We women, on the other hand, are complex creatures who require more time to set our foundation for the day. (If you don’t, then you needn’t read this article or any subsequent FlyGirl article, as you are blessed and possibly a robot.) When I work with clients, I ideally (operative word being “ideally”) prefer to have an hour to set the proper foundation for a full face. That may sound excessive, but I was once told, “good art takes time. ” I liked that line, so I’ve decided to borrow it for my justification of requesting an hour. But know this, in reality I rarely get an hour! The art is making it good in as little time as possible. Fortunately, from those days when I was given 10 minutes to primp, dismal lighting and a shoestring budget, I learned a few lessons in efficiency that I will now pass on to you. The female three S’s- Shape, Slick and Spray- will maximize your confidence in minimal time.
Shape
By the end of the day, gravity’s endurance is annoyingly strong. Feeling droopy is a common affliction, but not one without a cure. A simple definition will lift the face and make you feel more awake. A quick sweep around the eyes and the cheeks will do the trick. You’ll need eyeliner, concealer/eye brightener and a cream blush.
Eye Liner
Your eyes are the windows to your soul. Well, if your soul is depleted from a day of preparing sample flow cells, standing in front of autoclaves and cleaning rotovaps, then you need to fake an enlivened soul and STAT! Maybelline can help you shape your eyes and simultaneously your soul with Line Express Eyeliner. Lightly trace a line along your top eyelash line so that it looks like your lashes are connected to each other with this line. Don’t worry if the line isn’t perfect because your finger will soon fix it. Using your ring finger, blend the line so that it looks like a soft smudge. Repeat the same process on your bottom lash line. Your eyes are softly defined which brightens the whites of your eyes and draws attention up, thus lifting your face.
Concealer/Eye brightener
There are many culprits for under eye discoloration. But right now blaming is counterproductive. Let’s remain positive and efficient by being “counter” proactive. By that I mean, go to a cosmetics counter to invest in a proper concealer that caters to your skin care and color needs. If you drink a lot of caffeine and sleep little, then you will need something to counteract the blue tones under your eyes. If you have allergies, then you’ll need to counteract the redness.
Laura Mercier makes a variety of choices to suit your skin tone, skin type and ultimate under eye goal (covering circles or only brightening to look awake.) The artist should show you how to apply it. However, in case there is a failure to cosmetically communicate, then here’s a quick guide. With a clean ring finger, dab a little concealer under your eye and pat it (don’t rub, which can pull the delicate eye area skin) into the skin. Concentrate mostly on the skin right under your inner corner which is typically the darkest area needing the lift.
Cheeks
Now that your eyes are in shape, keep the theme going with your cheeks.
Nars ‘The Multiple’ Stick in Portofino is a perfect blush/bronzer for all skin colors and beginners or makeup aficionados alike. Swipe the stick on the apples of your cheeks then lightly blend toward your ear using your middle and ring fingers. Two seconds per cheek. That’s all you need.
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Slick
Lips- As you already know shiny lips provide and instant lift and pick me up. You may choose the Jane Iredale lipgloss (mentioned in the December FlyGirl), or try something new. What may look like a science experiment gone wrong (blue lip gloss?!?) is actually an outstandingly genius lab collaboration between one of your brethren and the late great artist Kevyn Aucoin. While in the tube, the color resembles a cocktail that should be covered in umbrellas. However, once on your lips, the blue disappears and leaves your lips with a sticky-free shine that will make you feel more awake than any umbrella laden cocktail ever could!
Spray
Although I cannot provide you with the documentation, smell is argued to be the strongest of our five senses. Therefore, make sure yours is in check. Leave the harsh chemical stench in the lab and opt for a clean, uplifting aroma. Two delicious fragrances are light and work on virtually everyone.
Kai (If you love the scent, but need a travel size opt for the perfume roll on. It’s not a spray, but it’s less expensive and achieves the same end goal.)
Philosophy Amazing Grace (available in a .5oz vial to fit in your pocket or at work cubby)
Now leave the lab and go be fab!
Whether painting faces backstage at Victoria’s Secret, traveling the globe for her international clients or writing for magazines and style guides, our FlyGirl lends her hands to enhance beauty both inside and out. She thinks creatively and approaches practically to create unique yet easy styles. Send your questions to [email protected] and learn how to become your own artist!
[Disclaimer: FlyGirl nor BenchFly makes any money off of the products recommended in this column.]
Caroline Angelard
wrote on February 17, 2012 at 3:06 pm
Thank you for this post! that's always nice for a women scientist to have some tricks to go out without after work without coming back home. I often do that too. I am really into smash box products those days, I did not this brand but I like it. caro
Maria
wrote on February 17, 2012 at 3:32 pm
Yaaaaaaaaay!! On days when I have somewhere to go after work I put on all of my makeup in the morning so I can go out straight from lab. The problem is that besides inevitably messing it up at some point, people act like they've never seen a girl with makeup on before, "Where are you going? Do you have a date? Do you have a job interview? Do you…" Pretty annoying. Thanks for the tips- problem solved!