Emergency makeup musts for your party clutch. These little wonders, from multi-tasking lippie to the best concealer ever, will keep you looking fresh and fab from dusk till dawn till dusk again.
I’ve never in my life managed to use a chic, crystal-embellished, teeny-tiny clutch for a New Year’s party. I buy them, sure, but I never seem to get them out of the house. Why? Because packing the clutch inevitably turns into some demented game of lipstick Tetris as I attempt to cram in more and more makeup. Eventually, I ruefully set the thing aside and grab a duffle bag. This year, I’m doing things differently. The new rules: Products must be small, hard to break, and easy to apply, even when I’m fighting a dozen other women for a tiny mirror. And the combination should be able to repair or even recreate a look that’s gone awry. Here are six to pack, plus one to apply before you go out (it will stay put all night long).
NYX Cosmetics Doll Eye Mascara
Mascara is a waste of valuable clutch real estate. Instead, apply an un-shiftable one before leaving the house, then forget about it. Tubing mascara like this one coats your lashes in a polymer, instead of oil and wax. It won’t budge if you rub your eyes or cry, and is resistant to eye makeup remover, but comes off easily with warm water. Don’t freak out when you remove the mascara: it comes off in big pieces so it looks like your eyelashes are falling out.
$10.99, at London Drugs
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NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
This is a makeup artist and beauty editor favourite because it can handle anything – dark circles, redness and zits – without looking cakey. It’s long-lasting, brightening, and comes in 10 shades.
$35, at Sephora, Hudson’s Bay, Holt Renfrew, Murale, and Nordstrom and www.narscosmetics.com
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Sephora Collection Targeted Eye Remover Swabs
These clever little swabs are filled with makeup remover. Keep a couple in your bag: If your eyeshadow has gone astray, break off the end. The liquid flows onto the cotton wool, so you can whisk away any bodges or smudges, without interfering with your tubing mascara.
$11, exclusively at Sephora and www.sephora.ca
L’Oreal Paris La Couleur Infallible Eye Shadow
If your eye makeup has reached proper panda proportions, use the Sephora swabs to clear up the worst of it, then camouflage remaining smears with cream eyeshadow all over your lids up to the crease. Use a pale and shimmering colour if your original eye makeup was light and a dark hue if it was smokey. This is hands down and flat out the best cream eyeshadow I have ever used: heavily pigmented, smooth and easy to dab on with your fingers so you don’t have to muck about with brushes.
$10.99, at mass market retailers and drugstores
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M.A.C Cosmetics Eye Shadow in Shroom
Highligher adds glow and makes you look more sculpted. This is technically an eyeshadow, but I like to use it on my browbone, cheekbones, cupid’s bow and the inner corners of my eyes. It’s subtler than a super shimmery highlighter, and is also small, so it doesn’t take up too much space in your bag.
$19, at M.A.C counters and stores, and www.maccosmetics.com
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Stila Convertible Color
I love a dramatic red lip, but it’s so difficult to re-apply in a busy bathroom, so for big nights out, I usually go for something less high maintenance. This compact is for cheeks and lips, and has a fairly sheer, creamy texture. It also has a mirror, which means if push comes to shove (literally) you can apply your lippie anywhere, without entering the bathroom wars. In eight shades – Fuchsia is pictured here, but they’re all lovely.
$33, at Sephora and www.sephora.ca
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Nivea Refreshing Cleansing Wipes (travel size)
If there’s a chance you’re not going to make it home, stash a pack of these in your clutch, They have moisturizing ingredients, so you can remove all your makeup, without damaging skin. This travel pack has just seven wipes, so it fits into even the daintiest purse.
$3.29, at www.well.ca
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Feature image: Mini Lily Bag, Mulberry.com