5 Party Makeup Tips for Moms On-the-Go

Perfume can instantly get you in party mode and lift the spirits of everyone around you. Apply it on the fly with a premoistened perfume wipe (like Pinrose Best Travel Perfume Ever set, $24 for 20 wipes). We also like Lalique Amethyst Éclat Eau de Parfum Natural Spray, with notes of black currant, peony, and musk ($70 for 1.0 oz. plus roll-on); or the woody sweet scent of Tous Floral Touch Eau De Toilette Spray ($45 for 1.0 oz. plus purse spray). 

Think of your makeup as if it’s jewelry. Adding just one dramatic piece can make you feel all dressed up, says celebrity makeup artist Andrew Sotomayor. Nothing brings the drama quite like a ruby-red lip, especially during the holidays. To rock it all night, first line lips with a pencil, like Bite Beauty The Lip Pencil ($18), in a color that matches your lip gloss. Then apply Maybelline New York Color Sensational Vivid Hot Lacquer in Classic ($8); it’s nice and thick, which helps lips look smooth and plump.

Just a few artistic strokes of eyeliner make it night-out worthy. Prep work first: Apply a gold shadow, such as Ulta Beauty Cream Eyeshadow in Shimmering Topaz ($8), all over lids. Now, stroke a liquid liner (try IT Cosmetics Superhero Liner, $24) all the way across your lash line, says Sotomayor. Then draw a line from a point just beyond the outer corner of your eye to the center of the lash line, and a line from that outer point down to the corner of your eye. Fill in the shape you’ve created. 

Swiftly go from an appropriate-allweek mauve manicure (done with Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in Modern Love) to a fab sparkly one. For cool nail art, stick a piece of clear tape across each nail diagonally, then paint on a coppery glitter polish (we used Deborah Lippmann Swinging on a Star); let dry, then remove tape. Even faster: Tap the glitter on your tips freehand. You’ll find both colors plus a deep berry hue in the Deborah Lippmann Color On Glass 3-Piece Nail Lacquer Set ($24).

Adios, playdate ponytail. Hola, holiday-party updo. The pro secret to the sexy hair transformation is to add volume, says Crystal Carrero, hair stylist at Roman K Salon, in New York City. First, spray your roots with Éprouvage Instant Root Lifter ($18), and then massage them. Now, smooth hair into a low ponytail, and loosely braid. Wrap it around itself to form a low bun and secure with hairpins (we love Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin, $7 for two).