In a perfect world, we’d all start prepping for a date night with a luxurious massage – maybe even a spa day? – then head to the salon for a blowout, get our nails done and have our makeup professionally applied.
In reality, we’re lucky if we can manage to squeeze in 20 minutes to get ready, whether we’ve rushed home to change and smarten up or are transforming our office-to-after-hours look in the work bathroom.
We’re here to help. We’ve partnered up with Clairol Nice ‘N Easy and presenters Andrea McLean and Gabby Logan on a series of videos filled with practical tips and time-saving beauty hacks because we know how precious every minute is. And how even though we’re time-poor, we want to look like a million bucks. Especially on date night.
In the second video of the series, Loose Women presenter and mum-of-two Andrea shares her top beauty hacks on how to go from desk to date, with party-ready hair, makeup and accessories.
We’ve got some other time-saving beauty hacks to help your look go from day to night with no stress and minimal effort. Here’s what you need to know…
Give it a spritz
Makeup setting sprays can help set your makeup, hydrate your face and make your feel reinvigorated after a day at the office. They’re also a lifesaver on those muggy summer days when your skin needs a pick-me-up. Plus, plenty come in convenient travel sizes that fit snugly into any handbag.
Before you head out, don’t forget to spray on some of that other kind of spritz: fragrance. Nothing says “done with work mode” and “about to eat something delicious in a restaurant mode” like smelling totally fabulous.
Choose the right lipstick
People are divided when it comes to choosing a lip shade for date night. Some experts advise playing it safe and sticking with a neutral lip, while others insist a matte lipstick in a bright hue will instantly take your look from day to night. Then again, a sheer coral or berry hue is soft, pretty and lets your smokey eye makeup take centre stage. No matter what lipstick colour you choose, just be sure you feel comfortable in the shade you’re rocking.
If you do go for a provocative darker shade, you can help lipstick settle by prepping lips with a matching lip pencil and filling in the mouth. If you’re going with a classic – nothing says romance and confidence like red, right? - pair with clean skin and casual hair. And don’t be afraid to choose a lipstick with a bit of shine to make your pout look fuller.
Touch up your roots
You don’t need a perfect blowdry to have great-looking hair on date night. What you do need is gorgeous colour that you don’t feel self-conscious about – especially when it comes to grey growing in at the roots.
Refresh your hair with Nice ‘N Easy Root Touch-Up – it’s quick and simple to use and will give you a boost before your date. Plus, it only takes 10 minutes (one application will result in up to four weeks’ coverage). It blends with leading hair colour shades – including salon colour – for fuss-free date-night hair.
Fake bright eyes
After an early morning start and staring at a screen all day, chances are your eyes are going to look tired. While you can’t grab eight hours of sleep before that date, you can cheat and make your eyes look like your sleep is rivalling Snow White’s.
Dab a light eyeshadow into the corner of your eye to make eyes look fresher and more wide-eyed. Blue eyeliner and eyeshadow also work to counteract dullness.
White eyeliner, applied on your waterline, can help to diminish redness and make eyes look whiter. And if you aim for a cat eye shape with your liner on the upper lid, your eyes won’t just look sultry – they’ll appear wider, too.
Finally, don’t forget to carry around some eye drops – you never know when you’ll need a quick refresh.