“Just Like a Duck....”

How does that saying go? “Smooth and calm on the surface, but paddling like the Dickens underwater.” If any of y’all are like me, you know that exact feeling during the holidays. Trying to balance the shopping and cooking and wrapping with #alltheparties and the accompanying stress can rattle even the best multi-tasker’s cage. Take a collective deep breath, ladies. I've put together the best holiday survival kit you’ve ever seen, and will have you gliding into that after-work party like you own the place. Y’all ready? Okay, let’s go. 

At some point or another during the holidays, we all find ourselves rushing around to this function or that party with no time to go home after a long work day. We look in the mirror in the car and think, eek! Faded makeup! Limp hair! These busy-woman woes are easily addressed in a flash, provided you have the right products. I like to keep a separate little makeup bag in my car for my on-the-go products. Some of the products are duplicates of what I keep in my makeup drawer at home, others are little bits of genius that are perfect for looking pretty in a rush. Clarins Beauty Flash Balm is at the top of the “genius” list. This velvety cream pats on over my makeup and for an instant boost of radiance. Fatigued skin doesn’t stand a chance on its watch. A penny-pinching alternative is the travel Evian atomizer. Tired, thirsty skin gets a welcome drink of mineral water delivered in a fine mist. A little touchup around the eyes and nose with Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer, and you’re back in business. 

Now, let’s tackle those peepers. I’m never without Anastasia Tinted Brow Gel (to tame any stray hairs) and a pair of mini Tweezerman tweezers (to address what I may have missed the last time I tidied my brows). For a subtle lift that prompts “did you get a nap today?” questioning, glide a shimmery highlighter under brow bones, at the inner corners of your eyes, and above cheeks. The Multiple from Nars is perfect, and its chubby-stick format is foolproof. My favorite shade is Copacabana, a glistening pearl. Nothing makes eyes “pop” like jet-black mascara, and the holidays are the perfect time to rock a more-dramatic eye. I am never without a tube of Cover Girl Lash Blast mascara in my travel makeup bag. The volumizing formula and big ol’ rubber-spoke brush fatten up my lashes without clumping, flaking, or otherwise making me mad. Lastly, rim inner lower lids with either a nude or black eye pencil. Nude will make eyes appear larger, while black will add extra oomph and smokiness. 

Get your pout ready for some party pucker-ups with a quick swipe of e.l.f. Studio Lip Exfoliator. Brown sugar granules banish dry, chapped lips faster than you can say, “happy holidays!” Top with Beautycounter Lip Conditioner for soothing moisture and a blue-based lipstick to make teeth look whiter. Dab a little of The Multiple at the center of your bottom lip over your lipstick or gloss for a fuller look. Don’t pop a stick of gum-- it looks tacky at parties. Opt for a breath spray or strip instead. Keep a travel-size spool of dental floss in your purse to avoid any hors d’oeuvres disasters. 

Refresh your hair with a dry shampoo and a good brushing, or throw your tresses up into a high ponytail or messy bun. I like Dry Shampoo Invisible Spray from Oscar Blandi.  Use your eyebrow gel to tame any flyaways. Slick on a fast-absorbing hand cream and, if you have time, add a spoonful of sugar or salt for a manicure stand-in. Scrub, rinse, and go. A little Past Tense essential oil blend from DoTerra on the back of your neck will stop tensions headaches in their tracks, and Whish deodorant wipes eliminate any embarrassing “stress sweat.” Spritz on a sample of your favorite perfume, smile, and walk into that party like you own the place! Cheers and happy holidays!

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