"Emergency" makeup

[vvviola]

I don't wear makeup a lot - only for going out/special occasions/meetings at work where I feel I need to look a bit more put together than normal. When I do wear it, I have a nice Bobbi Brown foundation and powder that looks well on me, covers the blemishes etc without being too heavy.

But sometimes the meetings get sprung on me, or I haven't had a chance to put makeup on before leaving the house. And I literally have 3 minutes to make myself look respectable and get going.

Can anyone recommend a product that could live in my handbag, not require lots of steps and is likely to be forgiving of not particularly expert application? I have tried just a bit of tinted moisturiser, but all that seems to do it make me look shiny and blotchy.

Any suggestions? (Fair skin, dark hair, green eyes, if that is important. Also pretty conservative in dress-style and job).

[rainbrella]

a light coverage light diffusing foundation in a compact and brown mascara?

[ZacharyQuack]

Concealer under eyes, on redness around nose, pressed powder over nose and chin to cut shine. Mascara if you can do it quickly without it going horribly wrong, natural coloured lippy.

[ZacharyQuack]

Maybe a wee bit of pink/peach blusher if you're prone to paleness.

[JanTheJam]

Bobbi brown foundation stick
Nars multiple in riviera or portofino
Eye liner under eye lashes for tight liner
An eye shadow stick in a neutral colour - Bobbi brown in vanilla maybe.
Lip balm or lipstick depending on what you where.
Mascara

I'd maybe chuck in a small tube of primer if you're skin is dry and the foundation will stick on dry patches.

You can use the stick/fingers to apply it all. You don't need brushes or to worry about stuff braking in your bag. It will all sit neatly in a small bag.

This is literally my emergency kit btw.

[Nabootique]

I was going to say powder foundation like Queensbelfastvcisasexistprat. I like the Benefit Hello Flawless one myself.

[JanTheJam]

*wear not where

And the eyeliner I mean under upper lashes.

[SuperFlyHigh]

the Bobbi Brown foundation stick is great but beware it's not heaviest of coverages and if you want a more concealed look/heavier look this won't do for you.

I have it and good for everyday but it's quite natural.

[rainbrella]

with the powder foundations, do you need any finishing powder at all nd are they ok for dry skin?

[vvviola]

Oh, thanks everyone, some great places to start looking.

I like the idea of the Bobbi Brown foundation stick - especially if it means I can get the same colour as the other foundation I use. I don't use blusher (I look like a child who has messed with her Mum's makeup) or eyeliner (too many wobbly hand disasters as a teen) though. Would I need powder on top of the foundation? I really am utterly clueless about this, the only reason I can manage the stuff I have was a long makeup lesson at the Bobbi Brown counter a few years ago

[MyFriendsCallMeOh]

I keep the following in my car for exactly the same reason: Laura mercier powder foundation (comes with a sponge in the compact so always good to go), concealer in a tube (rimmel), mascara and neutral lippy. Plus an old dry toothbrush to get brows in shape.

[ohidoliketobe]

I have in my desk drawer: a No7 stay perfect foundation compact, a mascara, No7 BB lip balm, mini perfume, a small brush and a breath spray

[ReallyNoEyeDeer]

1. Powder as has already been said.
2. if you can't do eye liner, get a pointy sponge tip brush like this

www.vanitytrove.com/gb/p/sinful-colors-sinful-color-sponge-tip-brush

and apply a fine-ish line of dark eyeshadow - black or brown along your upper eye lids. It's really easy because it smudges with the brush so you get a soft line rather than a liquid line that needs to be perfectly linear. You will need to experiment with eyeshadows though because not all are suitable - some are a bit powdery/crumbly. Any high end brand like dior or estee lauder will do.

1. Laura Mercier lip glace with a hint of colour - quicker and again more forgiving than applying lipstick in a hurry. A bit of lip colour is the quickest way to looking groomed.

[sparechange]

This is brilliant! Covers nicely without being cakey, the sponge is easy to use and it has a mirror
Then put a bit of mascara on and you're ready to go
Estee Lauder compact to go

[SuperFlyHigh]

I personally don't use powder as don't really need it but if you do that's fine.

Clinique used to do or still do a powder/foundation compact that I've used and SIL uses, really good. Quite matte.

Bronzer is also good if you have a tan/want colour.

cream blusher (MAC do a great range) also good for colour.

[ellie264]

I had a Gosh powder compact that provided reasonable coverage and was very easy to apply.
A pinky blusher, my fave is Benefit Dandelion.
And a black mascara, my fave is Benefit They're Real.

Should take you less than 5 mins to apply that and look a bit more put together and awake.