GROUPON GUIDE

Day-to-Night Party Makeup and Hair for Valentine's Day

BY: Anam Ather | Feb 8, 2016

How to Save Time on Party Makeup and Hair | Holiday Party

Whether you have dinner reservations at a swanky new hotspot or plan on snuggling up next to the fireplace with your sweetie, you still want to look your best on Valentine's Day. But since the 14th falls on a weekday this year, does anyone ever want to spend more time getting ready than they actually have to (especially after a long day at work)?

Of course not. Transitioning your look from day to night doesn't have to be difficult or time-consuming. Simply enhance your normal daytime routine with a few easy steps to create a mini makeover without ever having to leave your desk. So read on, and get ready to become a primping date-night makeup master.

Start with a strong base.

It will power you through meetings and happy hours.

First things first: prepping your face before applying any makeup is the best way to ensure your look will last all day long. Ideally, it will stay looking fresh until it's time to take the makeup off—well past midnight, we hope. In the morning, begin by applying a thin layer of smoothing primer as your base. Then, after applying a foundation or tinted moisturizer, make sure to lock it all in place with a setting powder.

Have some time before your next party? Getting facials regularly not only helps refresh and relax skin, but it also helps makeup and skincare products go on a lot more smoothly and evenly. Learn more about what to expect during a basic facial.

Play up the eyes.

Drama is fine as long as you're leaving the office.

How to Save Time on Party Makeup and Hair | Skincare

With the help of just two eye-shadow colors, a brush, and your fingers, you can seamlessly transform daytime neutrals into a sultry smoky eye. Use your ring finger to put a darker color onto your lid, working it up to the crease. Blend the shadow out with a blending brush, making sure to avoid any harsh lines.

Then, using your pinky finger, pop a sparkly champagne shadow into the corners of your eye and under the brow bone for a highlighted effect. The last step—which is totally optional—includes adding a quick swipe of black liner onto the waterline, which works to amplify the final look in mere seconds.

Have some time before your next party? For eyes that stand out with or without makeup, consider eyelash extensions. They provide natural-looking length and fullness that ranges from subtle to dramatic and lasts for a few weeks. Watch our beauty editor get eyelash extensions and learn more about the service.

Make a statement with lipstick.

And don't waste it on a coffee mug.

A bold lip is one of the quickest ways to spruce up a daytime look so that it exudes nighttime party vibes. Transition your look by applying a matte lipstick using Valentine's Day themed colors which can be anything from a nude pink or bright red, to a deep burgundy shade. Not a fan of matte lips? No problem. Layer on the gloss to complement your dazzling smile.

Have some time before your next party? Teeth whitening ensures that the bright hues on your lips won't make your chompers look dull in comparison. Additionally, make sure to regularly exfoliate your lips and apply a generous amount of moisturizer throughout the day—together, they'll help to make lipstick last. Check out our guide to lip balms to find the right one for you.

Make yourself glow.

Highlighter helps blow off fluorescent lighting.

How to Save Time on Party Makeup and Hair | Highlighter

Create the appearance of a glowing complexion by strategically applying highlighter to the high points of your face. Add a shimmering liquid or powder highlighter (or the champagne shadow you previously used on your eyes) to the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and your cupid's bow for an illuminated day-to-night upgrade.

Have some time before your next party? A microdermabrasion provides deep exfoliation that sweeps away dull, dead skin cells, revealing a newer, brighter complexion. After one, you'll be well on your way to matching the luminance of the party's decor. Check out the difference between crystal and diamond microdermabrasion, finding out which is right for you.

Let your hair down.

Literally and figuratively.

Sleek buns and ponytails are great for looking polished and put-together in the office. But when the clock strikes 5, give your scalp a break and let your locks loose for a more relaxed, face-framing style.

Have some time before your next party? Keratin treatments can help keep hair smooth, shiny, and frizz-free whether you wear it up or down. For an effect that doesn't last as long, opt for a blowout, which can turn even the most lifeless hair into sleek, wavy 'do that can keep for days. What is keratin, exactly? Learn more about the key ingredient in many hair-straightening services.

Don't forget the accessories.

They're as much a life saver as your workplace BFF.

How to Save Time on Party Makeup and Hair | Accessories

Day-to-night dress isn't as tough as it sounds: trading in pleated trousers for leather leggings and flats for stiletto pumps are just a few ways to transition into an evening look. But if a quick change in the office bathroom isn't possible, use accessories to build on your workplace attire and craft night-out outfits. A bold necklace, stacked rings, or dainty layered bracelets are effortless ways to help take a simple look to the next level.

Have some time before your next party? Balance is key, so choose your accessories wisely beforehand. You want items that will complement the entire outfit rather than compete with it.

Photos by Dominique Shepherd, Groupon.

This article has been edited since its initial publication.

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