In a world where public transportation has never been easier or more accessible and our schedules just won’t slow down, you may have found yourself in a dreaded moment of needing to do your makeup on the go during your morning commute. It’s never an ideal situation, but most definitely necessary on those mornings you hit snooze one too many times. I’ve observed many people executing this task, the most impressive of which was a woman applying mascara in a crowded train — while standing. Mind. Blown. This is not a task I’d advise the average, unrehearsed gal to attempt, but there are a few morning routine tips and tricks of the trade that I find extremely helpful for moments when you’re in a commuter-beauty bind. I even took a day to travel throughout SF with our beauty photographer Kurt Andre to make sure this routine was possible on every form of public transportation. Read on for three game-changing hacks and some words of advice for doing your makeup on the go.
Hack 1: Strategically Pack Your Travel Beauty Bag
– stick foundation
– stick concealer
– stick bronzer
– stick blush
– stick shadow
– dual-ended brow pencil
– mini mascara
– eyeliner
– lipstick/lipgloss
– compact powder (with mirror)
For my travel makeup bag, I used the trèStiQue Essential 8 Set ($175), which you can custom build with your colors. This particular kit is my go-to because each product comes in stick form, which is ideal to use while traveling. Not to mention, it’s a major space saver. I ended up using a different makeup bag than the one it came with because I added more products to my travel kit. You’ll want a travel-size mascara because it’s easier to hold while in motion. I love my Benefit Roller Lash Mascara Deluxe Mini ($12). Finally, get a two-for-one by packing a powder compact with a mirror and brush built in. I’m using Benefit Cosmetics “Hello Flawless!” Powder Foundation ($34).
Real talk — public transportation is fantastically convenient for the most part, but atrociously unsanitary if you’re planning on touching your face. Make sure you have a hand sanitizer at the ready before diving into your routine. You’ll also want to have tissues to wipe your fingers between each makeup product, since you’re probably not using brushes and you don’t want to accidentally smudge the wrong hue in the wrong place.
Hack 2: Be Prepared
Step 1: After you’ve sanitized your hands, apply your foundation, followed by concealer and then bronzer. Blend in gently with your fingers. The trèStiQue set I have actually has built-in brushes on the other end of each product to help blend, which is super clutch!
Hack 3: Nail Your 5-Minute Commuter Face from Start to Finish
Step 2: Next, smile and get that sun-kissed glow by adding blush to the apples of your cheeks. I literally saw three different women on the train doing their makeup while shooting this tutorial. The struggle is real!
Step 3: Don’t skip your brows just because you’re on the go! Instead, choose a moment when you’re waiting for your ride.
Eyeliner can be a SCARY thing when you’re moving, but you
get it done. Same rules apply as above — make sure you’re at a standstill or in very slow motion before getting to this move. Listen: If I can do this on a bus, you can too!
Step 5: Apply mascara with caution! Having the travel size really does help you control the wand for this part of your routine.
Final Moves: Wait for your walk from the train/bus/curb to apply the face powder that will set your makeup. The lighting is often insane on public transportation, so you’ll want that final step done in natural light where you can make sure everything is blended and in place. Finally, add your lips, and voilà! You’re fresh faced, glowing and ready to tackle your day!
See ya out there!
Your relationship with your finances is one of the most important relationships you'll ever have, and you can't avoid it. That said, for many of us, the pandemic only added to our financial stress. If you find yourself feeling frazzled, just remember that financial insecurity isn't a net-worth issue — it's a mindset issue. And, we happen to have plenty of advice on how to turn your money mindset around so you can take charge of your funds once and for all.
To start, feeling secure begins with a strong foundation, and there's no better time than now to get started stacking the bricks. It's easy to get swept up in the January "new year, new me" mentality, but really? Any time is the right time to get yourself in order. You don't need to wait for a new year, a new moon, the right moment, or a sign from above. You don't even have to start on the first day of the month — you just need to start.
Introducing NerdWallet: A Safe and Reliable Money App
To help with that, we've put together a list of the just-right-for-you ways that NerdWallet can help you monitor your financial outlook. Haven't heard of them yet? NerdWallet is a personal finance company that helps consumers make smarter financial decisions. Their website and app let you compare different financial products, find articles and tools to make financial decisions with confidence, and keep tabs on your finances (hey there, credit score, I see you!) all in one place. Plus, NerdWallet has over 75,000 glowing reviews in the App Store (and a 4.8 star rating) if you want to read up on any more testimonials.
Tim Chen, NerdWallet's CEO and co-founder, started this financial journey in 2009 after his sister needed help finding a credit card. Even with an economics degree and a Wall Street background, it took awhile for Tim to find the right recommendation (so don't feel too bad when it takes you a while, too). Their mission is to bring clarity to all of life's financial decisions.
So it's safe to say that NerdWallet is a pretty good sherpa for your journey, too.
Get the most from your money
Did you know that the money you park in a savings account can lose value? Harsh, but true. If your money isn't earning interest that's on pace with inflation it will actually be worth less to you in the future. And if the bank charges fees? Forget about it. Make sure you're earning the interest you deserve and come out on top. NerdWallet has researched dozens of financial institutions to help consumers find the best options. The hard work has already been done for you, so you can just select the account that works best for you and your nest egg.
Keep an eye on everything, securely
Once everything is set up, tracking and managing your finances is what will keep the money machine running smoothly. You can create an account either through the site or the app and link your bank accounts, then keep tabs on all your finances in one place. Get a clear picture of your saving and spending, get insights into how to master your money, and even build your credit score all in one place.
Get extra credit points
Do you have the best credit card for your lifestyle? Some cards give cash back on every purchase, ones with travel perks, and ones that charge way less interest than you're paying now. NerdWallet takes the guesswork out of choosing the right credit card with simple side-by-side comparisons of different credit cards so that you feel confident choosing the right one. Whatever you want to do, NerdWallet can help you find the best credit card to get it done.
Know your options for settling down
Mortgage rates are pretty low and it looks like they're going to stay that way for awhile, so buying a home might be the move sooner than you think. But there's so much more to a mortgage than just the interest rate! To help you choose a mortgage lender, NerdWallet has in-depth reviews on multiple lenders in a mixture of categories so you get the home loan with the mortgage rate, term, and fees that's right for you.
Settle an old score
NerdWallet helps you monitor your credit score for free and helps you see how little things (like raising the limit on your credit card or paying your bills on time) can increase your score. NerdWallet partners with TransUnion® to provide your VantageScore® 3.0, based on information in your TransUnion® credit report. Your score and credit report information are updated weekly. But that's not even close to all:
- They provide you with tips from experts on how you could build or optimize your credit score
- You'll get a detailed look at your credit score and all the factors that go into it—your payment history, credit utilization, the age and type of accounts, balances, and any recent inquiries
- The credit simulator tool gives you an idea of how your credit score would change if you applied for a new credit card, closed your oldest credit card, or got a new auto loan
- You also get free, unlimited access to your credit report
When it comes to managing your money, safe and reliable is where it's at. Establishing a healthy relationship with your finances begins when you take control and practice habits that build wealth. Signing up just takes a few minutes. Set your intentions to build a solid financial foundation, it will only strengthen your relationship with your finances. And don't be afraid to get a little nerdy while you're at it.
Photo via Shutterstock