Last Minute Party Prep

This post was sponsored by Target

I recently received the latest Target Beauty Box full of fun (and useful) stuff, and I was given the challenge to figure out how to get ready for a summer party using the items in the box in under one hour. Since it’s summer, most of the parties I attend are the pool party and outdoor kind, and even with the best of intentions and advance planning, I ALWAYS find myself getting ready at the last minute. I decided to take on the challenge and share with you my “battle” plans!!

First off, I love a summer (faux) tan. However, I don’t always have the time to do the whole prep—exfoliate—apply—dry—develop—shower–moisturize routine. One way I have figured out how to “cheat” a tan, at least on my face, is to whiten my teeth. If I have white, bright teeth, somehow my skin tone improves immensely. The Crest 3D White 1 Hour Express Whitestrips are a great way to get white teeth fast. I can pop a strip on while I’m doing other things to get ready, and when the hour is up I have white teeth. I have sensitive teeth, so I usually don’t even leave it on the whole hour. 30 minutes gets enough of the job done to make an impact.

I always wash my face as soon as I get up in the morning, but I don’t put on makeup until I actually have somewhere to go. To freshen up before party prep, I can use a toner like the Olay Active Botanicals Moisturizing Toner to remove any oil or grime and get my skin ready for the next step. For an outdoor party in the extreme South Texas heat, I reach for my favorite BB cream to even out my skin tone and protect it from the sun—Pond’s Luminous Finish BB+ Cream with SPF 15. I’ve been using the Pond’s Cream for years and even though it’s not in many stores, I’m thrilled that it’s still available online at Target.com!

I have two more quick fixes up my sleeve!! Nothing makes a woman look polished and put together like a bright lipstick and some mascara. Somehow, those two simple products change the whole face. I’ve been a regular user of the CoverGirl Supersizer Mascara and was thrilled to see it included in the Target Beauty Box. The wand for the mascara has tiny little closely packed bristles that pick up every lash to give you really long, black lashes without clumping. After mascara, I just swipe on a bright lipstick to add color to my face and I’m ready to go. I’ve always been a huge fan of the Maybelline Color Sensational lipsticks, and their Vivids collection is my favorite. I think the option in Electric Orange really brings out my summer tan, but I also love the shade Vivid Rose. Either way, with a good mascara and bright lipstick, I don’t need to fuss with eye shadow.

That’s my hurry up and get ready routine for an outdoor party in far less than an hour. What tricks or products do you use when you have to get out the door in a rush?

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