Getting ready for your office holiday party in a flash

This is the season for holiday parties, many of which are held right after work. It can be difficult to change your look from day to night so quickly, but your African American skin care product is here to help. Recently, Access Hollywood reported on an upcoming article in December's InStyle magazine about how to get ready for your office party without having to run home - all you need is the right makeup.

The first suggestion the news source made was to carry wipes that will allow you to clean off all of the makeup from the day to create a fresh look before the party. Next, the site recommended switching up your lipstick color, it's a simple thing you can do that may make a big difference.

"If you wear a subtle pink lipstick during the day, a brighter rose hue will blend in on top of any residual color," said makeup artist Joette Balsamo, quoted by InStyle. "[It’s easy but] totally transformative."

InStyle adds that carrying some simple hair products in your bag or in your desk can help you get ready in a flash. For example, having small containers of mousse, hair spray and gel can prove to be a smart idea, especially if you've spent all day trying to keep your hair under control. 

Holiday lipstick and eyeshadow ideas

This holiday season is a great time to update your African American skin care product collection so that you'll be up to date with the newest trends. While you're stressing out over the best outfit for your office or family party, don't forget to take a little time to make sure that you have the right makeup for the occasion. Recently, Skincare-News.com detailed the styles that women are going for this season. 

First, the website said that this may be a good time to try out some new lipstick shades.

"This season, some of the hottest trends for the lips are shades of red: burnt red, neon, ruby, cherry, velvet and scarlet. For women who aren't fans of classic reds, shades like peach and apricots are some favorites this season," according to the site.

Next, the beauty news source suggests that if you've never tried the smoky eye look, now would be a good time to go for it. Skincare News says that a smoky eye can add a hint of mystery and sophistication, and that eyeshadow shades of silver, dark blue and sea green are great combinations for a dramatic yet classy look.  

Keep those blemishes hidden during major events

Ever wake up for a big event like a wedding or an important business meeting and find that your complexion has suddenly turned on you? There's nothing worse than waking up to a slew of blemishes and red spots that weren't there the night before, which can happen right before a major occasion. The American Academy of Dermatology states that stress and anxiety can make acne more persistent and roseca symptoms worse. 

Recently, German news source the Belfast Telegram offered some ways to calm those big occasion blemishes that might surface. The news provider spoke to makeup artist Leanne Shaw who has worked with celebrities such as former Spice Girls.

"Hide blemishes by dabbing concealer on with a brush and blending away edges, then set with translucent powder. Avoid pink-based concealers, they tend to exaggerate redness," said Shaw in an interview with Closer magazine.

Shaw also suggested using a primer before putting on foundation, this can help create a smoother look and keep your African American skin care product from settling into wrinkles.  

Choose the right colors for this holiday season

Even the best African American skin care products can fail you if you don't understand how to properly apply them. This season, when you're trying to catch that certain someone under the mistletoe, be sure that you don't have that caked-on foundation look or the wrong color lipstick for your complexion. Recently, Minnesota's NBC affiliate KARE spoke to makeup expert Cindy Joesph about how to avoid making mistakes with your holiday makeup. 

First, the expert discussed how to choose the right lipstick.

"To find a color that matches, not clashes with your skin tone, it helps to look at your gums, tongue and lips. Use a lipstick that blends with your undertones, only darker and richer. Make sure its not too glossy or matte and feels good on your lips. This a sure trick to finding lipsticks that look believable," said Joesph, quoted by the news source.

Next, Joesph said that playing up eyelashes can be a great way to enhance your look. Use the right mascara and eyeliner combo, and taking the time to separate the lashes can have a powerful effect.

Finally, Cosmopolitan Magazine suggests using a shimmery metallic eyeshadow on the inner corners of the eyes, similar to how Beyonce does it, to highlight your features at any party.