There IS A Right Way To Do Your Make-Up On The Bus, According To This Expert

Unless you’re one of those lucky ‘I love mornings!’ people (tell us your ways), then no doubt you’re constantly trying to find ways to save time before leaving the house.

Sometimes there’s just no alternative than to hit the road fresh-faced and do your make-up on the bus or Luas. But bumpy roads and a busy commute don’t exactly make for a stress-free make-up application process, and we’ve ended up with liquid eyeliner all over our face more times than we care to mention.

We hit up make-up expert Annette O’Brien for her tips on achieving a flawless face of make-up on public transport. Her verdict? Yes, it is possible, as long as you’re willing to streamline your routine.

1. Choose multi-purpose products
“A mauve or light rose lipstick can be used on your cheeks and eyes too,” says Annette. “Simply dab it on each area for a rosy glow.”

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick, €7.99

2. Get bold eyes without mascara
A mascara wand and a bumpy bus journey simply do not mix, so Annette advises skipping it altogether. “Get regular lash and brow tints so that you can go without mascara if you really need to,” she says. And for a dramatic smokey eye look on the double, she recommends applying a small amount of kohl eyeliner all over your eyelid and gently smudging it in. Instant smoulder!

MAC Kajal Twist Eyeliner, €18, Brown Thomas

3. Avoid anything powder-based
Bronzer and blush powders are a messy recipe for disaster on public transport. Annette’s go-to product is Laura Mercier Foundation Primer, which comes in both a Radiance and a Radiance Bronze shade and can be applied under make-up or by itself. “It really gives you that dewy glow without the need for bronzer,” she says.

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer, €41, Brown Thomas

4. Leave out lipstick
It’s easy to mess up lipstick and liner if you don’t have time to spare, so Annette advises using a nude gloss or a light shade of lipstick that’s much simpler to apply in a rush.

Benefit Dandelion Ultra Plush Gloss, €21

• make-up
• public transport