Alright, y’all, I know you’ve got enough on your plate right now. It’s finals week, you’re running on few hours of sleep, and you’re working on getting your bikini body in check while simultaneously stress eating chocolate-covered potato chips (this is a real thing).
So naturally the last thing you want to worry about is makeup. Right now you’re probably thinking, “Zara, get with the program. I don’t have time to apply makeup during finals week, let alone read an article about the makeup I should be wearing during finals week.”
But hear me out. If you follow my ever-so-simple tips to the perfect artfully disheveled look, you’ll end up saving yourself time on the daily while heading out the door.
So without further ado, learn how to get your game face on in record time before getting back to the books.
Glasses are your friend: For several reasons. One, because whoever said that boys don’t make passes at girls who wear glasses is straight up stupid (not to mention sexist, but that’s a conversation for another time). Two, giving your eyes a break from contacts for a week or so is really a wonderful feeling and you’re likely going to be spending an ungodly amount of time in font of your computer screen, which is already harsh on your eyes as it is. But the third benefit of rocking glasses this week is probably the most wonderful thing of all. The frames will strategically hit just below your eye area, thereby camouflaging any dark circles or puffiness, no makeup necessary. And trust, if you’re pulling all-nighters, you’re going to be a little dark and puffy.
If you’re lucky enough to have perfect vision: Sunglasses are your must-have accessory. Wear them as you walk to and from class and tests, which is when the socializing really happens anyway. Do I really need to explain why?
Two words: Tinted. Moisturizer: We’ve established that skincare is highly important and should not be neglected during times of stress. That means you don’t want to part with your moisturizer or your daily SPF fix just because you’ve got a lot going on. Find a tinted moisturizer that contains SPF and you’ve essentially got moisture, protection and coverage all in one. Save that foundation for after your tests are dunzo.
A little shimmer is okay: Now is not the time for matte products. Any hint of shimmer in whatever you’re wearing – whether it’s blush, lip gloss, bronzer, shadow – will bring some light to your face, keeping you from looking like you’re exhausted as you actually are.
Remove your nail polish: Just take it off before the week begins. If you try to go into finals week with a perfect manicure, it WILL chip and that WILL irritate the hell out of you. Bare nails look better than chipped nails – and anyway, it’s a good chance for your nails to breathe a bit.
Wear your hair up: It’s the easiest way to camouflage dirty hair and it’s also a great way to keep your face free of annoying tendrils. Instead of a typical ponytail, give this hot new style a try.
[Lead image via arek_malang/Shutterstock]
