Beauty On the Go: Get the Perfect Subway Makeup Routine

Applying makeup on public transportation has long been a point of contention amongst women. Some abhor it; others think it’s an excellent use of time. As the weather gets colder, most of us would do just about anything for a few minutes in a warm and cozy bed, even if that means applying makeup on the go. Here are a few tips to make applying your makeup on the subway easier, and more hygienic.

One benefit to applying your makeup on the go is that you give your morning skincare a chance to soak in. Always apply your moisturizer or primer before leaving the house because you don’t want to be doing that with grimy subway hands. Also, apply a lip balm before leaving because it will make the application of any lipstick much easier. If you’re a tinted moisturizer fan, or like applying your makeup with your hands, it might be best to do that at home with freshly washed fingers. Otherwise, try using a sponge or a dense buffing brush to get flawless coverage with minimal effort. If you’re lost without a powder, try Chantecaille’s Protection Naturelle SPF 50, $72, which has a built in brush to quickly apply just the right amount of product.

You don’t want to carry around a huge makeup bag so really edit when it comes to what you bring with you. Try using multi-use products such as cheek/lip tints to save space. Rather than carrying around a bunch of eyeshadows, try to find a palette that holds all your favorite colors (or make your own with a kit, such as Urban Decay’s Build Your Own Palette, $18). Shadow pencils, such as NARS’ Soft Touch Shadow Pencil, $24, are a great space saver because they can be blended out to make a sheer wash of color or applied heavily like a liner. On the subject of liner, applying it on-the-go is a skill that must be learned. For beginners, opt for a kohl pencil that will blend easily but if you’re a liquid liner fanatic, try a felt tipped product for more control. For the ambitious subway makeup artists, try a palette, such as Laura Mercier’s new Glamour Wardrobe Dual Decker Palette, $98, which gives you color options for eyes, cheeks, and lips in a durable mirrored case.