Let’s be honest, we all want an extra 10 minutes to sleep in. But for commuters facing a trek into the office, extra sleep will mean sacrifices have to be made. Some might grab a quick (overpriced) coffee, while others will grab their makeup bag to-go – even Trinny Woodall has just revealed how she does her makeup in the back of a cab.
Applying makeup on public transport is quite controversial, with many questioning the etiquette. However, if it’s good enough for Trinny, well, it’s good enough for us. Of course, there are limits (we’re not saying you should give yourself a mani-pedi on the train), but we’d much rather sit next to someone applying a coat of mascara than someone eating a dreaded hard-boiled egg.
That being said, applying makeup in any moving vehicle comes with its challenges. Patience and a steady hand is required if you don’t want a nasty poke in the eye. Watching Trinny tightline her eyes while on the move is enough to make you nervous!
But, as Trinny puts it: ‘it’s amazing what you can do in the back of a cab’. And we agree. If you’ve wondering how to master your makeup on the train and which products are the most commuter-friendly, we have the answers. We’ve spoken to the experts to get all their top tips for beauty on the move.
What makeup should be in every commuter’s makeup bag?
As a commuter, you’ll want to travel light. There’s nothing worse than lugging a heavy bag around the city. ‘For commuter beauty, packing multitasking products is the key,’ says Sara Wren, director of artistry at Milk Makeup. For instance, a product that covers lips and cheeks is a useful space-saver – if it does eyes, too, even better.
Also, look for forgiving formulas that you can apply with a wobbly hand and get away with it. ‘Stick or cream formulas that can be applied without a brush or precise technique are perfect and are also great for effortless, on-the-go touch-ups,’ says Bobbi Brown Pro Artist Hollie Ellis.
Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Cream Stick
What formulas should commuters avoid?
Not every makeup product is made equal. Some are much tricker to apply when on the move than others, which is why a commuter’s makeup kit needs to be carefully considered. After all, you don’t want to accidentally spill foundation on the person sitting next to you – yikes!
‘I usually steer clear of liquid formulas or loose powders in my commuter bag, as they can be messy and often need brushes or extra tools for application,’ says Hollie. ‘Bobbi Brown’s Skin Foundation Stick is the ultimate swipe-and-go product, as it doubles as a foundation and concealer and there’s zero need for brushes!’
NYX Pro Fix Stick Correcting Concealer Stick
If eyeliner is an essential part of your daily face, Sara warns that ‘the commute may be a bit bumpy, so I would leave the liquid eyeliner at home – it’s likely you’ll mess it up and it will be difficult to fix. Instead, use a gel pencil that doesn’t need a sharpener and can be easily smudged, like Infinity Longwear Gel Eyeliner by Milk Makeup.’
Which application tools should commuters carry?
Packing light also means you want tools that do more than one job. ‘If I were to bring just one option, it would definitely be a multipurpose brush.’ says Hollie. ‘I’m a big fan of the Bobbi Brown Full Coverage Face Brush – it works beautifully with my foundation stick, bronzer and cream blush. It’s the only brush I carry with me for the sake of speed and convenience.’
Or, if you’re keeping it really minimal and opting for your fingertips, she urges ‘Always ensure your hands are clean, I always carry my antibacterial hand gel in my commuter bag’.
Bobbi Brown Full Coverage Face Brush
What should you use to correct mistakes?
A sharp Tube stop or bumpy train track can wreak havoc – we’re talking a smeared lipstick, mascara over the lids or a wonky eyeliner. But don’t fret. Fortunately makeup isn’t permanent and mistakes can be fixed.
‘To clean up any mistakes, I like to keep a few cotton buds in my bag. Then I just go over the top with my foundation stick to blend everything back in,’ says Hollie.
Can I use my phone as a mirror?
We’ve all used our phone camera to top up our lipstick while on the move, but it may not be ideal for your entire routine. As Hollie says: ‘It’s perfectly fine to use your phone as a mirror for quick application, but a proper mirror is ideal if you’re aiming for more precise blending techniques.’ So, while your phone is better than just swiping and guessing, it’s worth having a pocket mirror if you’re regularly applying your makeup on the commute. Or for ultimate space-saving convenience, invest in a mirrored phone case!
So there you have it. With the right products and tricks, makeup on the move doesn’t feel so intimidating. And if it can save us some extra time in the morning, then why not? Happy commuting!
