On-the-Go Makeup Kit: Products That Take You From Day to Night

Whether you're out for a night on the town or you're at work, an on-the-go makeup kit can help you ward off cosmetic and fashion emergencies.

When you spend all day at your desk, you might not have time for a total makeup and wardrobe change before an evening event. Whether it's an unsightly run in your stockings or a hot-weather makeup meltdown, your daytime beauty no-nos can become evening disasters. You should never leave home without an on-the-go makeup kit tucked safely into your handbag. While you don't need to pack your entire makeup kit, a few essentials can go a long way in helping you make the transition from working girl to weekend warrior.

For Your Hair

You left the house with salon-worthy hair, but weather, stress, and exercise can leave your locks feeling frizzy and anything but polished. These on-the-go must-haves will keep your hair looking chic and smooth for nighttime.

• Dry shampoo: If you're prone to oily hair, a travel-size bottle of Dove Dry Shampoo can work wonders, especially if you hit the gym during the day. Just spritz it onto your roots, work it in with your fingertips, and comb through for clean, shiny hair.

• Hairspray: Inclement weather, indoor heating, and even your clothes can leave your locks looking frizzy and frazzled, so make sure to pack some of your favorite hairspray. Don't overdo it, though: a couple of sprays on your hairbrush is enough to smooth out flyaways and regain control.

• Perfume: Your hair is porous, which means it soaks up scents from the environment. Lunch with colleagues, or drinks with friends, or a quick gym session can have your strands smelling less-than-fresh, and a little perfume can help eliminate odors. Keep small sample bottles or roller balls handy to freshen up your hair.

• Elastics: When in doubt, a cute messy bun can help hide frizzy, oily, or just plain unruly strands and is the perfect style for a nighttime concert. If you need something a little more sophisticated, use the Conair Bun Maker to create a tidy updo.

For Your Face

If you're never fully dressed without a smile, you're never fully prepared without a few products to help keep that smile looking perfect from day to night. While some must-haves might stay at home in your cosmetic bag, these items are great for an on-the-go makeup kit.

• Concealer: Don't leave home without it. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer hides dark circles, covers blemishes, and can brighten your face—and it doesn't need a brush or a sponge. You can even use it to clean up smudged makeup before you leave your desk for happy hour.

• Lip gloss: This isn't the time to test-drive a fussy matte lip color. Instead, go with a gloss, which is easy to apply and can help to redistribute your lip color when it starts to fade. Lip gloss can also act as a quick highlighter when you dab a little on your cheeks—the perfect amount of glow for low restaurant lighting at night. Or, choose a bright pink gloss that can be applied easily in a cab, but still adds the perfect pop of color to revive your look.

• Blotting papers: Impossibly thin and immeasurably useful, blotting papers get rid of oil and shine without messing up your entire look. Just grab a paper, dab across your T-zone, and you'll get a few more fresh-faced hours.

For Your Clothes

No time for a costume change? These items can help ward off a wardrobe malfunction to get you through an evening engagement.

• Clear nail polish: It's no secret that Revlon Clear Nail Enamel can stop a pantyhose run in its tracks, but it's also great for securing threads on loose buttons and keeping silver jewelry from turning your skin green. Just paint on a thin layer, and crisis averted.

• Spare stockings: If a run goes too far, your best bet is a fresh set. Luckily, a pair of Leggs Silken Mist Pantyhose will only take up a little space in your on-the-go makeup kit.

• Statement necklace: The fastest way to dress up a conservative look? Add a layered statement necklace. You can tuck it away in your handbag and then add it right before you head out to an evening event. It'll add the right amount of edge and sparkle, even if your clothes are more buttoned-up.

• Shoe Therapy: If you're on your feet all day, blisters and chafing can definitely cramp your style. Make sure that you're prepared for stiff or uncomfortable shoes with heel liners, moleskin padding, and orthotic inserts to help combat blisters so you can stand a few more hours in your favorite heels.

Hey, you can't always head home for a total wardrobe makeover after work! If you have to turn your cubicle into a makeup mirror, make sure you have the right products on hand to take you from day to night—beautifully.

By Jae Curtis

These articles are not a substitute for medical advice, and are not intended to treat or cure any disease. Advances in medicine may cause this information to become outdated, invalid, or subject to debate. Professional opinions and interpretations of scientific literature may vary. Consult your healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, exercise, or medication regime.