Last minute beauty tricks can be simple by design, yet effective when you need a quick turnaround or a fix to appear at the party or holiday celebration looking like a queen.
Truth is even Kate Hudson has had a breakout at exactly the wrong moment. But whether you’re heading out for a job interview or a big night on the town, the last thing you need is an unpleasant surprise in the mirror.
Out team went to the makeup artists and hairstylists who get the biggest celebrities ready for their close-ups. And we asked for advice on how to deal with some of the most common beauty predicaments using the last minute beauty tips they have under their sleeves.
We’ve heard some fun stories and jotted down some incredibly easy-to-do things when we need them the most. In addition, I’ve added my own tested and proven recipes to look gorgeous during the day or for any party or celebration. I’ve been using them for years. These quick and effective turnarounds are in my skin reference book where I have been collecting the recipes for my skin.
Skin Breakouts
When Brooke Shields and Catherine Zeta-Jones have a big appearance coming up, they turn to New York City makeup artist Kimara Ahnert. Why? Becasue Kimara has some incredibly “magic” ways to turn your looks around.
Do you want to know what her favorite and so simple last minute beauty trick to banish blemishes is? Here it is for your own use when you need it.
Place an ice pack over the pimple for a few minutes, then squeeze a little bit of eye drop solution over the zit to reduce redness. Let the solution dry for a few minutes before dabbing on concealer. Follow with a light layer of translucent powder to set the concealer and even out the skin.
Hollywood makeup artist Jerrod Blandino, whose products Scarlett Johansson is a fan of, adds this caveat.
“Do not pick the pimple. It’s easier to cover when it’s not punctured. And make sure that the concealer you are using is an exact match for your skin tone to make it undetectable.”
PS: I’ve done this trick for a ton of times and not just for my own self. My girl-friends, my hubby and my kids have been the so-to-say recipients of this trick.
Herbal Tea Benefits for Skin Breakouts
Party or not, it is not a celebration when you need to deal with daily skin breakouts and blemishes. What I’ve learned growing up from my grandmothers on both sides of the family are some amazingly effective tricks to fight skin breakouts.
Herbal teas are my favorite time for quiet and destressing. Besides, the teas I collect into my herbal pantry are those that have immensely positive effect on the skin.
Here’s my adorable herbal trio I drink and use for my under eye masks and cool compresses: linden tea, chamomile tea, and rosehip tea. Check out their benefits you may reap by including into your skin care routine and diet.
Linden Benefits for Skin
Linden flowers and leaves are a powerful antioxidant that protect the cells from inside out, thus truly promoting the anti-aging skin process.
But one of the best and most critical benefit that linden tea provides to the skin is that it locks moisture into the skin. And where there’s moisture, there’s life and beauty and healthy aging. Without a balanced water level inside your skin, it will look older. But most important, the skin will experience a distress and will react with its many outcomes. Such outcomes range from a tired look to wrinkly and dry skin and extend to thinned collagen, dark under-eye areas and more.
Those with skin breakouts, could include a linden tea into their diet and then reuse these herbal teabags for the eye masks. I like to use these teabags cold. Just pop a teabag into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, then use as a cool compress over your eyes.
Keep in mind that linden is a natural astringent and helps to balance skin natural sebum production and to tighten and clean the pores. As an overall effect, the skin receives that tightening effect. Who wouldn’t like to have it?!
Chamomile Tea Skin Benefits
For those with breakouts, chamomile tea could be a natural and easy way to control them. Being a potent antioxidant, chamomile protects the skin from free radicals, hence early signs of aging.
But what you need to know about chamomile is that by drinking it and then using cooled teabags as eye masks, it will help to fade darker spots and eliminate acne scars. Overall, with regular use of chamomile tea, you can successfully fight breakouts, if used as topical masks.
I like to drink my chamomile tea, and then reuse the teabags for my eye masks after the shower or during the day.
Rosehip Tea Benefits for Skin
Under-eye dark circles may appear due to several reasons. If they are connected to stress and sleepless nights, you can contribute to the breakdown of collagen. Skin depleted of collagen thins out and shows more of blood capillaries, thus darker circles under the eyes.
Including rosehip tea into your regular diet and using the tea bags for eye masks helps prevent the breakdown of collagen. The antioxidant carotenoid astaxanthin is one of the strong players in cell and skin tissue regeneration.
Here is a list of Herbal Teas for Your Last Minute Beauty Tricks.
Herbal Teas for Last Minute Beauty Tricks

• Linden tea slows down skin aging process
• It locks down moisture in the skin, making it more supple and soft
• Linden acts as a natural astringent, balancing natural sebum production; tightens the skin and making it firm.

Chamomile is a powerful antioxident that protects cells and the skin from desctruction from free radicals.
Chamomile tea helps to fade spots, eliminate acne scars, and fight breakdowns.

Rosehip is bursting with antioxidants, astaxanthin included. This powerful carotenoid helps to prevent breakdowns of collagen and contributes to a healthy skin.
In addition, vitamin A and lycopene protect skin cells from damaging rays of the sun.

Get all three herbal teas to include them into your diet and using the teabags for eye masks.
Blotchy Skin Solutions
Wake up with a road map of red splotches on your face? Don’t despair. With the right makeup, you can fake complexion perfection.
– First, apply moisturizer. “Use a product infused with naturally calming ingredients like chamomile, cucumber and aloe to soothe and alleviate redness,” Blandino suggests.
– Give that a few moments to sink in, then smooth on foundation.
– Pat concealer on any remaining red areas.
– Set with a dusting of translucent powder.
Cold Compress for Puffy Eyes
You want to look stunning and refreshed at the holiday party. But sometimes the puffy eyes can easily tell a different story.
It could be too much salt or not enough sleep that can leave you with so much baggage under your eyes you’ll be tempted to call for a moving van. But before you cancel your party plans and climb back into bed, try celebrity esthetician Scott Vincent Borba’s favorite last minute beauty trick for parties.
“Put your eye cream in the freezer for ten minutes before applying. It will act as a cold compress. Choose one with light reflectors to help reduce the appearance of puffiness.”
Also, you may want to explore using regularly the 24k gold skin care products that help with puffiness and dark circles. They really provide a quick solution to a mush smoother skin under eyes. Also, I found that using 24k gold masks work in synergy with with my other tips and tricks to achieve a powerfully refreshed look.
Check out my detailed post on the Best Gold Skin Care Products for eye masks and facial masks.
How to Deal with Dark Circles Using Makeup
More often than not, the most called-for area for treatment is the under-eye skin. But you can still apply last minute beauty tricks to look like you’ve got a beauty sleep.
To treat those telltale under-eye rings, first head to the kitchen. Dampen tea bags, take a seat or lie down and apply the bags over your eyes for a few minutes.
“The tannin in tea has been shown to reduce swelling and discoloration. Then use a yellow- or peach-toned concealer to cancel out the purple or bluish color under the eye. Stay away from pink-toned concealers. They can actually make your circles more noticeable,” says Kimara Ahnert.
And the models love this tip from Blandino.
“Line the corners and rims of your eyes with a flesh- or nude-colored pencil to brighten and lighten the eye area.”
You don’t need to take these tips and tricks as true, rather test then out! Then you’ll be able to set aside only those tips that work for you. Later, you’ll be confident that they won’t let you down as your last minute beauty tricks you resort to.
In the Best Tips for Beautiful Eyes post, you will find a unique list of products to conceal those stubborn dark circles and puffy under-eye areas.
I select the products for personal use with strict guidelines, giving preference to non-toxic ingredients that work wonders when used in specific formulations.
Over-Plucked Eyebrowes Can Be Helped!
Eyebrows could be some of the difficult spot on a woman’s face to deal with. But with a little bit of practice, you can learn how to make your eyebrows party worthy.
Laura Geller, the New York City makeup artist who counts Mary-Louise Parker among her clients, suggests this simple last minute beauty trick.
Fill in your brows with a brow powder that matches your natural hair color as closely as possible. If it’s too light or too dark, it will instantly give you away. When you apply it, extend the length of the brows on the outside for a more youthful appearance.
Kimara Ahnert recommends applying the powder with a baby toothbrush for a more natural look and to whisk away any excess product.
“Then brush a clear brow gel over the brows to give them a groomed and polished look,” she says.
If your Hair Got Rained On
Hair is one of our best ways to show that we are ready for a party. But things do happen, and we need to come up with a solution for some hair despair situation.
You just spent 40 minutes blowing out your hair when a sudden downpour hits. Hats and scarves are one option, but New York City stylist Ted Gibson, who has tamed the locks of Eva Mendes, Anne Hathaway and Angelina Jolie, prefers a more elegant solution.
“Pull the hair back into a sleek ponytail. Use hair pins to twist it into a bun, and finish off with some hair spray.” That simple!
Test Your Last Minute Beauty Tricks!
No matter how simple last minute beauty tricks may seem, you can always try and test them out. When I learn something new, I like to test such knowledge out and see if it works for me. If there’s success, I keep such a small achievement in my beauty library of tips and tricks. It’s always handy to have a reference I can rely on in some critical moments.
71 thoughts on “Simple Last Minute Beauty Tricks for Parties and Holidays”
I’m going to put eye cream in the freezer for 10 minutes before I use it and see if that helps.
I’m keeping that pimple cover-up trick in my back pocket for next time
I drink chamomile tea, but I would love to reuse the teabags for my eye masks, as well. Thank you for the information.
These are great tips and I always like trying out new beauty hacks
My wife taught me that cucumbers on the eyes works wonders when your eyes are tired. It may look funny, but it works.
Daniel,
Yes, cucumbers are an amazing quick picker-upper. I use cucumbers almost every day when I make my fresh salads at home – I use the juice from cucumber slices all over my face.
Plus, when I have a moment, I lie down with a couple of cool cucumber rounds over my eyes.
Lots of tips here that I was not aware of!
We live and learn. Sharing really can boost our personal collection of effective tips and tricks.
Thank you. Those are great tips. There is nothing worse than having a zit or breakout before an important event. It’s awesome to know that there are quick solutions to hiding them from view.
Thank you for these awesome tips.
The tea bags on the eyes reminds me of sliced cucumbers on eyes. My 7 year old autistic grandson had to have some slices for his eyes. Cutest picture ever, lol.
Thanks for all the great tips!!
I have really bad skin breakouts. I will have to check out some of your suggestions! Thanks.
Carolsue,
First, you need to know what the cause of those breakouts is/are.
Don’t just try to do a cosmetic cleaning.
Would be nice to go to your dermatologist first to make sure that the breakouts are not the signals for the disfunction somewhere else in the body.
Excelente! And here Babushka thought tea was just for drinking! Gracias for the insights.
You are a gorgeous Bohemian Babushka!
Tea is so versatile and can be used for incredibly effective skin makeover.
These are some great tips! I’ve put my eye cream in the refrigerator before. I love that many of these are quick fixes.
Julie,
I’ve been using these tricks myself for years. The herbal teas have quite a magical power to make our skin look refreshed and toned.
I learned some new tips….thanks so much. I love the idea of putting the eye cream in the freezer!
Polly,
It is one of the easiest way to get a refreshed look in minutes.
These are awesome tips! My skin could use some help. Like it!
Sandy,
You’re welcome.
Just pick the most liked tip and go with it.
It is taking action and being consistent that will earn you gorgeous skin and happiness.
These are easy, natural and inexpensive tips that I will be trying. Thanks!
I needed this post! My skin has been so bad lately. Thanks!
I’m not sure I could do this. I really don’t like tea or the smell, but seems like great tips.
These are great tips! Thank you for sharing!
These are great tips. I never thought of using tea bags like this.
Heidi,
Try the tea bags daily for a week. You’ll see a pleasant difference.
Looks like a lot of skin healthy products
These are great tips. I deal with puffy eyes because I have allergies.
Im going to run to my tea bags. Never thought to use them to clear my skin.
Kiwi,
Yes to reusing those teabags on your under-the-eye areas!
Also, green tea is excellent to make those sun spots on your hands lighter. Tested it and it works!
After you’ve had your tea, use a tea bag to brush the skin of the back of your hands. Do it every time and see the age and sun spots fade away.
Linden tea and Chamomile are my absolute go to’s! Great and relevant tips!
Hannah,
I do many cold compresses with these herbal teas. They are my panacea for puffy eyes and dark circles.
great post!thank you for your share!Love it!
These are great tips. I cannot believe tea has so many great benefits for the skin.
Jackline,
Just use one of the teas every day for a week and see how your skin will be reacting!
I have been trying to find a list of various tea benefits for ages – thanks so much for sharing! I’ve printed this out and left it on my fridge as a small reminder when I need a pick-me up! 🙂 x
Kylie,
These teas have been used for centuries for various skin conditions and for the overall well-being.
Enjoy their naturally-powered effect on your skin!
Well these tips and ideas truly seems to be very effective and sounds amazing..glad you shared these with us..found it very helpful and useful..
I’ve been collecting such tips in my skin booklet. Once I test and and like the effect of different products or modalities, I add it to my book. It’s all referenced and very easy to use.
I had no idea that there were these kind of benefits to tea!!
Rachel,
Live and learn for sure. Don’t discard those herbal teabags! They can be your immediate compress to sooth your eyes, brighten up the skin under them and tighten the skin. Plus, all of them have antioxidant properties. The area under our eyes does call for that!
I had heard about the chamomile and rose hips tea benefits, but not the linden tea ones. This is good information. And I have been doing the pony tail/hair spray on rainy day trick for years! Great advice!
Marie,
I have been an herb fan for many years and have accumulated in my skin-care-book a ton of tested and saved tips and tricks on how to care for the skin, what works bests in different life’s situations.
Teabags as a compress is one of the best tricks that not many women take advantage of. Works and improves the under-eye area tremendously.
Again, it takes a small effort to do it.
These beauty tricks seem really helpful and easy to do! Thanks for sharing these tips with us!
These tips are so usable! So easy and affordable!
The main trick is actually… to use them to take advantage of them.
These are really awesome and helpful last minute beauty hacks! Thank you so much! Sharing this with my friends!
Toni,
You are a power machine, GRL! You find time for everything you need in your life.
Hugs!
I love herbal teas. I use them a lot. But I didn’t know about of some benefits!
Catalina,
Your next step is just utilize those teas as compresses for the area around your eyes.
Use every bit of those potent benefits the herbs can give to us!
These are great tips and I must try this. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
Thank you, Gervin.
I put these tips out for other women to take advantage of the most affordable and doable solutions to keep their skin beautiful and healthy all their lives.
I didn’t know these teas were good for this. I have lots of chamomile tea on hand as I love to drink it. This is so great to hear. I’m glad I drink that tea.
Kathy,
Great for you, GRL!
Now, don’t throw away those camomile teabags! Cool them in the fridge and use over your eyes. Keep your beauty all life long!
Never thought of using tea packets for skin care. Will have to try!
Heidi,
Not just tea bags, rather cooled in the fridge and already used teabags!
I use a lot of herbal teas and use them over my eye area. Excellent for puffy eyes, tighter skin, discolorations.
I didn’t realize that tea could have so many external benefits like this! I’m really excited to give these a try. I’m always on the lookout for new ways to up my beauty game.
Claudia,
Yes, the tea is one of the best ways to test out on your under-eye area. I adore the cooled linden teabags!
So neat, I know peppermint tea helps with bloating I have it everyday!!! thanks for sharing this info I had no clue about some of it.
Bella,
I try to find out more natural solutions for our skin, so it stays healthy and beautiful all our lives.
Herbal teas could be a powerful arsenal under your control.
These are awesome!!! I am staring at my laptop 10 to 12 hours a day, trust me I need those tips…Thank you so much.
Chad,
Without knowing your particular needs, if you have puffy eyes and even dark circles under the eye area, try the 24K gold mask.
I discuss it in detail in this post and give the tested and regularly used products that are of high quality with clean ingredients: https://celebratewomantoday.com/best-gold-skin-care-products/
The teabags are what I need the most. I know that I have major eyebags.
Kathy,
Test this out: apply teabags to the eye area every day during your work week. Then, see how well they work!
I also add some other herbal teabags with linden in them.
Linden slows down skin aging process via its natural effect on the skin. Major plus is that linden locks in moisture into skin. And where there’s moisture, there’s skin’s beauty and health.
Oooh thank you! Now if only I could get my breakouts under control from wearing a mask!
Krysten,
Masks are great way to support the breakouts. But you need to be sure that they don’t happen due to other internal reasons.
Also try Chamomile tea bags that is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. It could help fighting breakouts if used topically. Also, it eliminates acne scars and fades dark spots.
Thanks for sharing these amazing tricks and tips on last minute makeup. My partner will going to love this article.
Sundeep,
You may use some of these tips, too, no?
Easy and great beauty tips. Thanks for sharing!
Rose Ann,
They are great and easy things. But as the case may be, many of us are lazy to implement them and be consistent.
I know that and remind myself every time I am not willing/lazy to do so something. A reminder is a good self-motivation for me.