Beauty Secrets: Faster Than a Speeding Bullet

Want to look perfect without trying? Here are secret beauty shortcuts for looking hot faster than Clark Kent changes outfits.

Foundation: If you love to sleep late, a few spritzes of Dior DiorSkin AirFlash Spray foundation ($62, Sephora) provides even, flawless coverage in seconds. 

When you use liquid foundation, you might need to prime your face and spend a lot time blending the makeup to achieve an even look. DiorSkin AirFlash spray foundation features special micro-diffusion technology that quickly covers up uneven areas and blemishes pronto with the click of a button. Spray, blend just a little and you're done.

Wink and Go: For an easy daytime eye look, try Sue Devitt Silky Matte Eyeshadow in Cuba ($18, Dermstore.com). This neutral-pinkish shade is so flattering and will make the natural color of your eyes pop.  The product is also crease-resistant. For extra staying power, apply concealer or an eyeshadow primer underneath the shadow. The estimated time for both steps is about 40 seconds.

The Prettiest Lips and Cheeks: To get to class or work on time, spend just a minute dabbing on Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for lips and cheeks ($24, BobbiBrown.com). I have recommended this product before on Eyeshadow Government because it's one of my all-time favorites. Available in a variety of rich, flattering colors, this rouge provides a lovely, dewy finish and can be applied with your fingertips. Dab it on the apples of your cheeks to look more awake and cheerful. Press the rouge onto your lips for a spectacular, sophisticated smile.

BONUS FASHION TIPS: 

• If you can't decide what to wear, mix boyish and feminine pieces for a dash of instant style. 
• Use accessories sparingly. One or two is plenty.
• Nix all that thick, spiked gold jewelry. After all, you're a lady, not a pitbull.

Street Style: Go Over the Top

The other night, I spotted this girl with Marni-meets-cyberpunk street style. Slung across her tweedy red and white coat was a boho chic ethnic purse. While she could have paired this with black jeans and looked like anyone else in New York, she raised the bar with electric purple stockings and silver sneakers. And she didn't seem the least bit self-conscious. This was like "obvee" normal for her.

Here's how to get this look in 4 easy steps:

 1. Bust out your red and white vintage coat. This is a darling Marni-esque linen version, perfect for sunny days, available on Etsy for $50.  (Etsy shop owner Katie Acompora knows a good jacket when she sees one.)

2. Drench your legs in a contrasting color. These stockings are $14.99 at ModCloth.

3. Toss on a bag inspired by ethnic bazaars. Blithe & Buoyant tote ($518), sold at Anthropologie.

4. Add Jetsons-esque Nine West silver sneakers ($68 on sale). Or if your style is uber-feminine, you can slip into posh Delman flats ($250) in silver nappa leather. Both shoes are sold on Zappos.com.

I was trying to figure out why her style resonated with me. Now I remember I used to wear a mod jacket from the Champs-Élysées with pink metallic shoes from Canal Street when I studied at UC Berkeley. I guess this stranger and I are like style soulmates. Fashion jinx personal! XOXO!