Every day, our lives are filled with unexpected twists and turns, and sometimes, the most memorable moments arise from the most unexpected situations. This is the tale of my whirlwind beauty adventure on a train journey that took me from a missed morning commute to the dazzling world of CEW Beauty Bazaar 2023 in New York City.
As I sprinted towards the train station in Washington DC, the relentless ticking of the clock bore down upon me, and despite my best efforts, I missed my scheduled morning train. Panic set in as I realized that I had to rethink my entire strategy, and come up with something fast.
In that moment of urgency, I found inspiration. Seated on a bench at the railway station, I took a moment to collect my thoughts. A new idea began to take shape in my mind. Right there, in the midst of the train station's hustle and bustle, I decided to change my outfit quickly. It felt as if I were channeling my inner fashion-savvy superhero. Once I was attired in a fresh ensemble, I promptly secured a ticket for the next available train to New York City. My determination to reach the event remained unwavering.
As I settled into my seat on the train, it became evident that I faced a unique challenge—a beauty challenge. Given the constraints of time and resources, I made the decision to do my makeup on the move. My train seat transformed into an improvised vanity, with my lap serving as a stable surface and my phone as my makeup mirror.
I started the transformation with my MAC long-wear foundation, using a sponge to ensure a flawless application. To guarantee that my makeup would last throughout the day, I reached for the ELF matte finish setting spray. I no longer had the luxury of preparing right before the event, as originally planned.
I added some blush and bronzer from NARS to contour my face, using the dim lightening and phone camera for reference. The real challenge was the eye makeup, as I needed to hold my phone steady in one hand, and apply the eyeshadow from the other. I used the Juvia's Place Culture Eyeshadow Palette for the look, leaning towards the pink hues and shimmer. The train's soothing motion served as a surprisingly steady hand for the eyeshadow blending, and I couldn't help but smile at the irony of it all. The passing landscapes outside the window even inspired my color choices.
For my lips, I chose a nude lip liner and lipgloss from Bobbi Brown. To complement my bold eye makeup, I aimed for a more subdued and neutral lip palette. I was able to complete my entire makeup routine in about 30 minutes, even with the train moving. I was so impressed with myself! I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. A final touch of highlighter added a radiant glow to my visage.
Lucky for me, passengers around me seemed oblivious to my impromptu beauty routine, absorbed in their own worlds. By the time I arrived at Penn Station, I had not only conquered the clock but also created a makeup look that was as ready to shine at the CEW Beauty Bazaar.
Though it wasn't how I initially planned my morning, the unexpected twist turned into a memorable adventure—one I'll be sharing with fellow beauty enthusiasts for years to come.