When it comes to beauty, we’re all for treating everyday as if it’s a runway…in theory. In reality, there are days when a messy bun and mascara are as good as it’s going to get. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. In fact, it makes primping for a special event all the more, well…special. On the other hand, those swanky soirees can elicit a fair amount of stress. So next time an alluring invitation lands in your hands, just remember these five special event beauty essentials and you’ll be ready to work the room (or runway), worry-free.

1. Serious Skin Prep

Before you even think about hair and makeup, make skincare a priority. In order to give your makeup the best shot at Jennifer Lopez flawlessness, you’ve got to give your skin some TLC starting the day before your event. No foundation is going to stick to dry, flaking skin. So exfoliate the night before to allow for better absorption of your nightly serums and creams and to avoid irritating your skin the day of. On the day of your event, spend some quality time letting your skin soak up the benefits of a hydrating and skin-plumping cotton mask. We know they look funny (and even a bit frightening), but these serum soaked sheets will give you a lit from within glow no luminizer can deliver. Try Lancôme Génifique Youth Activating Second Skin Mask or Cosmetics 27 Plasma 27.

2. A High Shine, Chip-Resistant Manicure

We don’t often sing the praises of gel manicures (who can commit to one nail color for a full two weeks?), but for special events nothing can outshine those high gloss tips. Good news for all you nail junkies out there, essie recently released essie•gel, the first gel system of its kind to deliver gorgeous nail color and uncompromised nail health. The unique keratin-care technology features a vitamin-enriched formula that leaves nails in good condition after removal.

3. An Arsenal of Anti-Shine Products

Even if your event doesn’t require you to walk down a red carpet with lights flashing left and right, chances are there will be some photo snapping. All it takes is one flash too many and a glowy, luminous complexion starts to venture dangerously close to greasy territory. Even if your skin isn’t particularly oily, for special events a little anti-shine insurance never hurts. Before you leave the house, mist your face with Urban Decay De-Slick Oil-Control Makeup Setting Spray to hold makeup in place and stop shine before it starts, and stash a pack of So Fresh So Clean Oil Blotting Sheets in your evening bag just in case.

4. A Super Long-Lasting Lip Color

Fading or feathering lip color can really kill a look. And rushing to the ladies room every 20 minutes to reapply can really kill your evening. Luckily, with the right product and the proper application you can make your lipstick last from dinner to dance floor and more. Giorgio Armani Rouge D’Armani Lipstick and L’Oréal Infallible Le Rouge Lipcolour are our two stay put picks that won’t leave your lips feeling dry. Or if you’re more of a matte lip girl, try Bite Beauty High Pigment Matte Pencil.

5. A Fabulous Set of False Eyelashes

While the power of a good eyelash curling is never to be underestimated, every now and then a girl needs a little extra oomph to get her lashes up to the optimal level of lushness. Falsies are not for everyday wear (unless you’re just that glamorous), but what better excuse than a special evening out to don a thick set of fringe? For a lash look that will put your typical eye makeup to shame, we recommend Shu Uemura False Eyelashes and Urban Decay Urban Lash False Lashes. If you’re not ready for the full false lash effect, trim strips into fourths and apply them to just the outer corners of the eyes or try adding a few individuals.

What are your special event beauty essentials? Share your must-haves below.

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