by Laura Kruty

It may be an all-too-familiar scene after a day of meetings, conference calls and a million e-mails: You look in the mirror and are greeted with skin so shiny it could serve as a mirror itself, eyeshadow that has magically disappeared and lips from which the color has been MIA since your morning coffee.

The catch? You're leaving for that cocktail party in 20 minutes, and though the dress code might be "festive," you look anything but.

Transforming into party ready, however, is easy, thanks to our experts' tips.

Seeking balance

The old adage of placing the emphasis on your eyes or lips still holds true, says Soraya Miramadi, a St. Louis-based sales and training executive for Lanc™me.

"The big emphasis is on lips; they're ultra feminine and very sumptuous," she says. "Eyes are not ignored, however. Eyes are very defined."

Celebrity makeup artist Norman Sands agrees.

"Choosing one feature to focus on is the best way to keep makeup sophisticated and modern," he says. "That being said, I think it's OK to choose two features as you see on many red carpet celebs. It's all about creating balance. Sometimes a bold lip needs a stronger cheek as long as it's done well with the right tool.

"Keeping the overall look well-balanced is the difference between looking flawlessly polished and garishly clownish."

Get lippy

If you choose to sport the smoldering eye, it's best to keep your lips a soft color, Sands says.

But if you're in the mood for an attention-grabbing lip color, there's no better time than the holidays.

"The bold 'look-at-me' lip ruled the runways this season," Sands says, "everything from fuchsia, grape, chocolate, burgundy to corals."

Miramadi likes a juicy red lip with a soft gold accent.

"It's not a flat, true red. It's warm; it's golden," she says. "It's stunning."

If you're emphasizing your eyes, take your lips down a notch with a soft pink, berry, burgundy or brown, Miramadi says.

Let's face it

A glowing complexion is a great look for any event, especially if photo opportunities arise.

"A radiant complexion with a pop of color on the cheeks paired with a soft eye and lip is always a red carpet favorite," Sands says.

In the morning before your event, it helps to prep the skin with makeup primer before applying foundation and loose powder for a longer-lasting natural look, Sands says. Brightening serum can add a luminous look. Three-in-one products, like NARS' the Multiple, are easy to use on eyes, lips and cheeks.

Before your party, try blotting papers to rid the skin of excess oil and a light dusting of powder, and you're off to be the belle of the ball.

Article appears as published in the St. Louis Woman Magazine 2008/november issue.