Fast Fixes

It's Murphy's Law: Every time I have an exciting night planned, my skin breaks out. Next thing I know I'm accessorizing with a big, honking zit. I started thinking about important nights out--your high school reunion, a hot date, a special event--and all the last minute snafus that can spoil your look and your mood. How do you deal with these unexpected annoyances?

I asked some of my Savings.com colleagues for their fast, easy fixes for these common problems.

Tired Eyes

There are so many reasons to miss out on sleep. Maybe you're a new parent, or you're working your way through grad school, or you just couldn't stop watching LOST last night. To liven up tired eyes, I use a cold compress. It reduces puffiness, tightens pores, and makes me feel refreshed. If that doesn't work, I turn to Eye Bright from Benefit for a little last minute lift. A swipe under the eyes reflects light and gives my lids a lift. Get it for free with your $40 purchase with one of our Benefit coupons.

Erika says, "I personally swear by using nude eye liner in the rims of my eyes to help red/tired looking eyes (I like eye brightener by Pixi), then very minimal eye make up with mascara, then blush." You can buy Pixi products at Target and save $5 on orders of $50 or more with one of our Target coupons.

Breakouts

Of course you always notice your own blemishes more than anyone else will, but that doesn't mean a zit isn't an obnoxious, unexpected guest at your party. Wanna banish a break out? Stella recommends Desert Essence Tea Tree Blemish Stick. "It's fabulous!" You can get it for less than six bucks at VitaDigest and use one of our VitaDigest coupons to save on your order.

If you have no time to go to the drug store, Lindsay reminds us of a tried-and-true fast fix. "Toothpaste dries out pimples if you forgot your regular face treatment creams." If you don't have time to zap your zit--even with toothpaste--a drop of Visine can reduce redness. Follow that up with Boots Complexion Refining Concealer.

Flat or Frizzy Hair

Holly's fast fix: "A bun. Stick a nice little comb or clip in there, work with the bangs and sides for a minute or two, and you are all dressed up and ready to go."

A spritz of Neil George Volumizing spray will lift your tired roots, and a few drops of Gooseberry Oil can smooth even the most frizzed out locks. Get a free volumizing spray with your $40 Neil George purchase with our Beauty.com coupon.

So these quick fixes work in a pinch, but if you're feeling all around blah, what are the best cure-alls? I recommend a 40 minute power nap followed by a huge glass of ice cold water to revive your skin and your attitude. Heather S. suggests:

"It's not as fast or easy as putting cucumber slices on your eyes or the like, but I find some hard cardio an hour or two before you get ready for a big event hides a multitude of sins. A good sweat gets rid of puffy eyes, perks up tired skin and is close to miraculous how it banishes all-over bloating--making it easier to fit into the big-event dress! Working out also gets those endorphins going and helps you feel good about yourself. And we all know if you've got confidence and an "I'm hot" attitude, it doesn't matter what beauty snafus you're suffering from."

Well said! After all, if they're noticing your zit, you must not be having a very interesting conversation. Got any fast fixes to share? Leave 'em in the comments below!