Whether it’s a holiday visit or meeting soon-to-be family for the first time, time with even the best in-laws can be stressful. And stress shows up in dry skin, breakouts and tired eyes. When we want to be at the top of our game from the first cup of morning coffee to the moment we say goodnight and close the door, there’s nothing that boosts your confidence like knowing that you look great – especially when all eyes are on the new girl. Here are ten tips to help you look your best for the in-laws.

Early morning wake-up makeup. When you have to be social before you’ve had time to shower and get ready:

1. Pack disposable facial cleansing cloths for an instant pick-me-up or anytime freshener (Be sure they don’t over-dry your skin or leave any sticky residue).

2. Dab moisturizer around your eyes and apply concealer for a bright-eyed look. When properly applied, you won’t even know it’s there.

3. Pat bronzing powder or a hint of blush across cheeks and along browbones for a fresh look that can make it ‘til noon. (Apply bronzer with shimmer sparingly. Pat color onto skin with fingertips or a blush brush to achieve a more natural look).

4. Apply clear lip balm to soothe dry skin and give lips a healthy glow.

Afternoon touch-ups. Visits to the in-laws often mean day trips and lots of hugs and kisses from relatives that can leave your make up smeared or faded.

5. Pack travel or sample sizes of your cosmetics and a few of those disposable cleansing cloths

6. Be sure to have a mirrored compact (a lighted compact is even better)

7. Have tinted acne treatment on hand. This will treat any outbreaks and help reduce the appearance of redness around the affected area.

Evening wear. Holiday parties, wedding parties or family gatherings can take you from morning to night with little time for touch-ups. Hold your beautiful look together with a few strategic items that serve double duty.

8. Pack Vaseline. It comes in even the tiniest containers and is indispensable for soothing dry skin (use in moderation of course), glossing lips, adding shine to tired cheeks, grooming eye brows or removing smeared mascara.

9. Facial highlighters are a quick and effective way to freshen your look. They are easy to use and can be applied over make up or on bare skin.

Last but certainly not least. The most important tip to offer anyone:

10. Be yourself

Beauty isn’t found in containers or shimmering lip gloss. It’s you that makes you beautiful and your in-laws will soon see that too…or perhaps not and then tips 1 – 9 will be especially helpful for you.

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