Transit Fashion: Makeup Essentials Edition

Once, on the Metro in DC, I was privy to a remarkable transformation. Before my eyes, in 20 minutes, a tired woman evolved into something bordering on stage hooker. I would have been put off by the end result if I hadn't been so awed by the process itself: Without a second look at the swarm of humanity packed liked sardines around her, this woman, armed with only a Caboodle box (remember those?!) and a very steady hand, transformed her face from a clean canvass to the very picture of an overly made-up office worker.

At the time, my makeup routine consisted of a quick swirltapbuff with my bareMinerals and a sweep of mascara, and it happened in the privacy of my own bathroom. I rarely put on lipgloss on the Metro, let alone pluck my damn eyebrows as that woman did. I had to look put together for work, but I put in the minimal effort required to look clean and somewhat awake.

Fast forward 3 years and across the country and my makeup routine hasn't changed a whole lot, except that I have become the woman doing her makeup on public transit. But I have learned in the intervening years that being able to roll into work looking put together and profesh is a major life skill, and when you sometimes ignore your alarm clock until you only have 20 minutes to get dressed, eat something (because I cannot function without something in my stomach) and run out the door, having the skills and tools to get your face on en route is clutch.

Having a cute bag is essential. Exhibit A.

So, what do I use to launch myself from bedraggled to bewitching in the time it takes to cross The Bridge? Well, I'm glad you asked, because I'm about to tell you. There are really only 3 main steps for looking acceptable for the office in my opinion, here they are:

• The base layer - tinted moisturizer / BB cream: When you're short on time and equipment, the whole dog and pony show of moisturizer+foundation+powder is simply not feasible. An ideal choice for makeup in transit is something that covers a few bases and can be applied with tools you always have, namely, your fingers. Luckily, you can get coverage, moisturizer and SPF in one, finger-centric application in either a tinted moisturizer or a BB cream. I am a huge fan of Jouer's Luminizing Moisture Tint (I use "golden" to keep my skin looking gently sun-kissed even in winter), which gives me light but buildable coverage, a dose of daily moisturizer, and SPF 20 to boot. BB (Beauty Balm) creams are breaking into the US market in a major way lately and offer coverage and SPF with a few additional perks (like acne control and a deeper level of hydration). My friend Jenn swears by Dr. Jart's Water Fuse Beauty Balm, but with all the options for BBs and tinted moisturizers these days, I recommend testing out a few to find one that works best for you. For makeup in transit purposes, the main things to look for are buildable coverage that you can apply with your fingers, and a no-mess, purse sized tube.

A compact should go without saying.
I really only use this one for the mirror.

• The brows: My second step, and some may disagree with me, is perfectly styled brows. Now, when I say perfectly, I don't mean go out and get them threaded regularly and follow up daily with a template (though those can be super helpful for taming unruly brows). What I really mean is keeping them neat and smooth through the work day. Nothing says "I woke up 15 minutes ago and definitely did not shower" like Crazy Jack Nicholson Eyebrows, and the easiest way to lock em down is a tinted brow wax. Now, there are lots of expensive brow kits out there, but for this, the best tool I've found (for daily life, not just transit) is Revlon's ColorStay Brow Enhancer, which contains a tinted brow wax at one end and a brow highlighter at the other. Super easy to apply on the bus, and the highlighter serves in a pinch to lighten up your eyes a bit more, key on those days when you've had less than the requisite 8 hours.

• Last but not least, the ultimate face waker-upper, MASCARA: If you don't already have a swear-by mascara, go figure that out, because whatever your go to is, there should be room for it in your day to day makeup kit. If you have a the space, I recommend carrying two shades because some days really are just a brown mascara day, and other days you need the oomph that only comes with a volumizing black. I happen to have three mascaras in my makeup bag at the moment: CoverGirl LashBlast Fusion in brown, Benefit They're Real! in black (the mini tube! which fits in my going out purse perfectly) and, a recent addition from my November Birchbox: ModelCo's Fibre Lashxtend, which I'm still on the fence about (it's hairy, no way around it) but it has a mirror ON THE TUBE which is quite amazing. The nice thing about mascara is it fits in pretty much any standard cosmetics bag, though the mini-tubes are great for even the smallest party bag.

So that's really all there is to it. Mornings are rough enough as it is without the expectation that you look awake and ready to face your day. But a clear face makes you look fresh n' clean regardless of how far from that you truly feel, posh and polished brows add that touch of effortless glam so key to looking like a competent human adult, and mascara literally makes your eyes look brighter and bigger, and thus, more awake! Of course, you can always add in lipstick and eyeshadow, but keeping the bar low on a day to day basis means a few extra minutes between the sheets, and it means you can really wow them on the days when you wake up before the alarm, and that's something we can all appreciate.

So what about you? 

Do you have a go to makeup routine for your busy mornings? Have you mastered the art of applying eyeliner while careening down the road (as a passenger, I hope!)? What are your essential steps to feel and look like a human when you stumble into the office in the morning? (Coffee is a given) I also love cute mini versions or products or multi-tasking palettes, do you have one you use regularly? Share it! 

Transit Fashion: Accessories Edition

by KeralaJane

In this edition of transit fashion, we’re talking about your must-have, can’t-live-without Life in Transit accessories. What do you require to get through your daily commute? We’re talking the thing that you will run back to the house for and risk missing the early bus because otherwise your trip will be hell. To answer this question, I did a quick poll of my fellow transit-takers-in-arms to see what they think. It’s not a peer-reviewed scientific study, but I think it is a pretty fair assessment of what the average commute holds dear to them. These aren’t ranked, but some things definitely came up more than others.  (Oh, and while not everyone said “fare” or “transit pass,” I am going to assume that everyone is a good person and not a freeloader and pays their fare.)

The mic'd model is essential

• Headphones/Music: Coming in as the hands-down most important accessory for your commute is headphones, and, it goes without saying, a music playing device to go with. People agree: the easiest way to get through your commute is retreating into that cozy little bubble that only noise piped directly into your eardrums can create. While I listen to practically everything, Noah G. in DC and Melissa E. in Portland both swear by NPR’s podcasts and the sultry tones of Ira Glass. I myself am an avid Skullcandy devotee, as they seem to stand up better to the wear and tear of daily use and actually stay in my ears.

• Caffeine: The other almost universally popular accessory for a commute, and this is specific to morning commutes, is coffee. Getting ready in the morning is hard enough without trying to gulp down enough steaming hot coffee before rushing out the door. “I have five travel mugs. I can’t be bothered to wash one every night, or remember to bring one home every evening. Clearly I have a problem, but I am a wreck without caffeine in the morning. I can’t help it” confesses fellow transiter Kelly M. in San Francisco. She is not alone: there are 100 million daily coffee drinkers in the US.* And, tomorrow (Sept. 29th) is National Coffee Day!

• Food: In addition to coffee, quite a few people mentioned breakfast in general. “I bring a bagel with me, or a cup of yogurt. I am not a morning person, so eating before I get out of the house is impossible...so, even though you’re not supposed to, I eat on the streetcar in the morning,” admits Kelsey B. in Portland, OR. Well, breakfast is the most important thing.

• Sunglasses: In addition to headphones, fellow LIT blogger @ktlynn83 MUST HAVE sunglasses “(in all weather conditions). Makes it easy to ignore or watch people.” Clearly the bubble effect is desirable, but also, c’mon, it is sunny out there! (especially on boats!) Kelsey H., a walker in Portland, agrees, especially since sunglasses are adept at hiding a tired face until you have time to wake up more.

Audrey Hepburn, avoiding crazies on the bus in style

• A BAG: Really, the type of bag you take on your commute says a lot about you and I will devote a whole post to this in the future, but my brief survey reveals that having the right bag is tres importante. I depend heavily on my GIANT purse to carry everything I need. I am of the cram-it-all-in-one tribe, so an accommodating purse, with lots of pockets for organization, is clutch. (Get it? I made a purse joke.) Sean takes the more manly route of the briefcase, a classic choice, with the occasional backpack, “when I know I’m gonna hit up the gym after work.” Ben D. in Portland, a commuter on wheels, can’t rely on your typical handheld manbag, so he relies on this Timbuk2 bag. Of course, you don’t have to cycle to appreciate the shoulder-strain relief of the classic backpack, but everyone can agree: roller bags are not sexy.

Timbuk2 bags are handmade in San Francisco, love by all.

• Reading material: “I grab an Express paper every day: it’s informative AND gives me something to do on the train” says Alex R. of Washington, DC. Kelsey B. on the other hand takes her Kindle (especially now that she doesn’t have a roommate that steals it all the time), and just picks up where she left off the night before, no bookmark required.

• A change of shoes: This is especially true if you are in a more formal corporate environment or have to gear up for inclement weather for your commute. Believe me, nothing ruins a morning like a rolled ankle or falling flat on your ass after slipping on ice: better to err on the side of good sense and change when you get to the office. During DC winters, I generally wore warm, weatherproof boots for my commute and carried flats in my bag (or just kept heels in my desk.) 

• Some people, though, go technology free: Stephanie H. in San Francisco talks to people... because she doesn’t own a smartphone and apparently doesn’t know how to read. Or something. I don’t even know, that is just weird.

So there you have it. A not so scientific evaluation of what it takes to just get through the morning before you can even start your actual day. I know I’ve missed some things, so please, share with me, what do YOU depend on to make your commute tolerable?

Ch-Ch-Chaaaaanges!!

By the Wanz

The title says it all!

This is more of an announcement blog than a regular blog… post… commety… thing… (Jesus, how am I a write?!)

ANNOUNCEMENT TIME!! The Life in Transit dynamic duo—Tanya & Jawanza—is expanding the creative family! Don’t think of the two of us as being “too lazy to tweet” (we’re both just busy with life stuff, work thangs, and of course, our respective hangovers), but seeking fresh creative blood! We’re wanting to expand the variety of writing that we’re doing, so we’re taking some big steps forward in doing so!

Creators & Executive Producers Bandito Betty and the Wanz have brought Associate Producers/Writers KJ (Kerala) and KT (Katie) to the Life In Transit world!! Give them a warm-ass welcome ladies and gentlemen!!

Bandito Betty will still be covering the strangeness that is Tacoma-Pierce County, capturing the bizarre, the funny, and the weird of the 253!! Pierce Transit—keep an eye out!! (Even though Pierce Transit kinda sucks…)

The Wanz will be overseeing MUNI in San Francisco and let me tell you… there’s a whole different league of weird shit that happens in SF. Plus, with the OWL-lines in play, late night strangeness will arrive.

KJ is hitting up the ferries and covering the general East Bay (yeah ferries and AC transit and anywhere else KJ can get around on public transit... oh yeah, there’s a “she’s gets around” joke that we’re going to overlook).

And the infamous KT, queen of Seattle public transit and Amtrak (yes, the crown hath been placeth upon thee) will be giving us the low-down on any King County and Sound Transit madness.

Plus we all endure shitty traffic… and we all know that sucks.

(Don’t worry, the format hasn’t really changed, we’ll return to “non-centered” paragraphing next post.)

And lastly, we have YOU, our relatively medium sized fan-base (noooot too small, but not freakishly large… there’s a that’s what she said joke just waiting to happen). The best way to contribute is to share your stories on twitter (just include us @LifeInTransitTJ), post on our facebook, and read and comment on our blogs. Help us grow, read our craziness, and support is in becoming… legendary… (Yes, yes, I have watched too much How I Met Your Mother lately.)

With KT & KJ joining the team, expect a lot more tweets, some fresh new blogs from all of us, and some awesome facebook… stuff… (what do we post on our facebook?!). And I’m not just talking about the “hungover/sometimes-still-a-little-tipsy-Wanz-rambling-away-about-his-random-late-night-adventures-as-his-life-is-in-transit” posts… I’m talking about the future of this blog as  WE know it…

(Seriously, How badly did I misuse 1^st and 3^rd person in this post? Was it really bad? I may blame the Coors and Mimsoas from earlier and HIMYM.)

Peace out readers! Thanks again!!

The Night Owl Expedition

By the Wanz

            Blog post—surprise!!!

            (That’s right, actually POSTING something on my blog counts as a surprise…)

            (Is that sad?)

            Today we are going to discuss the intense experience that we in San Francisco call “riding the drunk bus.” That’s right Tacoma, San Francisco has buses that run later than 11PM!!! What. A. Simple. Concept. Boo-to-the-ya.

            In San Francisco, we have what is called the “Owl”-lines. These lines run all around the city 24-7. They run about every half-an-hourish (i.e.: the usually time a Tacoma bus takes during the day), but they take you to where you need to go. If you buy a monthly pass, it’s like what… $64ish—whereas a taxi cab, HELLA expensive.

            But with any late-night transportations (or just transportation in general), you should keep in mind some important rules… so you don’t like, ya know… get mugged… get knifed… potentially DIE…  Thus, there’s a need to just keep yourself safe! So, here is some wisdomy-goodness for take MUNI and BART late at night.

1.              Make sure you know how to get home – I mean, have a general idea. There are maps and what not, but just have a general idea about how you can get home. Like some idea of north… east… south… west…

2.              And make sure you know your transfer spot and make sure you DON’T MISS IT!! – Or else you’re SOL. There’s no YOLO moment there.

3.              Don’t be too drunk on the busride – I mean, it’s great that you’re not driving. I’m proud. I’m actually applauding. BUT, guess what: a cab may be a safe bet too. Because on a bus ride you have to pay attention to your surroundings. If you’re too drunk, then just hop off the bus and cab it hoooome. It’s worth the money.

4.              Be prepared to navigate your way through the dark – There are a few handy-dandy recommendations for prepping for this!

a.     Use the GPS on your phone

b.     Listen to automated bus announcements

c.     Stare longingly out the window and try to see the street signs in hopes that your stop hasn’t passed you by

In the end, just make sure you get off when you’re supposed to, because, if you don’t, then you might like… miss your stop… forever.

5.              Be careful of if you fall asleep on the bus – Because when you fall asleep on the bus… you could wake up at the end of the line. Possibly without your wallet. And a place to pee.

6.              Don’t judgeth others, you don’t know where the hell they’ve been – Seriously, you don’t. Hell, where were YOU tonight? Yeah, stop and think about that. Oh shit, some reflection-time with yourself, maybe that’s where your judgment should be focused. Aside from that, don’t judge others. YOU DON’T KNOW!!!

7.              Travel with companions – You don’t have to, but sometimes it’s helpful to have some traveling companions!! Sometimes friends can help you make good life choice. And get home. And make sure you don’t wander.

8.              Beware of the Crazies, Drunks, and Attackerish  - Seriously, be careful. Depending on where you live, where you’re coming from, and who happens to be on board the bus, BE AWARE of your people surroundings. Drunks coiuld vom on you, Crazies could drool on you, and then Attackers could shank you. Just be weary.

9.              It’s ok to make an acquaintance on the bus… just don’t expect commitment – Seriously, if you’re on an Owl-line right now, on the weekend, you’re probably drunk… your judgment may be impaired. In fact, some passing acquaintanceships are meant to simply be that, passing.

10.           Don’t accept gifts from strangers – This life lesson is for all the dumbasses out there. I’ve heard tale of a guy who did the right thing when a guy offered him cocaine on the BART and he declined. Where he fucked up was when he decided to have some of his Gin he was carrying in his waterbottle. Major fail. In fact, a life session that’s important for all late night commuters.  Don’t be a dumbass. DON’T DO IT!

And there are your late night life lessons on the SF “drunk buses”—they get you to where you’re going, and you’ll be safe as long as you follow these helpful tips. (However, if anything does happen to you, even while following said tips, I am in no way liable… don’t sue me.)

Have your own late night bus expedition? Prove it and leave us a comment! J Share your experience on our blog or our twitter account at http://twitter.com/LifeInTransitTJ or on our facebook at http://www.facebook.coom/lifeintransittj or send us an email at LifeInTransitTJ@gmail.com and we may post your message / picture!!