Welcome to Beauty School!  Every Monday, JET experts will teach you how to preserve your sexy. This week, beauty expert and former pageant gal  Nicole L. Townsend  shares DIY tips and substitutions if your ever find yourself in a makeup jam.

If you’re obsessed with beauty products like I am, or if your friends have secretly gifted you with the nickname, “beauty addict,” then I’m sure you’ve experienced pure gut-retching, “hold up, stop everything, or I will snatch your wig off” agony when you accidentally forget your makeup at home. Before you succumb to a full-blown anxiety attack, check out my DIY tips and substitutions that might already be in your bag.

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Makeup Mishap Level 1

Okay, so you were in a hurry, and you forgot your favorite lip essentials on the kitchen counter. Some would say, “Oh, no biggie,” but for people like “us,” it’s the end of the freaking world! This is the only time that I would advise you to go ahead and use that unmarked lip balm at the bottom of your purse. If you’re coming up empty handed, try to get your hands on a lemon and a packet of sugar to whip up a quick lip scrub. Add water, rub into lips for 30 seconds, and you’ll have brand new smackers!

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Makeup Mishap Level 2

Ah, so you forgot your pressed powder and your nose either looks like Rudolph’s, or you’re blinding folks with the shine. Instead of using tissues or paper towels to blot, use the (unused) toilet seat covers in the restrooms, or buy a pack of tissue paper. I know, it sounds weird, but unlike Kleenex, tissue paper is translucent – and will quickly absorb your oily patches. If you have a spare eye shadow palette in your bag, you can use the lightest cream, pink or neutral shade as a substitute powder. Apply sparingly.

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Makeup Mishap Level 3

My, oh my. You swerved in and out of traffic to make it to the airport, and when you finally get there, you rolled over everyone’s toes with your carry-on rushing to make your flight.  After you check in your hotel room, you realize that you’re S.O.L. on the makeup tip.  Once you pick yourself up, double check to see if you at least have lipstick and mascara. I know some won’t agree with me on this, but your lipstick can double as a blush in emergency situations similar to this one. If you don’t have mascara, but you have a darker shade of eye shadow, wet the tip of the applicator, dip into color and smudge along your lash line and outward to create definition. If you have to find a drugstore, that’s cool, too. Just opt for the 2-for-1 deals so you’ll have extra products in the event of another mishap.

Ever find yourself in a makeup jam? You lived to tell us about it, so please share!