Do you ever get caught at work in a beauty blunder and think “Uh-Oh! What now?” Well, you don’t have to go run home or close up shop. I have some tips to help make those times of distress a creative experience and put your mind at ease! All you need are a few office supplies that should be easy to find at your time in need.

…Wardrobe

SAFETY PINS:  These are the save all! You never know when you’re going to need one of these. In fact I always carry a safety pin in purse for a just-in-case moment. What if you need to fix a strap, lose a button, or your zipper breaks?

STAPLER:  This my favorite! If your hem is dragging or a skirts too long, look to your stapler. If you staple something that is dark and don’t want the silver prongs of the staples to show, color the staples using a Sharpie. make sure to staple from the inside. A stapler has saved my day with a pair of heels as well when the ankle strap broke!

TAPE:  Not only do I work in a salon around hair and wear black, but I now have a puppy. Sometimes I forget the lint roller and that’s where tape becomes my best friend. Roll up a piece of tape (any kind will do) and run it over your clothes to remove unwanted hair or fuzz. Scotch tape can also be used to remove makeup, such as smudged eyeliner. *BONUS* Double Sided Tape: Can be used to hem a dress/skirt/pants, fix straps, fix a necklace, and prevent peep shows!

ERASERS:  Have you ever Lost a back to your earring (especially an expensive one)? If you have, use a piece of an eraser in its place (cork can work too).

…Hair

PENS & PENCILS:  I sometimes prefer a writing utencil over a hair tie. They make great hair tools! Instead of using a rubber band (that will damage your hair), twist your hair into a bun and secure it with pencil or pen.

PAPER CLIPS:  Think outside the box, ladies. They can actually also be used to pin back hair, de-clump mascara, and even hold you stubborn zipper up that keeps sliding down.

…Nails & Makeup

WHITE OUT:  Need to manicure your nails before a meeting? Use white out to line the tips of your nails with for a quickie French manicure.

HI-LITER:  This is also good if you need a manicure, but looking for a pop of color. Just choose a pink or orange (great for Spring and Summer), apply, and ta-da!

BUSINESS CARDS:  Use them to blot your lipstick! This may sound weird, but you can also fold them and use them to pick your teeth and clean under your nails. That is of course if you don’t carry floss and an orange wood stick

TOILET SEAT COVERS:  When you’re in a bind, use a toilet seat cover to absorb excess oil. It’s made out of the same material that face blotting papers are made of to absorb excess face oil. It works! I know it’s not exactly glamorous, but it’s a great secret to know about. This trick has come in handy plenty of times when I’ve forgotten my powder.