There’s a phrase I’ve coined for my own occasional bout of crippling insecurity: “having a moment.” Like my personal heroine above, we all experience this phenomenon at one point or another. It’s natural. But here’s the thing: these feelings should last only a moment. They should be only temporary; nothing but a blip in your day. Acknowledge them– indulge them, even. But then pick yourself up, slap some spackle on your face and go to happy hour. Here are five fool-proof ways to make yourself feel at least 50% better in a time of need.

1. Fresh Coat of Mascara
This might be obvious, but it doesn’t make it any less true. There are days when I slum it at work– throw on leggings and a long sweater and call it a day. There are days when I don’t even accessorize. But I don’t ever go anywhere without mascara. If you’re drooping and find yourself looking haggard in the fluorescently lit ladies’ room mirror, throw on another coat. Mascara instantly brightens your eyes and makes your whole look appear more polished. I recommend Eyeko London’s Black Magic Mascara. It layers well and doesn’t clump, smudge or flake.

2. Under-Eye Concealer
My dark circles are probably the biggest culprits when it comes to having a bad face day. And, oh God, if anyone dares approach me and inform me that I “look a little tired,” forget it. Can we all just agree to never utter those words? In my mind, you’re basically telling me I look like a refugee of the Carnival Cruise disaster or something.

My favorite concealer is Maybelline’s Fit Me Concealer— it’s oil free, light, and doesn’t crease.

3. Add Some Color to Your Cheeks
This is one that my mom likes to advocate. Swiping some blush or bronzer on your cheeks will instantly make you look healthier, and you know, less pallid, sickly and/or near dead. I am absolutely addicted to Josie Maran’s Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee in Honeymoon Honey, a warm brownish tone that makes it look like you’ve been sitting out in the sun. (Ha! Fat chance.) Because it’s a gel, it gives you more of a natural glow than a powder would.

4. Dry Shampoo
If you haven’t yet discovered the wonders of dry shampoo, you need to do so, and quickly. Dry shampoo doesn’t just work on dirty hair– it’s a great tool for creating volume. If your hair is looking flat at the crown or dull after not having been washed for a day, you can easily resurrect it by flipping your head over and spraying away. One of my favorite tricks for the days when I’m too lazy to wash my hair: dry shampoo at the roots, and a spritz of water on the ends to tame any wonkiness. Then I pull all of my hair up in Princess Leia buns while I apply my face. When I’m on my way out the door, I pull out the buns and tousle my hair. Easy loose waves.

My fave, as I have mentioned before, is Klorane’s Extra Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Extract.

5. Add a Coat of Nail Polish
This may not be an option if you’re really on the go, but if you have ten minutes to spare, add a coat of sheer, shimmery polish like Butter London’s Knackered to that boring shade you’re already wearing. Earlier this week I had on some blah mauvey color for a meeting, because that’s what my imitation of professionalism looks like. I got sick of that pretty quickly. Now I feel much more like a unicorn/princess, which is always the objective.

If you’re worried about not having time to fix your nails, say, when you’re about to head out on a date after work, you’ve got to grab Seche Vite’s topcoat. Your nails will be hard as… nails… in less than five minutes. Real talk.

Happy Thursday!