Quick Fixes for 5 Major Beauty and Fashion Emergencies

Marie Claire

We asked the pros for their most tried-and-true tricks for any - and we do mean any - last-minute beauty or fashion emergencies.

1. Chipped Nails

According to L.A.-based manicurist Jenna Hipp, if it's minor, dab a touch of rubbing alcohol directly on the area to remove oils, then follow with a spot of matching color over the chip. Two minutes later, apply a top coat. If you're prone to post-mani chips, Hipp recommends trying a nude shade that mimics skin (like HIPPxRGB Nail Foundation Nail Lacquer, $16) so it's less visible. "Steer clear of metallic and matte finishes that tend to accentuate imperfections and are harder to cover up."

2. Broken Heel

Unless you have some serious secret cobbling skills, fixing a broken heel requires professional attention. "Depending on the severity, an emergency tube of ShoeGoo can be a temporary solution," says Chassie Post, lifestyle editor at Gilt.com in NYC. "Otherwise, the stilettos have to come off." She always tucks a pair of roll-up flats in her purse, just in case.

Related: 10 Ways To Get Your Energy Up In 5 Minutes Or Less

3. Fallen Hem

Keep a roll of hairpiece tape handy. "It's called TopStick [$4, try wigwarehouse.com] and it's a stylist's best friend, responsible for keeping J.Lo in her dresses, RuPaul in his wigs, and repairing hems in a jiffy," Post explains. "If I don't have it on me, I use masking tape, duct tape, even a stapler [paint the staples black with a Sharpie] to fix a rogue hem." A paper clip works in a pinch, says Shopbop stylist Aya Kanai. "If it shows, just roll with it as part of the look."

4. Loose Button

If you don't have time to break out the sewing kit, a twist tie can also do wonders on small buttons - "remove paper, thread wire through the button, and twist the tie in back," says Post.

Related: 25 Secrets Men Keep From Women

5. Migrating Makeup

When lipstick or eye products begin to run, Uzo, the bicoastal and international lead makeup stylist for Nars, suggests forgoing traditional removers and using a primer instead. "Removers have a tendency to wipe away the entire look rather than just fixing one area," she says. "Place a drop of oil-free primer on the edge of a Q-tip and gently swipe away migrating makeup." Or, Uzo adds, try a concealer. Blending in a small amount will correct a minor mess.

More from MarieClaire.Com:
12 Sneaky Ways Celebs Stay Thin
50 Hairstyle DON'Ts and Dos
30 Ways To Look Younger
How To Look Great In Every Photo