This 5-Minute Makeup Routine Is Perfect For When You’re Running Late
We've all been there. Whether it's our fault for not getting out of bed earlier or simply that several other chores piled up, being late is one of the most common things that can severely affect our mood for the rest of the day.
And when you’re already late, likely frustrated, and even panicked, the last thing you want to focus on is creating an elaborate makeup look just so you don’t look like you’re late, frustrated, and panicked.
Luckily, you don't have to. There are many ways you can quickly make yourself look presentable and ready for whatever else the day brings without overcomplicating your life.
Below you will find a step-by-step guide that will help you achieve a perfect makeup look in only five minutes. Now, every girl’s makeup “non-negotiables” are different. Some won’t leave the house without lipstick; for others, it’s mascara or concealer. Knowing what your “must apply” products are will help you maximize your makeup look and minimize the time commitment. With that in mind, if one of the steps below isn’t particularly important to you, skip it and save the seconds!
Even Out Your Complexion with Lightweight Foundation
First things first: the most important thing to start with is an even canvas. Therefore, consider using a lightweight foundation that will even out your complexion and give you a smooth base to work on.
Apply a thin layer of your favorite foundation and gently pat it into the skin with a makeup sponge or a foundation brush.
Product to try: Estée Lauder Double Wear Sheer Long-Wear Makeup SPF 19
Hide Dark Undereye Circles
Using a lightweight concealer that's one or two shades lighter than your foundation will efficiently brighten the undereye area and cover up puffiness, uneven skin tone, and dark undereye circles.
If you want your concealer to double as an undereye cream, opt for something that contains active ingredients to hydrate and plump the delicate area, such as the Milk Makeup Under Eye Brightening Concealer. Or if you want something that's full coverage to cover up prominent dark circles, try the IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Concealer.
Brush and Fill In Your Eyebrows
Brushed and filled-in eyebrows can truly elevate your entire look because they draw so much attention to your face, so it's always a good idea to keep them on fleek.
You can use a clear gel to brush and set the tiny hairs in place before filling them in, or you can opt for a pigmented brow gel to save more time and skip the step of filling them in.
The Essence Baby Got Brows eyebrow pencil and Make Me Brow Gel Mascara are great and affordable eyebrow products.
Set Everything with Powder
Setting your face with a lightweight powder will not only make the complexion appear polished and more uniform but will also prevent your foundation and concealer from settling into fine lines, making them appear more prominent.
Besides that, a setting powder will help your foundation and concealer look fresh for a longer time, and it can be great if you live somewhere where the weather gets hot and humid or if you have oily skin.
Product to try: Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Powder
Define Your Face with Bronzer
Bronzer is the go-to beauty product for getting a golden, sun-kissed glow any time of the year. But besides that, a dusting of bronzer accentuates and lifts your cheekbones, sculpts your features, and creates a warm radiance in seconds.
Whether you prefer a matte or a shimmery bronzer, your bronzer should be applied in a 3-shape on the side of your face. Start by sweeping your brush along your hairline on your forehead, then follow your hairline down to your cheekbones. Then, bring the color to the apples of your cheeks, and swirl back again to shade along your jawline. Just remember to blend in sweeping circular motions to avoid any harsh lines or splotches.
Product to try: Essence Sun Club Bronzing Powder
Add Definition to the Eyes
The bronzer doesn't have to stop at your cheeks and hairline. Instead, you can grab a fluffy eyeshadow brush and add some more of the same product in the crease of the eyes or all over the lid.
This will add beautiful definition to the eyes and will also match the bronzy vibe without overwhelming the look with too many different colors or taking too much time to create.
Product to try: NYX Professional All Over Shadow Brush
Apply Mascara
Mascara is a step you certainly shouldn't forget about in your 5-minute makeup look, as this is the product that will truly make you look more awake and well put together.
You can also pop on some natural-looking false eyelashes to complete the entire eye look if you have the time to.
Product to try: Red Cherry Lashes 747 S
Finish Up with a Lip Color
The best thing about doing a natural makeup look is that you can use any lip color you want, and it will look nice.
If you want, you can tone down the entire look by opting for a nude or neutral color, or you can make the lips be the main detail on the scene by using a dark or bright red, orange, purple, or whatever you feel like really.
Closing Thoughts
Even though taking a long time to create elaborate makeup looks is a relaxing thing to do for many women, realistically, this isn't always an option. This is why it's a great idea to know how to make the best out of what you have, even if that means fitting an entire 30-minute makeup routine in less than five.
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