Applying Makeup in Ten Minutes or Less

You have ten minutes to get ready. That’s not long for applying makeup but its certainly doable! You could get it done in five minutes, but ten is best for your makeup application. You really need the extra time making sure your makeup looks good! You’ve got a very busy life, but neatness does count.

Remember, if you’ve only got a few minutes, you can’t be a perfectionist. The trick is to know your colors in advance. What colors of makeup looks best on you and build confidence? Which detract from your natural beauty? All of these are very important and should be answered before you start any makeup routine.

If you constantly find yourself rushing out the door, I suggest you prepare a special makeup bag made up in advance. It should contain everything you need for a quick makeup routine. That way, you’ve only got to set things out and start applying makeup, quickly but professionally!

When you're applying makeup, you can always speed up the process by having everything ready.

Choose colors that compliment your facial tones and look good with your complexion.

Any good makeup routine starts with clean skin. Your skin should be thoroughly cleaned, toned, and moisturized before you start. Get in the habit of doing this every time you get ready to go somewhere. Your makeup and your skin will thank you! Daytime makeup should be elegant, polished, and natural.

Tips for a Five Minute Makeup Routine

Step One - Concealer - A quality concealer is subtle so invest in a good one. Use tones that blend well with your natural tones. Warm concealer’s up on the back of your hands momentarily. Apply with a sponge or fingertips. Smudge them downward and outward with your sponge or fingertips. (Fingertips have natural oils on them that help you blend the concealer!)

Step Two - Loose Powder - For a flawless look, use loose powder first if you use mineral foundations and last if you use liquid, cream, or mousse foundations. I always suggest that you buy translucent loose powders, as these blend with any color foundation. A layer of powder underneath minerals helps them go on more smoothly! A layer on top of creams, liquids, or mousse helps give a more finished look and blends any imperfections in application. The function of any powder is to give a matte, shine-free finish. If you prefer a dewey look, then don’t use powders at all.

Step Three - Foundation - Your goal should be to use a tone that looks totally natural, like a second skin. Sweep foundations over any areas that you've applied concealer's first and any discolorations. This blends them into your natural tone. Apply foundation downwards and outwards to create a more natural finish by avoiding a line on the jaw. Use a makeup brush for minerals and use a sponge brush or triangle for creams, liquids, or mousse. Remember time is of essence when your applying makeup in a hurry, so don't spend too long on this step! Step Four - Shadow - Choose blends of natural shadow colors that blend well with your skin tone. If you make mistakes, you don’t want them to be noticeable. Use two tones only. Lighter eyeshadow colors should be applied to the entire lids and the darker color should go into the crease of the eyes. Use an eyeshadow brush or sponge for easy application.

Step Five - Eyeliner - Most women choose to wear black liner. Apply it to the inside rim of the eyes only for daytime. Also add a line of white eyeliner to your top lids, along the lash line. White liners perk up your face and brighten your eyes. Alternately, you could also apply white liner to the inside rim of the eyes and wear your black liner underneath your lower lashes only. Both of these variations in technique, light up your face and look natural. If you have naturally blonde or red hair with fair lashes, use brown liners instead of black.

Step Six - Eyelashes - Brush and curl lashes to make your eyes appear more wide open. Apply one coat of mascara to top lashes only. Allow to dry for at least 30 seconds.

Step Seven - Eyebrows - Brush brows upward and then brush them towards the outside of the eyes. Tweeze any strays if necessary. Fill in any places you might see skin showing using fine quick strokes. Blend with fingertips.

Step Eight - Blush - Apply natural tones of blush. Pink and peach are two tones to use regularly. Always smile when you’re applying makeup. When you smile, your cheekbones will be more evident. Blush should be lightly stroked on cheekbones, tip of nose, and in the center of your forehead and chin.

Step Nine - Lipsticks - Choose a lip liner that compliments your lipstick. Quickly fill in any flaws in your natural lip lines. Apply lipsticks with a brush. Brushes help you attain a more natural look when the clock is ticking! Brush lipstick to the entire lips, top and bottom.

Step Ten - Tada! - Your finished applying makeup and ready to head out the door!

More Tips

- When you use a sponge, wet them first then wring them out. Makeup blends more easily when they are slightly damp.

- When choosing foundations, you can opt to make your own colors. Use blends of two or more foundations to find your perfect tone.

- For daytime wear, choose lipstick colors that look natural. Or opt for lipglosses instead. These are just too cool not to use regularly!

- Buy eyeshadow that have 4 or more different color combinations in them. These are a great time saver when you're applying makeup. That way you can choose two complimentary colors quickly and easily. If you haven't seen them yet, check out these POP Eyecakes! They are fabulous!



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