Getting that perfect look for a gala event normally takes a good bit of time. But there are times when you just need simple makeup for a day at work or to meet with friends. Looking good does not necessarily require that you spend hours with your makeup kit. When you have limited time for makeup, you can use this quick and easy 5 minute routine to look elegant and ready.
A few points to remember:
• Do a periodic check of your makeup kit and all of its contents including surgical alcohol, sanitizers, brushes and brush cleansers and replace empty containers. That way, you will never run out of that perfect lipstick or favorite eye shadow right when you need it for a quick makeup session.
• Clean your brushes regularly and ensure that you wipe off all the makeup with a tissue after each use so that they are always ready for use. When you are in a hurry you do not have the luxury of time to clean brushes.
• Ensure that you have a compact kit where you store all your makeup. Replace individual products in the kit after every use. When you are in a hurry, all you need is this kit and you have everything you need for quick makeup at your fingertips.
The key objective of the 5 minute makeup routine is to look fresh and bright. Focus on doing away with the signs of tiredness and those black circles. Keep your makeup light so that you get that breezy, polished look in minutes. A good way to cut makeup time, without compromising on your look, is to opt for products that do double duty, for example, tinted moisturizers.
The 5 Minute Makeup Routine
Prepare your skin for makeup with a moisturizer. If the black circles under the eyes are very prominent, the first step is to apply your concealer. Set the concealer with a dab of translucent powder. To add color to your face, you can either use the tinted moisturizer at the very beginning or opt for blushes after you have applied the concealer. Tinted moisturizers with SPF are a great option if you will be spending a lot of time outside. Remember to apply the moisturizer right down to your neck line.
If you prefer adding a blush, choose soft, light shades like pale pink or peach. A bronzer may also give you the color you desire without making the final look very heavy and thick. Use the bronzer sparingly over your cheekbones to lend definition to your facial structure. Lightly brush along your hairline and chin too with the remaining bronzer/blush.
Cream blushes are also a good option for a quick makeup session. They look great on the cheeks and they can work as eye shadow too. Of course, for the latter, they have to be the right shade. Cream blushes have the perfect texture to give your face a bright, moisturized glow without appearing greasy.
The eyes come next in your 5 minute makeup routine. A shadow pencil is a good choice if you want to quickly define your eyes while giving the lids a hint of color too. Dark eye shadow highlights your eyes and draws attention to them instantly. Neutral shades add a subtle definition without actually making your eyes the focal point of your face. The challenge with dark shades is that minor flaws in the makeup will stand out quite visibly. Unless you are a pro with your eyeliner/eye pencil, you should opt for the safer neutral shades for a quick makeup session.
For those who prefer eyeliners, start with the inner corner of your eye, keep to the lash line and slightly thicken the line as you reach the outermost corner of your eye. Blend with a brush and apply your mascara. If you have an extra minute you can curl your lashes with an eyelash curler before the mascara goes on. Unless you want to make your makeup heavier, limit yourself to a single coat of mascara. A touch of white at the innermost corner gives your eyes a shimmer and makes them look bright.
Kohl pencils are also an option for minimalistic eye makeup. Simply run the pencil over your waterline to get subtly defined eyes. Using eye shadow with a light shimmer gives your eyes a fresh, dewy look, eliminating signs of tiredness.
To complete your look for the day, your lips need a swipe of gloss. Light, punchy shades keep you looking fresh and full of life. If you use a lip balm, then pick one with tint so that it can double up as your lip color for your 5 minute makeup routine. If you do want to add a lipstick, pick soft shades like nude beige, or rosy tints. Avoid cherry reds or bright pinks for the quick makeup session.