How to Apply Makeup in Less Than 5 Minutes

In a rush? Need to put makeup on in a hurry without looking like you did? This article will give you some great tips on how to do just that!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Your first step needs to be done when you're not in a rush. Take a good look at your face and decide what needs concealing, what needs highlighting, etc. For example, some women have small eyes and they need to wear eyeliner every day, whereas women with larger eyes can probably go without. You may have an uneven skin tone or feel naked without lipstick, but you have thick eyelashes naturally. Do this "inventory" of your own face and features when you have a few minutes. Make a decision about what must be done every day before you leave and what is unnecessary for your face.

2. Second, get your makeup organized. This too is important to do when you have a few minutes. Toss out anything that's too old or that you never use. Your everyday items should be in front or on top, easy to get at, whereas items you use only occasionally (false eyelashes, glittery eyeshadow) should be in the back and out of the way. Don't hesitate to keep getting rid of makeup that's old or never used so you can keep yourself organized, which will help you get makeup on quicker every day.

3. Now that you're organized and know what you need every day, it's time to apply. Most women need to use foundation, blush, powder, a small amount of eyeliner, mascara, and a natural shade of lipstick; anything more than this is probably too much for every day! Prep your skin with moisturizer or vitamin E oil, and then apply foundation with a sponge or your fingertips. Sweep on blush and blend it in, then a slight application of powder. Curl your eyelashes if necessary and add a small amount of eyeliner, then a few coats of mascara. If you're in a rush, remember that lipstick can go on when you're in the car!

4. Your last step is to give yourself a quick "once over" before you walk out the door. Is your foundation even and blended in along the jawline? Is your blush subtle and natural or do you need to rub some off? Check your teeth for lipstick as well.

5. If you can't do the above application in less than 5 minutes, you're probably doing far too much for everyday makeup. Remember that most people (including men!) like a more natural look on women rather than a look that's more appropriate for the disco, so tone down the cosmetics and let your natural features shine through!

Tips & Warnings

• If you're used to slathering on the eyeshadow, lip liner, and several coats of other items during the day, it may take some time to get used to a more natural look but once you do you may realize just how pretty you are without all those extras and wonder why you ever wore them in the first place!
• Remember too that you need to apply makeup for your own face. If you must have under-the-eye concealer then apply it, but if you have very thick eyelashes you can go with just one or two coats of mascara rather than the several coats someone else might need. If you apply makeup for your own face you can skip unnecessary elements and get out the door quicker.

[StarrySkye]

on 2/3/2009 Great tips...I'm always in a hurry!