One consequence of waking up late is a sloppy, rushed makeup job that results in feelings of insecurity and diffidence. However, the days of caked on foundation, smeared mascara, and crooked lipstick will be long gone once you grasp the following techniques for looking great on any time budget.
Fifteen Minutes to Fabulousness
Fifteen minutes may not seem very long, but it is actually more than enough time to perform an abbreviated beauty routine. Start by washing with a gentle facial cleanser, followed by applying moisturizer with sunscreen. If foundation is a must have, invest in a tinted moisturizer such as a BB or CC cream, which provide rapid and immediate coverage without flaking or dryness. Otherwise, dab a concealer on problem areas and use a bright lipstick to divert attention. To highlight eyes, apply one coat of mascara and, if time and skills permit, draw a simple wing with liner. Swipe white eyeshadow lightly around the eyes to give a sense of alertness and conceal eye bags.
Ten Minutes and Out the Door
Use a cleansing wipe to remove oils and any leftover makeup residue before applying a tinted moisturizer. To brighten skin, sweep a highlighter across the top of cheekbones and use lip balm for a natural look. However, if glamour is what you are looking for, swipe on a matte, highly pigmented lipstick and fill in eyebrows, adhering to the natural shape. The result will be a powerful and impactful look. If you want the appearance of thicker lashes, but do not have time for mascara, use a black liner to wet-line (fill in the edge of your upper eye lid).
Five Minute Countdown
With only five minutes, the trick is to focus on only one feature to showcase, whether it is eyes, lips, or cheeks. However, clean skin is still a must so splash water over your face and gently dry with a towel. There may not be time to carefully apply foundation, so a few dabs of concealer will have to suffice. If the focus is to be on eyes, apply two coats of mascara, and then brush your brows to make them appear neat and orderly. As well, dab a silvery liner at the inner corner of eyes to make them seem larger. For lips, moisturize with a lip balm before applying a stain for color that lasts all day. To highlight cheeks, use a light blush on the apples, or dab on some bronzer. To ensure the bronzer is applied correctly, make a fishy face and swipe a sheer layer in the hollows.
Absolutely No Time
Believe it or not, a morning commute on public transit is more than enough time to look good even without a mirror. The trick is to only bring colorless, but moisturizing, cosmetics to avoid obvious errors. Although attempting to apply lipstick is a bad idea, use a tinted lip balm to add some (easily removable and fixable) color. As well, grab some makeup removing wipes and swipe across the eye area in particular to remove any hint of old residue for a clean look.
