A Makeup Routine to Take You From Rundown to Radiant in 5 Minutes

“The 5 Minute Face”

Let’s face it, it’s hard for women to find time to put on a full, glamorous face of makeup every morning. Of course you might invest more time on certain mornings when you want to look your best, but what about going to the gym or run errands? You probably don’t want to leave the house with a bare face; but it’s hard to find a routine that gives you a fresh, beautiful face without all the time and effort. This is where “The 5 Minute Face” can come in handy. “The 5 Minute Face” is a makeup routine that involves 7 easy steps that can take you from run down to radiant in five quick minutes.

It’s important to have the right tools at your disposal for quick and accurate application. Following are the tools you’ll need for “The 5 Minute Face.”

• Moisturizer: A light daily moisturizer that is made specifically for the face and ideally has SPF in it, is a great way to prep your face.
• Concealer: A concealer that is 1 to 2 shades lighter than your natural skin tone will work to brighten eyes and cover unwanted blemishes. For that extra boost, try a concealer that uses undertones to even out complexion and counteract redness and dark circles. For redness, try a concealer with an undertone of green. For under the eye, try one with hints of yellow.
• Mascara: Mascara is a quick way to make your eyes pop and add that touch of flirty femininity. For lighter complexions, a dark brown color is a great option for a daytime look. Black works great for darker skin tones.
• Facial Powder: Powder offers quick coverage with a light feel and is easy to apply. Make sure that the powder matches your skin tone perfectly. If in doubt, go to a makeup counter to have them match your skin to the right product.
• Blush: Blush is one of the quickest ways to rejuvenate your look. Go with a lighter, more translucent color that you can layer to achieve the right shade.
• Light Shimmer: This can come in the form of an eyeshadow or translucent loose powder. The shade of shimmer will depend on your skin tone. White is good for light complexions, champagne for olive skin tones, and gold for darker tones. Ideally the color of shimmer should compliment and blend naturally with your skin.
• Lipgloss: Depending on how subtle you want your gloss, it can be tinted or clear. Lipgloss is a quick and easy way to emphasize lips.
• Makeup Brushes: Although you can use sponge applicators, makeup brushes are the best way to ensure accurate and smooth application. For this look I recommend a foundation brush, a powder or blush brush, and a small eyeshadow brush. It’s ideal if brushes are made out of natural hair or sable.
• Eyelash Comb: An eyelash comb helps to ensure that your eyelashes don’t clump together from mascara and helps to keep your look soft and natural looking. It looks just like a small comb and often has an eyebrow brush attached on the other side. Eyelash combs can be found at most stores that carry makeup products.

Following is a list of seven easy steps that you can do in five minutes or less for a beautiful, natural, and easy face of makeup.

1.Apply moisturizer all over your face and neck.

2.With a small foundation brush, use concealer on any unwanted blemishes, around the nose, and under the eye. First dab concealer on each area, and then go back and blend using a soft patting movement with your brush.

3.Use Facial Powder all over the face and lightly dust onto neck for proper blending. Facial powder can be applied with a big brush or the pad that comes in most compacts. If you’re using a brush, I recommend that you swirl it in the powder and then tap the top of the handle (closest to the brush) on a table or on your wrist. This helps to remove excess product. Don’t apply powder too thickly; the facial powder is just used to reduce shine and blend your overall complexion, while still achieving a very natural look.

4.Use a large brush to apply blush to the apples of the cheeks. Also tap the brush to remove excess. If you’re unsure where to apply, smile in the mirror and then apply to the portion of your cheek that swells up. Use less, and then apply more as needed. It’s much easier to add more than to remove (and you don’t want to look like Shirley Temple).

5.Using a small brush or foundation wedge, dab a small amount of shimmer on the upper cheek bone to create a highlight. Do the same on the brow bone (beneath the eyebrow) and inner corner of the eye. The goal here is to highlight your face without making the shimmer obvious. If you’re unsure if the shimmer is blended well enough, after application brush over eyes and cheeks again with your powder brush.

6.Apply two coats of mascara, not allowing the mascara to dry between coats. Use an eyelash comb to perfect the look of your lashes.

7.Finish off your look with a lipgloss or tinted chapstick for a subtle pop of color.

Tada! This should leave you looking fresh and natural. You can go about your day and be confident that you are putting your best face forward without investing too much time and effort. The first few times, the application may take longer, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be looking beautiful and out the door in under fifteen minutes!