How to Quickly Apply Makeup
Makeup doesn't have to be complicated. However, when you go into any drug or department store, you will be bombarded with cosmetic options. Many of these cosmetics have slick sales pitches that leave you feeling that you need it. Well, the truth of the matter is that you really only need a few basic cosmetics to have glowing skin and sparkling eyes. Even better, you can apply your makeup in 5-10 minutes. After all, who has the time (or energy) to apply a dozen different products to their face in morning?
The Basic Tools You'll Need to Quickly Apply Your Makeup
The basic, essential tools that you'll need to apply your makeup are:
- Concealer
- Foundation
- Blush
- Eye liner
- Mascara
- Eye shadow (definitely enhances your eyes but not necessary if your extra stretched for time)
- Lip color
- Application brushes
You'll also want to use a good moisturizer daily before applying your makeup.
Quick Steps to Applying Makeup
If you only have a couple minutes, the most important things in your makeup bag will be your foundation and mascara. I like to use mineral powders and they always feel light on my skin and leave it feeling flawless. You might have a different preference and that's fine. If you're in a rush, quickly brush on your foundation to smooth out your skin and apply mascara to make your eyes pop. These two steps will be enough for you to look put together. If you have more time, and I'm talking less than 10 minutes, follow these steps and you'll be looking beautiful in no time at all.
The times in each step are estimated and may vary from person to person. My bet is that as you get better at your makeup routine, each step will take less time than the times mentioned below.
Step 1: Apply a Moisturizer (30 seconds)
Make sure it is well-absorbed before applying foundation.
Step 2: Apply Concealer (30 seconds)
Apply your concealer gently under your eyes. Don't rub or pull too hard as the skin under your eyes is very delicate. Apply the concealer anywhere else where you might need some extra cover up.
Step 3: Apply Foundation (2 minutes)
Make sure that your foundation allows your pores to breath. Choosing the right color foundation for your skin is going to make a difference as to whether you look made-up or you have a natural glow. If your foundation looks cakey it's too light. If it looks orangey, it's too dark.
I prefer using a mineral powder as a foundation. It's quick to apply and it doesn't build up in creases. I also find that it feels light on my skin and covers well. It's the most natural-looking foundation I have found. There are many high-end mineral foundations available, but I have found Physicians Formula, which can be found at drugstores, to be affordable and good quality.
Be sure that your foundation is blended well and that you don't have any makeup lines on your chin or neck.
Step 4: Brush on Your Blush (30 seconds)
Using a large applicator brush, rub your blush in circles on the apples of your cheeks. Smiling when applying your blush will show you where to apply it, right, on the round parts of your cheeks. Apply a little blush on the tip of your nose and on your chin as well.
Step 5: Apply Your Eye Shadow (1 minute)
Application brushes make for applying eye shadow will help you to apply your eye shadow smoothly without any harsh makeup lines. You'll want to use 3 different colors of eye shadow: one highlighting color, one base color and one accent color. Your highlighting color will generally be light in color and shimmery. Your accent color will be darker than your base color.
Apply the highlighting color under the brows and in the corners of the eyes that are closest to your nose. Brush your base color all over the lid. Brush your accent color in your crease and a little on the outer corner of your eyes.
Step 6: Apply Eye Liner (1 minute)
Gently rub your eye liner into your lash line. It's normal if you can't get your eye liner lines perfectly smooth. Use an angled brush to smooth your eye liner. This will also soften your eye liner lines.
Step 7: Apply Mascara (1 minute)
Apply several layers of mascara so that your lashes really pop. Finish with an eye lash brush to smooth out any clumps of stuck-together lashes.
Step 8: Apply a Lip Color (30 seconds)
Apply your lip color. Tinted chap stick or lip gloss will go on quickly, easily and don't require lip liner. It's also very easy to touch up throughout the day.
There you have it. Eight easy steps to applying makeup in 7 minutes. If you have time and get good at your makeup routine, you may also want to include other steps, such as:
- Fill in eyebrows with eyebrow color
- Curl your lashes with an eye lash curler
- Apply bronzer right below the cheek bone and on the top of your forehead along the hair line if you have a high forehead
You can complete each of these steps in minutes and they will add an extra oomph to your makeup.
It might initially take some time getting used to applying your makeup. But, with a little practice, you will be able to complete your makeup routine and look flawless in a matter of minutes.
