I'm not a morning person and I hate to admit it, but I'm also really lazy. It's not that I don't like to put effort into things, I just like the easy way out.
So as much as I love putting on makeup before leaving for work in the morning, I would much rather stay in bed and get the maximum amount of sleep possible.
I set my alarm 30 minutes before I actually have to wake up, but some days I find myself hitting snooze so much so that I end up falling behind and then having to scurry around to look presentable for work. Those are the days when I wished that I was brave enough to walk out the door without any makeup, but then I remember that I'm not Beyoncé "I woke up like this" Knowles.
Sure, some will say that I don't need makeup, but to me, it's not just about looking prim and proper. I really do enjoy wearing makeup and the time I spend applying it, even if it only takes a few minutes, is my daily "me time." It's sort of therapeutic and a confidence booster when I look and feel good at the end.
So, like me, if you love both sleep and makeup, then you've most likely spent some time trying to figure out ways to quicken your routine. If you're reading this, then it's probably because you still haven't found a solution, but you've come to the right place!
For those days when you hit the snooze button more than you really should, or when you just don't really feel like contouring and highlighting, here's a super simple and quick five-step, five-minute routine that will get you out the door looking great and on time.
Step 1: Face
Skip the foundation and reach for a tinted moisturizer, preferably with SPF, instead. This will give you just the right amount of coverage while keeping your face moisturized. Plus, unlike foundation, it won't oxidize and you won't have to spend extra time trying to make sure it's blended into your skin.
How to apply: Dab a few dots of the tinted moisturizer on your forehead, cheeks, chin, nose, neck, and under your eyes, then use your fingertips or brush to blend it.
Tip: Many tinted moisturizers contain SPF, but if yours does not then you should apply sunscreen to your face and neck beforehand.
Step 2: Conceal
If you still have noticeable dark spots or blemishes to hide, then a concealer will be your friend.
How to apply: They key is to not put too much on. Draw an upside down triangle under your eyes, then gently blend using a blending sponge, brush or your ring finger (it's the weakest finger, so it'll do the job without causing wrinkles in the long run).
Tip: To prevent your concealer from creasing, set it with a translucent setting powder. Before the concealer dries, dab a small amount of the powder on the area, then use a sponge to blend it in.
You're almost halfway there!
Step 3: Brows
Defining your eyebrows shape your face and make you look so much more put together. Sure, it can seem intimidating, but you really don't have to be a pro to do it well.
How to apply: Comb your brows up, then using the brow pencil or cream-gel color, fill in any gaps in your eyebrows using short, light strokes to mimic your natural brow hairs.
Tip: If you want to add an extra minute to your routine, you can clean up your brows with concealer. Apply it underneath and above your eyebrows, staying as close to the edges as possible, then blend well.
Step 4: Eyes
Applying eye shadow is the step that often takes up the most amount of time. Since we can't spare extra time playing with multiple brushes and palettes, an eye shadow stick or pencil will come in handy. Of course, mascara is important too.
How to apply: For an everyday shade, opt for one that would be regarded as "nude" for your skin. Rub the lighter color on your lids , then use a darker shade for the outer corner of your eyes. Use your fingers or a brush to blend the shadow inward as well as up into the crease.
Tip: To make you appear a lot more awake than you really are, line your waterline with a white eye liner. You can also use a highlighter under your brows to make your eyes pop even more.
Step 5: Lips and Cheeks
A two-in-one lip and cheek product is all you'll need for this final step. Finding a shade that's close to your natural flush will do the trick because you won't even have to spend time blending it in at all. Plus adding color to your lips will make it seem like you actually tried.
How to apply: Smile so you can find the apple of your cheeks, then swipe the product right underneath them. Use your fingers to gently tap and blend in an upwards motion. Next, apply some of the stain onto your lips, and you're all set!
This is exactly how I get ready on most weekdays, and it really doesn't make me feel like I spent the entire morning getting ready. I play some music in the background to get me pumped for the day, and before I know it, I look like I have been up for hours.