Need to be out in a flash? Tips for quick makeup!

Hi friends!

Most people I know either can’t or don’t want to spend much time applying their makeup in the morning before they head out the door. As much as we talk about the next exciting launch, or ask how you can make your highlighter last all day, most of us have the “I’ve-got-to-catch-a-train-mom-on-the-school-run-I’m-going-to-be-so-late” kinda morning routine. So, what to do when you still want to look a bit fresh and polished?? If you’re searching for answers or for inspiration, I’ve listed some (hopefully) helpful tips for quick makeup application in today’s post.

If you’d like to see a specific look I did in less than 10 minutes make sure you check out the routine I did in the post linked below.

Let’s start!

Read this: My quick, 8-minute makeup routine

TIP 1 – DECIDE WHICH FEATURE(S) YOU WANT TO HIGHLIGHT AND TARGET THOSE

Everyone’s product mix is going to be unique and different for a quick makeup, so in order to decide which products to use you need to decide which features you want to spend the most time on. Ask yourself: what areas of my face do I need to address so I feel the most polished and confident? Some people may have lots of redness or blemishes, so they prefer to focus on skin; others may have smaller eyes, so they prefer to focus on applying eyeshadow or liner.

Personally, I need to have some definition on my eyes and cheeks so I will spend a bit more time on those features. I will – at the very least – apply tons of black, volumizing mascara and whack a bright cheek on. I also need my under-eyes to be a bit brightened so I will apply a bit of concealer always.

(If you’re curious, I’m currently loving the Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara and the Flesh Tender Flesh Blush in the shade Pulse. Both are pictured above.)

You need some understanding about your own face (odd to say that, but very true nonetheless), and if you can recognize what the key areas are you will be able to act quickly and strategically when you have little time.

Read this: Want a good ‘ole flushed cheek? Try the Flesh Tender Flesh Blush in Pulse!

TIP 2 – USE PRODUCTS YOU KNOW CAN APPLY AND BLEND QUICKLY

This is not the time for messing around with that foundation or bronzer that needs five minutes alone to blend out! You need to think about the products you have that take mere seconds to apply and blend. It’s all about those lovely, easy-to-use textures and formats. Again, this will be different for everyone.

For me, it’s always going to be cream textures in a stick format when it comes to applying my makeup quickly. Blending with fingers is the easier option for me; I barely want to use brushes when I have little time. I also have dry skin, so a hydrating cream texture is always welcome. There are sooooo many good quality makeup sticks these days that you can literally draw on your foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, contour, blush, bronzer or highlighter – everything!

(Some of my favorites pictured above are the Kiko Velvet Touch Creamy Stick Blush, the Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Sticks, the Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks, and the Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour.)

If you’re adverse to creams, no problem. Just utilize whatever powders or other textures you have in your stash that you know are no-brainers to use.

Read this: Want quick & easy makeup? Grab a stick!

TIP 3 – USE PRODUCTS AND TOOLS IN MULTI-TASKING WAYS

You don’t have to use a separate product for every little thing, especially when you’re short on time. Some products and tools can be used for multiple purposes in multiple ways. For instance, you can use an emollient concealer – like the Glossier Stretch Concealer – as both concealer and foundation applied all over the face. Or you can use a creamy lipstick – like the Flower Beauty Mix n’ Matte Lip Duo – as both lipstick and blush. Matte brown eyeshadows can be used not only on the eyes, but also in the brows, as bronzers, or even as cheek contours. My mom is obsessed with the NYX Highlight & Contour Palette, which is like a one-stop shop for everything (except coverage and lashes).

You get the idea, the options are abundant.

Read this: Think like an MUA! How to be product resourceful

Plus, cutting down on the amount of brushes you use can also be helpful in cutting down on time. Try using that fluffy eye brush to also blend out your blush or highlighter, or use a larger powder brush to dust on a small amount of eyeshadow. Concealer brushes can also be used to blend out eyeshadow as well. Again, you get the idea here!

I hope you found my tips on quick makeup to be helpful! Do you have any of your own I should know? Pop it down below!

xo, Erica

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