Five Minute Beauty

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Have you ever had those days where you over book yourself to too many events in one day? Lately it feels that way for me, going from one place to another in a matter of seconds it feels. Many of those times I have to change my look to fit where ever I go to next which means I have to carry a bag with a few makeup essentials for an easy on the go look. My makeup routine isn't very elaborate to begin, I usually like to keep one area the focal point, for example dramatic eyes or bold lips. With a mad- dash makeup routine minimal is key. 

In a rush, the minimum is best. With this makeup routine, one of my core basics is a foundation/ bb cream. A bb cream combines the moisturization and coverage you need, with the essential protection from pollution and uv rays. The one i've been using lately, Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer. The color is blends easily, provides enough coverage so that you wouldn't need to reach for a concealer. This step would only take about a minute long. 

Every woman strives to achieve a dewy look, the best way to do it is with cream blushes. Creamy products are a makeup bag must have when you travel because the formula allows for application on the cheeks or the lips. In a time crunch, two in one makeup products are the best! Cream blushes are also easy to apply with your fingers. I like to use Make Up Forever High Definition Blush, it blends for a natural flushed look. This step would take about 30 seconds long. 

I never leave home without mascara, lashes easily frame your face. I have so many mascaras but the one in frequent rotation for me right now is Rimmel London's Scandaleyes by Kate Moss. The wand of mascaras makes the world of a difference when applying, curved brushes make it so much easier and quicker. This step takes about minute long, it also depends on how much intensity you want. 

Lips are my favorite part about the makeup process. Lips can make or break your look which is why I labor myself in finding great lip stains that do it all. Lately I have been loving Laura Geller's Love Me Dew Lip Crayon. It stays put without the use of a lip liner and can go on as sheer or as intense as you want it. It's like a lip balm with the power of a lip stain, #perfect! This process takes about 30 seconds long. 

I never skip highlighting, it helps make you go from tired to bright eyed in seconds. It gives any complexion that golden and dewy look. I usually apply in the irises of my eyes, the brow bones, top of cheek bones and a bit in my cupid's bow. I'm addicted to the glow, and lately i've been using Cynthia Rowley's Illuminator. This would take about a minute to complete. 

The finishing touches, for when you have some time to spare should be spent on blending, to get rid of any harsh lines. Using a sealing powder to lock the look in and get rid of excess shine. My skin tends to get oily throughout the day, using a blending brush and Make Up For Ever's Micro Finish Powder to complete my look. 

Seamless, right?! Quick and simple application is like "anti- definition," soft versus strong, smooth versus well blended. It doesn't have to be perfect but good enough that the makeup  compliments your natural beauty and complexion. All in all, this routine saves me a lot of time and allows me to focus on bigger things, like what I'm actually going to wear! Dear readers, what are your favorite time saving tips for hectic mornings, afternoons or evenings?