10-MINUTE morning makeup

THE BUSY WOMAN'S GUIDE TO GETTING READY IN UNDER 10 MINUTES

Iwill admit it, I would rather spend 10 minutes in bed snuggling with my daughter than doing an exquisite eye makeup in the morning. I am sure many of you ladies will understand the sentiment. Then again, I don’t want to look I-didn’t-get-a-fullnight’s–sleep exhausted, I want to look polished and put together even though I have been running on coffee and good spirits.

To cut down the morning rush, I have devised a quick and easy makeup look based on my years of makeup product testing and working as a makeup artist. Today I am going to share my 10-minute makeup routine. It’s stress-free, will save you time, and you’ll look and feel beautiful.

face:

You don’t need to put on a moisturizer, a sunscreen and a foundation in the morning if you are in a hurry. Opt for a CC or BB cream with higher SPF. I love IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream and Derma E Tinted BB Cream. Just use it like you apply your moisturizer, with your fingers. Blend it down your neck.

Another tip you can follow is skipping whole-face makeup and going for targeted concealing. Under the eyes and around the nose and mouth are common areas that need concealing. Use a full-coverage liquid concealer that matches your skin color; you don’t need a color correcting or brightening concealer for this look. My favorite is Covergirl TruBlend Undercover Concealer because it’s affordable, found in drugstores and sets well. You don’t have to set it with a powder in Fargo-Moorhead weather. I use two dots under my eyes, blend it either with my finger or a fluffy blending brush.

If your skin is oily you can set the oilier zones with a setting powder. When the weather is dry and cold, I like to skip it.

cheeks:

Choose a bronzer that is matte, not sparkly or glittery. It will add warmth to your skin and make your complexion look healthy. You can definitely choose a blush too, but using just one product will save you time. I suggest a formula like Benefit Cosmetics Hoola or NYX Professional Makeup Matte Bronzer.

eyes:

Curl your lashes and add some mascara like Covergirl Exhibitionist Mascara. If you have made a mascara mess (aka smudges) on the upper lids, don’t worry. Add some bronzer on your lids with a blending brush to add depth and some color. Your eyes are done.

brows:

Use a clear or tinted brow gel to brush your brows and make them polished. Glossier Boy Brow or Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow gels are two amazing products that I use over and over again. They are quick to use, set the brows well and brows look naturally fuller and groomed without making them look too “Instagram-y.”

lips:

For lips, think “my lips, but better” nude-ish pink color. Whatever outfit you choose, you should always have a lip product that is your fail-safe. It can either be a tinted lip balm, a lipstick, a gloss or a lip pencil. If you can squeeze in the time, you can also use a tiny bit of the lip product on the apples of your cheeks. This color will vary according to your complexion. My go-to lip products are Lorac Alter Ego lipstick in CEO and Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Naturally Chic.

To quicken your makeup routine in the morning, I suggest making a small go-bag where you can store your everyday essentials, i.e. a concealer, setting powder, mascara, a small blush/bronzer palette, a brow gel and a lipstick or lip balm.

So Tomorrow Morning

when you are getting ready, follow the above steps and keep your eyes on the clock. How long did it take? Let me know on my Instagram @sifascorner and share your 10-minute makeup look with me. I would love to see it!