How To Nail The 5 Minute Makeup By Charlotte Ravet

Beautiful makeup often takes time...but not always! As a makeup artist, I am not a huge fan of doing my own makeup and I like to spend minimal time in front of the mirror. It’s important for me to always be well presented for my clients, with fresh and glowy makeup that is easy and simple to apply. If you don’t have much time, it’s important to prioritise. Follow these simple steps to create the perfect base on yourself or for your clients after a treatment, in only 5 minutes!

RULE # 1

Less is more! Often clients tell me, I look very tired today, so you can put a lot on…, the truth is, I do the reverse! Adding thick foundation on skin which is already tired is not going to last and enhancing eyes and lips will accentuate tired look. When we are tired, the skin tends to look more dehydrated, eyes can be irritated and lips dry. I apply a good hydrating moisturiser which will soak into the skin (while I am brushing my teeth, for example) to give me a nice and refreshed base to work on.

What should we focus on first?

Skin ! Do not start with eyeshadow until you have a clean canvas to work on. I start by applying a lightweight foundation or a tinted moisturiser. The job of the foundation is to even the skin tone, so do not worry at this stage if you can still see imperfections. I apply concealer to cover pigmentation, breakouts and dark circles. Under the eyes, I like to use cream or fluid concealer, as the skin is thinner. For imperfections and pigmentation, I go with a wax based concealer which is going to offer more coverage. If dark circles are very visible, I lightly apply a peach toned concealer to absorb the unwanted undertone. If time allows, I use a liquid concealer, a shade lighter and apply on the creases: under the eyes, on the smile lines to give the illusion of plump skin. I use a stippling motion with a brush or dab the product with the fingertips to blend it. I will then powder using a loose translucent powder applied from the chin moving in an upward motion to avoid any fallouts which can create patches if the makeup hasn’t set yet.

Blush and highlights

I always prefer cream products which I usually apply before the powder to perfectly set them for the day, but if you prefer powder or liquid blush, it is fine too! Simply apply a fresh pink or peachy shade. The placement of the blush is very important, it can change the look and proportion of features. For everyday application, simply apply on the cheeks but do not go further than the arch of the eyebrows. If you were to draw a line, your blush should not be placed under the middle of your eyes, this will make you look tired. Try to apply the blush in rounded motions to avoid creating a clear line. Finish your blush application on the eyes! Simply brush the colour quickly onto the upper eyelid. A creamy champagne tone can then be applied to the upper cheekbones, just on the middle of the nose bridge and on the upper lips. This will give the illusion of volume.

Eyes

If you are really in a hurry, simply use the quick tips using your blush and focus on the lashes. Curl the lashes first, if necessary and then apply generously mascara starting from the bottom lashes and then upper lashes to avoid creating a patch on the eyelids. If you have 30 seconds you can use a cream eyeshadow which is set after application. You can now find plenty of choices of pencil cream eyeshadows on the market. Do not apply foundation, or concealer on your eyelids if you use them, start applying the product closer to the lash line and blend it with your fingers on the crease. If you do not have cream eyeshadow a brown or deep nude liquid lipstick will also do the trick! I love using them on the eyes for quick makeup which will last all day!

Eyebrows

With an eyebrow pencil, preferably a shade a bit ashy, I start by accentuating the arch first and then only feel the gaps. There is no need to fill all the eyebrows with product, only apply where needed. I will set them in place with a clear mascara.

Lips

If you have created a nice base and eyebrows, you can use any shade of lipstick! On busy mornings, I like to slick my hair back, create a fresh base with the step above and use a matt red. Always smile with lips closed or ask your client to make sure the lipstick hasn’t been applied underneath the actual lips.

Voilà! You or your client are now ready to walk out the door looking amazing!

Credits Photographers: Anniss+Barton Model: Kerrara from Chadwicks Stylist: Bianca Rose