Make Your Cosmetics Work as Hard as You Do

You barely have time to apply makeup in the first place — where will you find time for reapplying throughout the day? Look for long-wearing makeup so you can put it on once and forget it for the rest of the day.

• To make long-lasting makeup last even longer, spray your makeup with a fine mist of water to seal it and eliminate the need to reapply during the day.

• Try products that pull double-duty, such as a stain that can work on your lips and cheeks, a concealer that also works as an eyelid primer, or a foundation that contains SPF.

• Long-lasting applies to nail care, too. Keep your nails short and neatly filed, and use polish that comes in “extreme wear” formulas to resist nicks and chips. Or think clear — a pretty, barely there pink or completely clear polish can help you look finished and won’t show wear and tear.

Figure Out What You Need (and Dump What You Don’t)

Naturally dark, lush lashes? Well, not only are you lucky — you don’t need mascara! Or maybe your lips already have a nice hue and don’t need the help of lipstick. Figure out what you feel comfortable dropping out of your makeup repertoire (unfortunately, you may still need the under-eye concealer), and stick with the essentials that fit your personal needs to save precious time.

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Five-Step Makeup Routine

So, you’ve figured out what you need and don’t need in your makeup bag. Now it’s time to put your knowledge to good use. How can you get ready in five simple steps? Try this routine:

Conceal It

First, use a concealer to cover any dark circles, pimples, or face discoloration.

Apply Your Base

Then, use a tinted moisturizer as your makeup base. If you don’t have a tinted moisturizer, combine your usual foundation (or aforementioned concealer) with your normal moisturizer.

Open Up Your Eyes

Next, apply mascara (if you need it). If you don’t, think about curling your eyelashes.

Blush a Little

After that, take a cheek stain or blush and apply it to the apples of your cheeks, rubbing in a circular motion. Set it all with a pressed powder.

And Touch Up Your Lips

Lastly, take your cheek stain and use it as a lip stain, or take a tinted lip gloss and apply to lips.

For hair styling tips when you’re short on time, go to Quick Hair Tips.