The 5-Minute Face

I’m tired of the whining. We’re all busy, but rarely does someone not have the time to pull themselves together before leaving the house. You know who looks good bare faced? Children and genetic freaks (Brazilian super models). That’s it. The rest of us have to be a little more scrappy. It’s alright, it builds character.

I have a cousin who is an unrehabilitated shopaholic. She’s also a slob. Every surface of her room is covered with material possessions. When asked why she chooses to reside in such a slovenly manner, her response is “Because when I clean, I really clean. It takes me days. I take a toothbrush to the tile grout. I won’t stop until everything shines.” This is the same cousin who sleeps in her makeup because it “protects” her face (I fully expect her to send me her therapy bills by the way). Why am I telling you about my screwed up relative? Because it’s applicable to a common misconception that you need to put in an enormous amount of time and effort to look good – a kind of all or nothing mentality. Look if you have 5-minutes, you can look presentable to the world. That’s less than the time you spend gossiping about the hot chick in the corner office you want to believe is up to no good. 15-minutes? Even better, you’ll look like a movie star. This small investment of time and energy will make you feel immeasurably better about yourself through out the day. So what are the essentials when you’re pressed for time? Starting with the most important:

When you’re really crunched for time…

1. Concealer – applying concealer under the eyes will make you instantly look refreshed and awake. Spot conceal any blemishes as well. Kanebo’s Concealer pen is excellent.
2. Blush - most people look pale and drawn with out it. Cream blush is quickest because you only need your fingers to apply. Carmindy’s Natural Beauty Line for Sally Hansen is a nice, cheap option.
3. Curl your lashes – this opens up the eyes for a wide-eyed look.
4. Mascara – helps bring out your eyes. This step is especially important for people with pale colored lashes and/or light eyes.
5. Lipgloss/lipstick – light colors are easier to apply because they require less precision.

If you have more time…

1. Fill in your brows – helps define the face and frame the eyes. Pencil is quickest. Anastasia, MAC and Laura Mercier make good ones.
2. Tame your brows – use clear mascara or brow gel if your brows are unruly.
3. Cream eyeshadow – a single color on the lid is sufficient. Quick and easy because you only need your finger to apply.
4. Eyeliner – a pencil is quickest. Don’t mess with liquids or gels you have to apply with a brush when you’re in a hurry. Apply to the root of the lashes.
5. Brightener – apply to the inner corners of the eyes to brighten them. Benefit’s Eye Bright Pencil is good but you can use any pale champagne or bone colored shadow that is iridescent (matte formulas won’t work).

Notice I didn’t mention lip liner, foundation, or powder. Most people don’t need these things. If you’re oily, use blotting papers through out the day. You’ll also notice no brushes were used. When you’re in a hurry, makeup you can apply with your fingers is your best friend, so consider cream formulas. Think of it as finger painting. I also didn’t mention skin care but you should always start with a clean face and apply moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15 before doing your makeup. If you want some coverage/color, use a tinted moisturizer with sunscreen (Laura Mercier’s is very good and it comes in a wide range of colors). It will save you a step.

Once you get into a routine, you’ll find these steps are quick and easy to accomplish daily. Here’s to a polished you!