How to Apply Makeup Quickly
Buy makeup in easy-to-use containers., Purchase the right tools., Organize your makeup., Turn quick makeup application into a habit., Be smart about trying new products., Consider a more natural look., Moisturize the night before., Try using...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Buy makeup in easy-to-use containers.
Save time by selecting eyeliner pencils, lipstick, and similar "pick up and apply" makeup.
When purchasing foundation and cream makeup, look for bottles with a squirt nozzle, instead of makeup in a bowl-shaped container. -
Step 2: Purchase the right tools.
Using the proper brush or sponge will speed up application.
Using your fingers is actually slower than using the appropriate application tool, which allows for quick final adjustments.
Here are some examples of the best tools to use:
Foundation:
Use a round blending sponge or a foundation brush.
BB and CC creams:
These products blend easily, so a sponge pad or bare hands should work.
Other products:
You can find a specialized brush for just about any purpose.
Check out angled or stippled brushes for highlights and contouring, and use softer, rounder brushes for blush or blending.
If you don't mind spending some money, buy vibrating sponges that blend in the makeup as you go. , If you keep your makeup at home, line up the products in the order you put them on.
If you keep everything in a make-up bag, store the products you use most near the top.
Don’t waste time digging through your bag for your lipstick or wishing you had put that brush where it’s supposed to be.
If you have separate morning makeup and "touch up" makeup, store them in separate bags.
If you have a large makeup collection, set aside a separate area for products you only use on special occasions. , Put on makeup in the same order each day so it becomes an automatic process and you're relying more on muscle memory than active consideration.
Work on one area of your face at a time, instead of bouncing around.
If you're seriously pinched for time in the mornings, practice this routine in your free time to work out the kinks and improve your speed. , Don't try a completely new style ten minutes before you leave the house.
Whenever you test a new product or decide to switch up your look, pick a moment when you have plenty of time. , If your daily routine still takes too much time, consider toning it down.
While your style is up to you, most workplaces do not expect eyeshadow and detailed contouring every day.
You might find that a pat of blush and a touch of lipstick are sufficient.
If you prefer not to skip your usual products, learn to apply them more lightly.
This will save time on blending.
If you're looking for a middle ground, focus on your eyes and eyebrows.
When these draw attention, you can afford to take a simple approach with your lips and contours. , Depending on how dry your skin is, applying night cream before you sleep may be enough to last you through the next day.
If you live in a dry climate, consider running a humidifier in your bedroom.
This isn't possible for everyone.
If the makeup won't apply evenly, or if your skin gets dry and scaly, go back to moisturizing. , If you have healthy skin with only minor blemishes, you may be able to skip foundation altogether.
Just apply a thin layer of concealer instead. , If you normally use a layer of lip balm or primer underneath your lipstick, switch to a lipstick that you can apply directly to dry lips.
Creme lipsticks tend to be more moisturizing than matte lipstick. , You have many product options for this part of your beauty routine.
Explore a few of them to see if you can get away with a shorter process:
Kohl or eyeliner pencils are faster to apply than liquid eyeliner.
Mascara is faster than fake eyelashes.
If you normally go for a subtle eyeliner, consider skipping it altogether and curling your eyelashes instead. , Applying eyeliner can be very time-consuming if you don't have a steady hand.
Try eyelining the top of your eye, then "smoking" down the edges.
You don't have to be as careful with this method, since you'll smooth out minor mistakes when you create the smoky look.
If you're already confident with eyeliner, winged eyeliner can be relatively quick.
If you use liquid eyeliner, try creating a guide with an eyeliner pencil, then filling it in with the liquid. , If you get mascara on your eyelids or cheeks, let it dry, then wipe it off with a cotton bud.
Wiping it off while it's still wet can lead to a long chain of smudge correction. , Instead of filling in your eyebrow with powder or a brow pen, just brush on a brow gel or a light brown mascara.
This can save you minutes each day. , Pick a moisturizer/sunscreen combination so you only have to rub in one product.
Apply just a small dab so you don't have to wait for your skin to absorb it. , Apply a little more concealer than you usually would, skipping the foundation.
Optionally, use a lighter concealer for the under eye area.
Quickly set your concealer with a powder for a matte look that lasts longer. , Brush on white shadow on your eyelids, under the crease.
Apply light brown into the crease, blending well with the brown.
Finish by blending in dark brown at the corner of your eye. , Avoid thick, clumpy mascara that you have to waste time cleaning up. , Pink or nude colors are generally more forgiving for a fast makeup session.
Reds and other bold colors are more likely to look messy when applied in a hurry, as is lip liner. , None of the suggested additions are necessary but could be added for special occasions or when you feel more confident with speedy application of makeup.
If you have more time you could add blush, bronzer, or highlighter. -
Step 3: Organize your makeup.
-
Step 4: Turn quick makeup application into a habit.
-
Step 5: Be smart about trying new products.
-
Step 6: Consider a more natural look.
-
Step 7: Moisturize the night before.
-
Step 8: Try using concealer as foundation.
-
Step 9: Switch to moisturizing lipstick.
-
Step 10: Simplify your eye makeup.
-
Step 11: Try a new eyeliner look.
-
Step 12: Wait for excess mascara to dry.
-
Step 13: Learn fast eyebrow techniques.
-
Step 14: Moisturize.
-
Step 15: Cover with concealer.
-
Step 16: Apply eyeshadow (optional).
-
Step 17: Apply thin mascara (optional).
-
Step 18: Put on lipstick.
-
Step 19: Add finishing touches only if time permits.
Detailed Guide
Save time by selecting eyeliner pencils, lipstick, and similar "pick up and apply" makeup.
When purchasing foundation and cream makeup, look for bottles with a squirt nozzle, instead of makeup in a bowl-shaped container.
Using the proper brush or sponge will speed up application.
Using your fingers is actually slower than using the appropriate application tool, which allows for quick final adjustments.
Here are some examples of the best tools to use:
Foundation:
Use a round blending sponge or a foundation brush.
BB and CC creams:
These products blend easily, so a sponge pad or bare hands should work.
Other products:
You can find a specialized brush for just about any purpose.
Check out angled or stippled brushes for highlights and contouring, and use softer, rounder brushes for blush or blending.
If you don't mind spending some money, buy vibrating sponges that blend in the makeup as you go. , If you keep your makeup at home, line up the products in the order you put them on.
If you keep everything in a make-up bag, store the products you use most near the top.
Don’t waste time digging through your bag for your lipstick or wishing you had put that brush where it’s supposed to be.
If you have separate morning makeup and "touch up" makeup, store them in separate bags.
If you have a large makeup collection, set aside a separate area for products you only use on special occasions. , Put on makeup in the same order each day so it becomes an automatic process and you're relying more on muscle memory than active consideration.
Work on one area of your face at a time, instead of bouncing around.
If you're seriously pinched for time in the mornings, practice this routine in your free time to work out the kinks and improve your speed. , Don't try a completely new style ten minutes before you leave the house.
Whenever you test a new product or decide to switch up your look, pick a moment when you have plenty of time. , If your daily routine still takes too much time, consider toning it down.
While your style is up to you, most workplaces do not expect eyeshadow and detailed contouring every day.
You might find that a pat of blush and a touch of lipstick are sufficient.
If you prefer not to skip your usual products, learn to apply them more lightly.
This will save time on blending.
If you're looking for a middle ground, focus on your eyes and eyebrows.
When these draw attention, you can afford to take a simple approach with your lips and contours. , Depending on how dry your skin is, applying night cream before you sleep may be enough to last you through the next day.
If you live in a dry climate, consider running a humidifier in your bedroom.
This isn't possible for everyone.
If the makeup won't apply evenly, or if your skin gets dry and scaly, go back to moisturizing. , If you have healthy skin with only minor blemishes, you may be able to skip foundation altogether.
Just apply a thin layer of concealer instead. , If you normally use a layer of lip balm or primer underneath your lipstick, switch to a lipstick that you can apply directly to dry lips.
Creme lipsticks tend to be more moisturizing than matte lipstick. , You have many product options for this part of your beauty routine.
Explore a few of them to see if you can get away with a shorter process:
Kohl or eyeliner pencils are faster to apply than liquid eyeliner.
Mascara is faster than fake eyelashes.
If you normally go for a subtle eyeliner, consider skipping it altogether and curling your eyelashes instead. , Applying eyeliner can be very time-consuming if you don't have a steady hand.
Try eyelining the top of your eye, then "smoking" down the edges.
You don't have to be as careful with this method, since you'll smooth out minor mistakes when you create the smoky look.
If you're already confident with eyeliner, winged eyeliner can be relatively quick.
If you use liquid eyeliner, try creating a guide with an eyeliner pencil, then filling it in with the liquid. , If you get mascara on your eyelids or cheeks, let it dry, then wipe it off with a cotton bud.
Wiping it off while it's still wet can lead to a long chain of smudge correction. , Instead of filling in your eyebrow with powder or a brow pen, just brush on a brow gel or a light brown mascara.
This can save you minutes each day. , Pick a moisturizer/sunscreen combination so you only have to rub in one product.
Apply just a small dab so you don't have to wait for your skin to absorb it. , Apply a little more concealer than you usually would, skipping the foundation.
Optionally, use a lighter concealer for the under eye area.
Quickly set your concealer with a powder for a matte look that lasts longer. , Brush on white shadow on your eyelids, under the crease.
Apply light brown into the crease, blending well with the brown.
Finish by blending in dark brown at the corner of your eye. , Avoid thick, clumpy mascara that you have to waste time cleaning up. , Pink or nude colors are generally more forgiving for a fast makeup session.
Reds and other bold colors are more likely to look messy when applied in a hurry, as is lip liner. , None of the suggested additions are necessary but could be added for special occasions or when you feel more confident with speedy application of makeup.
If you have more time you could add blush, bronzer, or highlighter.
About the Author
Robert Sanders
Robert Sanders is an experienced writer with over 2 years of expertise in non profit. Passionate about sharing practical knowledge, Robert creates easy-to-follow guides that help readers achieve their goals.
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