Like many college students, I pull out all the stops in order to avoid taking an early morning class. Unfortunately sometimes those courses are simply unavoidable. Of course, at the beginning of the semester I resolve to go to bed earlier on the nights before said classes, so I can wake up earlier and presumably have enough time to get ready and pull my look together. But, predictably, my bedtime soon creeps back to a later hour, and I usually find myself scrambling to throw on an outfit that looks half decent. Most mornings, I simply skip the makeup all together because I assume it takes way too much time.
The main problem with my early morning, sans-makeup look is that I never really feel that great without makeup. By no means would I consider myself a girl who wears a lot of makeup, or who feels “naked” without it, but sometimes it’s nice to know that you’ve put in a bit of effort to look more beautified. So recently I have devised what I have deemed my “ready-in-a-rush” makeup routine that has really come in handy thus far.
Basically the key to my routine is simplicity. I am well aware that I tend to move much slower in the mornings compared to later in the day, so the trick has been to keep everything quick and simple. The first step of this “ready-in-a-rush” routine is tinted moisturizer (with SPF of course). Tinted moisturizer basically kills two birds with one stone by moisturizing my skin (which tends to get pretty flaky in the winter) and providing subtle coverage for those annoying blemishes.
Next in my routine is mascara. Personally, I prefer jet-black mascara because it provides the most impact in the shortest amount of time. I’m one of the lucky few ladies who was born with naturally long eyelashes, so I usually only need one coat. However, a second coat takes only a few seconds longer, so by all means, go for it.
The final, and in my opinion the most essential step of this “ready-in-a-rush” routine is the lip. I strongly believe that lip color can pull any look together, even if it is the only makeup you apply. Even sheer shades can really make you look more polished when you are running out the door. My favorite product is undoubtedly Stila Cherry Crush Lip & Cheek Stain. The color, described as a “sheer berry red,” looks good on pretty much anyone. In addition, it’s extremely versatile, so you can use one layer for a sheer look or layer on a few coats for a more dramatic look. And if you have those extra few minutes on a particular morning, you can even use it as a cheek stain. I rarely have the extra time, so I use it exclusively for my lips, but it never hurts to have a good two-in-one product.
Stila Cherry Crush Lip & Cheek Stain, Sephora, $24
So if you do tend to find yourself short on time in the mornings but still craving a bit of makeup, I highly suggest developing your own “ready-in-a-rush” morning makeup routine. Different people prefer different products, so by all means, devise our own routine with products that are totally different from the ones I use. But remember that simplicity really is the key when you have only 15 minutes to get dressed, ready, and out the door!
Posted by Libby on February 09, 2012 at 06:24 PM EST #