Some mornings are just rougher than others—you’ve snoozed your alarm a few too many times, you’ve lost the one blazer you wanted to wear in your closet’s abyss, or your coffee machine simply won’t cooperate. When you don’t have the time to properly follow your morning routine, putting on a full face of makeup is usually not in the cards, either. However, opting for five-minute makeup for work will help you cut a few corners and get out the door ASAP.
Now if you usually go about your life makeup-free, color us impressed and carry on. But if makeup is a part of your signature look, we get that skipping it entirely isn’t ideal.
For the sake of time (which we’re trying to save you, BTW), we won’t get into the fact that it’s yet another construct of the patriarchy requiring exponentially more time and effort from women just to meet an unfair set of societal standards.
But with that disclaimer set aside, here’s a quick five-minute makeup for work checklist to run through next time you’re in a pinch, but still want to feel presentable.
Prep your skin.
The biggest beauty hack out there? If you’re taking care of your skin regularly, you won’t feel the need to cake on as much makeup. No matter how crunched for time you are, make a pact with yourself to cleanse and moisturize every single morning. Even if that’s all you have time for. (Remember, you’re beautiful just the way you are, bb, no makeup needed). This is also a great time to apply some chapstick.
Keep it simple.
If you have more than a minute to spare, try a tinted moisturizer or light CC cream to even out your skin, then dab a little concealer under your eyes and on any blemishes. Fingers are perfectly acceptable to use; they’ll get this job done just fine.
Frame your face.
By minute three, you should be moving onto your brows, the key to framing that beautiful face of yours. If yours are a little sparse, grab a brow pencil or powder and fill them in with one pass (today’s not the day to embrace your inner artiste). Then, set them with a brow gel so they’ll last throughout the day.
Define a feature.
With two minutes to go, break out your weapon of choice and quickly enhance your favorite feature. To play up your eyes, smudge a little eyeliner onto your top lash line (unless you are a liquid-liner pro, never attempt a winged tip when you’re in a real rush. You will mess it up.) For defined cheekbones, blend a bit of bronzer just underneath them. Or, for your lips, swipe on your favorite bold shade. No one will believe you were a mess this morning if you have lipstick on.
Add a little glow.
Finally, finish with a little highlighter in a few strategic places. No need to use a brush here either; smooth some under your brows and dab a concentrated amount on the inner corner of your eyes with your fingertips. Using the length of your middle or index finger (which will provide a lighter touch than your pointer) sweep some on top of your cheekbones. In just five minutes, you’ll look radiant, feel great, and be ready for crushing it at work and (maybe) toppling the patriarchy.
