How To: Quick & Natural Makeup Look

As a busy college student, I have learned that applying makeup before an 8 AM class can be challenging. It takes practice to create a look that will both cover your blemishes and emphasize your favorite facial features… all within a tight schedule. Here are some easy tricks that will leave you looking awake and ready to take on the day, even at 8 in the morning.

Take control of under-eye bags

Nothing reveals the lack of sleep you got better than the puffy bags under your eyes. Try a brightening concealer, applied in the shape of a triangle, under your eye. Typically, using a concealer that is one to two shades lighter than your skin tone will work for this. Pro tip: if the bags are a blue/purple shade, use an orange-tone correcting concealer, like this one from LA Girl Cosmetics, before your normal concealer to cancel out the blue.

Moisturize that tired face

After a long night of beauty rest, your skin is probably going to be dehydrated. Besides the obvious solution of drinking water, try a skin mist. A few sprays of a facial mist before applying makeup will hydrate your tired skin and wake you up in the morning. A rose water spray is fantastic for refreshing the skin, like this one by Mario Badescu or this spray by Glossier.

Pop on some blush

Blush is a product that is often neglected by teens, but it can make a huge difference. A subtle hint of blush makes you look more awake and put together. Using a cream blush, like this one from Clinique, can add a very natural-looking flush to the face. Just pat a dot or two on your cheeks and spread upward toward your ears. It only takes a few seconds and will elevate your look.

Lashes

It may seem obvious, but mascara makes a huge difference. A few swipes of a black or brown mascara on your upper lashes will make your eyes look larger and it draws attention to your face. In an early morning class or meeting, bold lashes will give the appearance that you are prepared and are paying attention. Not enough time? Throw a tube of mascara in your bag and apply some when you feel the need for a pick-me-up during the day.

So practice your morning routine and master these tricks. If you can follow these simple tips, you can achieve a natural makeup look in under 5 minutes. Even better, you can show up to your morning plans feeling half-asleep but looking ready to take on the day.

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