Some days you just don’t have time for a full face of makeup (one too many snooze-button hits in the morning) and that perfect cat eye has to get bumped. Before you have a near beauty breakdown, let us tell you it is possible to look put together in less time and with less products. Pare back your makeup routine to just the basics with these tips for getting ready quick from lead makeup artist for Maybelline New York, Grace Lee, and you’ll look fresh no matter how little time you have.

Focus on your skin

No one likes to pick favourites, but sometimes it is necessary. Healthy looking skin should always be your go-to when time is an issue. "Use the products that give you great looking skin," recommends Lee. "Whether it’s foundation, concealer, etc., amazing skin is the foundation to a great looking face."

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Give your lashes some love
Sleeping in and waking up in a panic = puffy eyes with dark circles. If there is one other thing you should never skip, it is mascara. "Coating your lashes with a few swipes of mascara really opens the eyes, creating the appearance of a refreshed and awake face," Lee says. "You also won’t need eyeliner if you have mascara on."

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Get ready on the go
While you might need a mirror and decent lighting to apply mascara without poking yourself in the eye, lip colour is more forgiving. If you are in a hurry, a lip gloss is your best bet. Lee recommends the Maybelline New York Color Elixir by ColorSensational if you find yourself running out the door only half ready. "The Elixirs apply like a lip gloss and require very little effort – apply as you walk, in the car, or as you are waiting for the train," says Lee.

Find out what products will work double-duty on the next page…

0-0-0-0-summer-makeup-easy.jpgMulti-tasking makeup
If you are in a pinch and need a quick touchup with little effort, a cream blush stick can be a complete beauty lifesaver. Dab it on your eyelids or lips for a touch of healthy colour. "Lipstick can also act as a double duty product by using a bit on the cheeks for blush" says Lee. Don’t forget about your lip balm either. "I often use them on the cheeks as a highlighter to create a dewy effect on the skin."

From day to date
Meeting a date for a drink after work? No need to load up on the makeup in the office bathroom first. Just "apply black eyeliner. When you line your eyes with black, it instantly provides definition and drama," says Lee. No one will ever guess you slept through your alarm this morning. And that is the whole point of makeup, isn’t it?

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