Always start with moisturizer.
Although I wouldn’t recommend it, you can get away with forgoing moisturizer in the summer, but NOT in the fall/winter. When running late, the last thing you need is visible dry patches or flaky skin. The very first thing I do after cleansing in the morning is rub in the moisturizer. If you have severely dry skin, your skin can benefit from something thick and heavy like the Creme de La Mer. If you lean on the oily side and need something lightweight, pick a gel texture, like Bobbi Brown’s Gel Hydrating Cream.
Use a tinted moisturizer for coverage and sun protection.
A tinted moisturizer is the perfect base for when you have no time. It provides light coverage while giving you the added sun protection you need. Although I love cushion compacts, I find that my hands are the quickest when it comes to application. So, I’ll take something like Bobbi Brown’s Nude Finish Tinted Moisturizer and massage it into my skin. I love the finish because it just gives me a soft, natural glow.
Cover up with concealer.
Then, I’ll go in with concealer because these dark circles just won’t disappear. Laura Mercier makes really amazing concealers that you can blend in quickly with your fingers. Again, when I’m already running late, I rely on my fingers to do the work. I love the Secret Concealer as well as the Candle Glow Highlighter as a brightener. The two together are a match made in heaven!
Frame your face with brows.
Eyebrows are a non-negotiable for me. If I’m really on a time crunch, I’d rather just slap on moisturizer and fill in my brows than bare without them. I’ve mentioned over and over how much I love Anastasia’s Brow Wiz – and yes, it remains one product that I absolutely cannot be without. As a cult favorite across the globe, it’s obvious that this brow pencil is the top of the line out there. If you have fuller brows and interested in brow gels, I think you’ll love Glossier’s Brow Boy, and if you need a budget-friendly pencil, you should check out Nyx.
Add a touch of color with a multi-tasking lip and cheek product.
Multi-tasking products are a life saver when on the run. I love using products that serve multiple uses such as a lip and cheek color. Ilia makes really beautiful lip and cheek sticks – best of all they’re all natural. I also love Stila’s Convertible Color Compacts – you get a range of gorgeous colors that look as good on the lips as they do on the cheeks. Bite Multisticks are also perfect because you can use them on the eyes!
On days like this, I have no problem skipping out on eyeliner and mascara. What’s your running late makeup routine look like?
