'Making up' is not hard to do

Applying makeup need not be a long-drawn process. You can simplify it by following some easy steps

I appreciate what makeup can do, but my morning time isn't exactly unlimited. And I don't feel like spending a ton of time and effort on cosmetics when I should be planning my day. So, here are some tips to get the most out of your makeup routine with the least amount of time, effort and products.
Let's start with organising and then to quick get-ready tips.
Cut Down Your Stash: Like most makeup enthusiasts, I've experimented here and there over the years. A new eyeshadow colour, a failed attempt at bright red lipstick - it's easy to build up a small landfill of products in your own makeup bag. The first step in streamlining your routine? Get rid of everything you don't use.

Keep Two Makeup Bags or Shelves: I have two different storage boxes - one for my everyday makeup, which isn't much and mainly has my coloured liners, blush and office wear highlighter and then there's the box that has makeup I use when I'm trying to look fancy, which includes foundation, eyeshadow palettes, bronzer, highlighter and so on. This way, I don't have to go through a bunch of products I don't normally wear. For a person like me who has close to 90 eyeliners, it's very easy to get overwhelmed and loose track of time. Cutting back on your products makes the whole process quicker. It's like cleaning out your closets - the fewer options you have, the easier it is to make decisions.
Find Multipurpose Products: Try to look for products that can play multiple roles, like BB and CC creams, which are supposed to act as moisturiser, foundation, primer and sometimes, anti-ageing cream. But beyond that, you can get creative with regular products. Cream blush can be used as lip gloss, mascara can be used as eyeliner - bring the wand to your lash line and gently rub. Bronzer can be used as eyeshadow.
Use a Basic, Universal Routine: If you don't know where to start with makeup, or if you don't know what to focus on, just use a basic, pre-planned routine. Here's a 5-minute routine I follow in the morning while getting my breakfast ready and packing my lunch.
1 Prep skin with moisturiser that has SPF. I always use a tinted moisturiser, so I have primer, moisturiser, foundation all in one. (2 minutes)
2 Apply eyeliner (1 minute).
3 Put on blush (1 minute). I can never walk out of my house without a blush. I feel it defines your cheekbone structure.
4 Put on highlighter. I use a subtle highlighter; it just gives me a nice glow and helps me look fresh. (1 minute)
5 Apply a sheer gloss or lipstick to finish
(15 seconds).
Application Tips
. I use my fourth finger to apply concealer on the inner corner of my eye, bringing it halfway through my undereye to make my eyes pop.
. Before I found the stamp eyeliner, I would play connect-the-dots with my eyeliner. I would put 3 to 4 dots and then connect them with small strokes to get a perfect wing.
. I use highlighter to look very well-rested - on the highest point of my cheekbones, on inner corner and on the bridge of my nose.
. The triangle concealer trick: Draw a triangle under your eyes with concealer, then blend for a more even, fuller look.
Remember, makeup is an art that you will master over time.
wknd@khaleejtimes.com