by Prin Dumas

Created on: June 29, 2008   Last Updated: June 30, 2008

Not every woman has an hour in the morning to devote strictly to make-up application. Five minutes is just about the amount of time a gal has after grabbing a quick breakfast, showering, and deciding what to wear for the day. Is it possible to look "done" in five minutes? Of course! The secret is buying the right product and applying the absolute necessities to your face. Every occasion has its own level of "rushed" and products following in suit for levels of necessity.

LEVEL ONE-
You barely have five minutes to waste on make-up.

The Absolutely Necessary Make-Up Products:
Tinted Moisturizer with SPF
(Neutrogena has a great standard, and so does Benefit.)

Brown or Black Eye Liner PENCIL
(You don't have time for liquid, and Almay makes a great one that doesn't need sharpening.)

Mascara
(You may want to go for a smudge-proof and water-proof brand, like L'Oreal.)

Application:
After washing your face and drying it, make sure that you apply one thin layer of tinted moisturizer with SPF to your face and neck. It will give you slight coverage while protecting your face. Eyes communicate to people, and if you're going to leave your cheeks and lips bare, you want to give your peepers a kick. Use the eye liner to add a partial half moon line to the bottom lash line. Use your pinky to gently stretch your top lid (creating a straighter surface to draw) and create an extremely short line that only cover the end of your lash line. In other words, do not start at the inner corner. Start at the outer corner and draw inwards. You want to create a slight "cat" eye effect that is hardly noticed as make-up, but replaces the need for eye shadow, as it accents the eyes. Do not pass the pencil beyond the middle of the eyelid, and make the line thin. Apply one coat of your mascara. Wait 10 seconds in between coats for less clumping. Voila!

Time:
If you're moving quickly, you may have spent about 2 minutes tops!

LEVEL TWO-
You barely have five minutes and need to look nicer than "almost bare."

The Absolutely Necessary Make-Up Products:
*Same as Level One products*

Plus:
Light liquid foundation
(You'll be dabbing it with your fingers, sans sponge or applicator.)

Bronzer-like blush
(You'll need a good heavy brush to apply it to cheeks.)

Lip Gloss
(Lipstick may require lip liner and you don't have time.)

Application:
*same as Level 1*
After you apply your tinted moisturizer, let it dry on your face and work on your eyes as directed above. When your eyeliner is in place, add a second coating of the moisturizer

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