by Donyale Anise

Created on: January 02, 2009   Last Updated: September 14, 2011

In today's "microwave society" where it's all about instant gratification, hour long makeup application is the last task women are adding to their itineraries these days.  In all actuality, a full makeup application should take no longer than 10 minutes at most.  The first step is an effective skincare regimen.  Natural products without any preservatives or perfumes are preferable.  Depending upon the grocers offered in your local area, most health food markets such as Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and Erewhon to name a few, offer a vast array of choices geared toward specific skin types.  In most cases, there is a specialist available to assist you in choosing the proper products for your skin's needs.

Now that you've settled on a skincare regimen perfectly catered to your skin, it's time for flawless makeup application.  Assuming your skin is freshly cleansed, toned and moisturized, it's best to begin with the eyes.  This allows time for the moisturizer to settle into your skin, and it also prevents major clean up if your eyeshadow flakes onto your face, after the foundation has already been applied.

1.) First, add a waterproof primer from the lid to the brow to act as a base and prolong the wear of your shadow.  Chanel's liquid shadow with a sponge tip applicator offers excellent results.  It's a bit pricey, however, it lasts at least six months or longer with daily use.  After applying a dab to each lid with the sponge tip, blend it upwards to the brow with your ring finger.

2.) Next, choose a flesh toned shadow to set the primer and open the eyes.  Sweep it onto the lid and up to the brow with a medium sized shadow brush for quick application.

3.) Then, add a contour shade in a medium colour to the crease and sweep it under the lower lash line as well, to create a seamless look.  This is best achieved with a crease or contour shadow brush.

4.) Now add a Kohl pencil liner as close as possible to the top and bottom lash line; black brown seems ideal for most skin tones.  Next, blend it out to soften the line with a synthetic brush on both the top and bottom lash line.  If your eyes are on the smaller side, fore go the liner on the bottom lash line.  Lining only the top will open up the eye.

5.) Finally,  blend shadows with your medium sized shadow brush from step #2, then add mascara on the top and sweep the excess across the bottom lashes, L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes is an

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