by Bridget Webber

Created on: June 03, 2009   Last Updated: June 11, 2009

If you are a busy woman you will probably find it difficult to make time for make up. However, a touch of make up can help boost your self confidence. By making yourself presentable you can tackle the day head on, safe in the knowledge that you are well groomed and attractive. The trick to developing a quick and effective make up routine is to begin by buying the basics that you will need.

Skin

Busy women can benefit from wearing a light base, rather than a heavy foundation which needs constant attention. When you have applied make up you should be able to forget about it for hours, rather than taking time out of your busy schedule for maintenance.

One of the lightest bases that still provides a little coverage and gives the wearer a healthy glow is tinted moisturizer. You can cut time down in your make up routine by investing in one which has an in built sunscreen to protect your skin. This will mean that you don't need to apply three products: sunscreen, moisturiser and foundation, as your one product will contain all that you require.

Applying your base should literally take about thirty seconds once you are used to it. To avoid shine you can add a little loose powder which will help to set your base.

If you are pale then you may benefit from a quick sweep of bronzer, or rose blush, along your cheekbone, blended well. This will make your skin appear healthy and radiant.

Eyes

Instead of wearing eyeshadow busy woman can simply use eyeliner and mascara to define their eye-shape and enlarge the appearance of their eyes. The color that you personally choose will depend largely on your style and coloring. If you are fair haired and fair skinned then dark brown will work well for you. If the opposite, jet black will suit you.

Lips

For the sake of convenience colored lip gloss is the perfect choice for many women on the move, as it provides shine as well as color. If you already have a good color to your lips then a clear gloss, or lick of petroleum jelly will do the trick just as well.

After care

As already mentioned, you shouldn't need to spend a great deal of time having to attend to your make up. However, there are a couple of items which will help you to look and feel fresh all day, or night, long.

If you are in a hot atmosphere and suffer from dry skin spritzing a little mineral water onto your face via a spray applicator will help you to feel good, and look healthy at the same time. If your skin is greasy keeping a small pad of powdered blotting paper available to use will reduce facial shine. Apart from these two items you will only need to keep your lip gloss handy, in case it fades due to eating and drinking.

Make up need not be a chore or a hindrance for busy women. Keeping it simple and adopting a natural, healthy look will mean that application is simple and quick, and that you can feel confident in your appearance.

Learn more about this author, Bridget Webber.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.