If oversleeping or leaving yourself no time to put on makeup in the mornings is a common occurrence, we’ve got a quick and easy makeup routine to get you on track, and it only requires less than 10 lightweight products and tools in your makeup bag. I’ve tried and tested this routine many a time when rushing between the office and events, and it’s entirely possible to pull off in a moving vehicle, whether it’s a car on the MRT (but never when driving!). With enough practice, you’ll never have to spend time on your makeup in the morning at home.
I don’t believe in applying skincare or makeup with your fingers when you’re on the go as you can hardly guarantee they’ll be clean enough. Bacteria on your face just leads to breakouts which no one wants! A cushion compact makes it quick and easy, and there are so many options out there with different finishes and coverage levels to choose from. Plus, it comes with a handy dandy mirror that you can use to apply the rest of your makeup. Lower coverage dewy foundations or BB cushions are easier and quicker to blend out seamlessly, but the finish should depend on your preference and skin type.
Side note: I’ve really been loving the Innisfree Water Fit Cushion which is hydrating but not overly dewy on my combo skin. The brand is launching 100 permanent custom covers on August 15 which I predict are going to be a massive hit.
A lightweight liquid concealer is easy when you’re on the go, and you can use your cushion compact sponge to blend it out. I really like the concealers that come in narrow tubes with doe foot applicators (my favourites are the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer, Maybelline Fit Me Concealer, and Urban Decay Naked Skin concealers). Don’t forget to conceal your eyelids as it’ll act as an eye base and primer in one.
A quick dusting with some setting powder and a large powder brush will lock your foundation and concealer into place, which is especially important if you have oily skin and want your makeup to last all day. I carry an extra powder brush in my makeup bag for this because my skin needs a powdering, but if you have a loose or pressed powder that comes with a powder puff, that will work just as well. Make sure you press the puff into your skin in rolling motions instead of rubbing as you might mess up your perfectly blended base.
I’ll admit to using the same brush for both these products, and while I might forgo blush most days, I find it a necessary part of my makeup routine when I’m wearing less makeup or in a rush. Less makeup tends to leave my face looking a little flat and one dimensional especially when I leave out an eye look, so a bit of blush helps inject some colour and life into my face. To highlight, I just pinch the bristles of the blush brush into a small flatter shape and highlight the tops of my cheekbones. Of course, highlight is not at all necessary, but I personally always highlight.
If I’ve already got concealer on my eyelids that’s set with powder, I’ll either leave it as is, or go in with some highlighter below the brows and on the inner corners of my eyes, just to give it dimension. Consider this strobing for the eyes instead of contouring with a darker shade that can take too long to blend when on the go. You can even apply some highlight under your lower lashes for that sought-after K-beauty look.
Yes, applying mascara in the back of a moving vehicle can be an eye hazard, so make sure you’re stopped at a light before attempting to apply any. There are of course veritable professionals who are extremely adept at applying it in moving vehicles, but the rest of us mortals should exercise more caution. Still, putting on mascara is easier than liquid eyeliner, so if i’m forgoing winged eyeliner, I find that some good mascara can make your eyes just as presentable.
Avoid any and all dark shades if you’re in a rush and a moving vehicle. Go for lighter and more forgiving shades if you really want to wear a lipstick, though I much prefer tinted balms when in a rush as I don’t have to hydrate my lips beforehand. The Chanel Rouge Coco Stylo is as pigmented as a lipstick but easy to apply like a balm and immensely hydrating. You can also carry around one of the Fresh tinted lip balms for a lighter flush of colour.