Quick Makeup Routine for Those All Too Early Mornings

It’s 7 a.m and the alarm goes off. You hit snooze. It’s 7:15 and the alarm goes off again. You hit snooze… again. 7:30. The final alarm goes off. You manage to drag yourself out of the warmth of your bed, leaving roughly fifteen minutes to get ready before you have to leave for class.

How many of us find this scenario strangely familiar? Probably most of us.

In college, sleep becomes a precious commodity and students do whatever they can to get as much as their schedules allow. It’s fair–course loads can be tough and students need to rest–but ladies, that doesn’t mean we need to sacrifice a daily makeup routine. Six easy-to-use products can be applied in a timely fashion while still creating a clean, finished look.

It is important to start each day with a “clean slate,” so to speak. Using Neutrogena’s Deep Clean Cream Cleanser is an efficient way to remove dirt and oil from pores while being gentle on skin. Since it is a cream, it isn’t harsh on skin like other products such as a scrub. You can buy it for $5.99 at nearly any local drug store.

Once your face is clean, apply Urban Decay’s Naked Skin liquid foundation. It is a little pricey at $39 per bottle, but this oil and fragrance-free foundation prevents skin dehydration while enhancing the glow in your complexion. It also contains Vitamin E and Green Tea that both help to smooth skin.

Although time is of the essence, it is always crucial to set your foundation. MAC Select Sheer/Loose Powder is a light, ultra-fine, long lasting powder that will do just the trick. It comes in at $25, but with this product, less is more.

With what seems like never-ending gloomy weather, State College is not the ideal place to work on your tan. Luckily, Smashbox Bronze Lights bronzer is the perfect cheat during the winter months. This $29 product contains antioxidants and peptides that help your skin appear more radiant. Apply to your cheeks and temples to make your complexion a bit warmer.

When it comes to eye make-up, the only product truly necessary for effect is a good mascara. Eyeliner, namely black, can be excessive for class, especially for the early morning one you’re already running late for. And please, don’t even speak of a flashy eye shadow. If you invest in a reliable mascara like CoverGirl’s $6 Lash Blast Clump Crusher (the name is a mouthful, I know), do not even touch additional eye make-up. The Lash Blast has a super-fine toothed brush that allows you to add numerous applications while never building up clumps but still creating volume. It is quick and easy when you’re in a time pinch!

The final touch to your simple make-up routine is for your lips. There is no need for lipstick or even gloss, really. A speedy application of the 95% organic and 100% natural eos lip balm will provide your lips with moisture all day. (Yes, this is the same balm our girl Miley uses in her “We Can’t Stop” music video.) This smooth balm comes in eight flavors and is easy to carry with you throughout the day to reapply as needed.

Running late does not mean a trade of make-up for sleep. By deeming only a small number of products essential, you can hit that snooze button with the comfort of knowing you will be on time for class, make-up and all.

Photo by Jenn Nagel