Okay so maybe this is a tad too early to be going up but hey ho, it'll give you enough time to purchase your make up essentials for the school year ahead.
The morning before school is always rushed. Whether it's your alarm clock's fault or not, that extra 30 minutes in bed wouldn't have been worth it if you're left with 10 minutes to get ready. We've all been there - admit it. Whether you have five, ten or even fifteen minutes to dedicate purely to your makeup, the following routines should fit your needs.
The Quickie (5 Minute Make Up)
Multitasking is key when you only have 5 minutes to change your face from "Oh dear" to "Oh wow". Quite frankly it seems almost impossible to achieve an acceptable amount of make up in 5 minutes, but here's how...
1) Forget primer, there's no time for that! Your best bet is to apply Max Factor's Face Finity All Day Flawless 3 in 1 - wow that was a mouthful. It contains not only a foundation but a primer and concealer in too! Timesaver or?
2) For a quick pop of colour and to take multitasking to a whole new level, use Benefit's Lip and Cheek Stain. Again another product that contains more than you bargained for!
3) On a tight schedule there's no time for numerous coats of mascara, one coat of Volume Million Lashes By L'oreal Paris will do the job. Starting from the root to tip, twist the brush as you go to achieve length and volume.
And voila, there you have it, a 5 minute face with 3 products. Now the day won't be as bad as you anticipated.
The One Snooze Too Many (10 Minute Make Up)
Okay, so maybe you did hit snooze "accidentally" when your arm flew out from the covers and precisely tapped the button. Anyway, there's 10 minutes for your face and your face only and boy, a lot can be done in 10 minutes...
1) Now there's time for primer, only if it's a quick dab here and a dab there. Try Urban Decay's Complextion Primer because it contains no silicone and helps foundation stay that little bit longer.
2) With no time for powder, a matte foundation is in order! Whether it's Nars Sheer Matte or a drugstore equivalent, a matter finish will leave you with a less dewy and "oily" look, perfect for a long day ahead.
3) Maybe you did stay up a little too late last night, and the bags under your eyes are, well let's just say they're not designer for sure! A swipe of concealer under the eye is definitely a must! Why not have a quick dab on any blemishes as well.
4) To give those tired eyes a pop and spring into the day ahead, swipe across a cream eyeshadow to brighten up your face. Why not try one of Bobbi Brown's cream eyeshadow, they're highly pigmented and long lasting, perfect!
5) If you're on a tight schedule, something's got to give. This time it's mascara. Again a single coat is fine and leaves you with more time to focus on other areas.
6) Last but not least, pair your cream eyeshadow with a colour on your lip. Clinique's Chubby Stick in Whoppin Watermelon will not only give a pop of colour but also moisturises your lips too!
There you have it, a slightly longer yet still super speedy make up routine for all those "just ten more minutes" sleepyheads.
The Just Gimme A Minute (15 Minute Make Up)
So now we've got the most time out of all, well by 5 minutes. With no time to loose, let's begin...
1) Repeat Step 1 of The 10 Minute Make Up and evenly apply primer to your skin.
2) With more time to hand, a radiant foundation with a more sheer coverage will give you a flawless finish - don't worry, if it gets too dewy you can always whack out some powder and a good old kabuki.
3) Concealer is a must no matter what. A swipe under the eye, a couple dabs on any blemishes and you're good to go.
4) With your face already glowing from the radiant foundation, the time to contour is upon us. Using Real Techniques Contour Brush, brush on your favourite bronzer into the hollow of your cheeks, along the hairline and under the jawline - you're now basically Kim Kardashian.
5) Repeat Step 5 of The 10 Minute Make Up but this time allow yourself more than a single coat - go on, treat yourself.
6) With neglect to the eyebrows before, a quick groom, shape and fill won't hurt anybody.
7) Swap the lip balm for a lipstick (that's if you're brave enough) and apply as many coats as desired. Why not try a lip stain, that'll definitely stay put throughout a whole day at school.
15 minutes to achieve a flawless face is done and well and truly dusted.
This concludes my Back To School Make Up routines. Stay tuned for a not one, not two, not three, but five part Back To School Special coming soon.
Bethany x
