Sometimes it can be hard to be a female and a student. You want to look great for school, but you’re not willing to sacrifice a few more minutes of shut eye to get ready for the day after studying until the early hours of the morning. Looking great doesn’t have to cost a lot more time than it already does for you to get ready. For the makeup-wearers out there, you know it can take some time to perfect that line of black ink across your lash line, or making sure your foundation doesn’t leave any unsightly orange streaks. It doesn’t have to be that difficult though—a fresh faced look can light up your face with little to no effort (think 5 minutes, or even less). Here are some tips for the always-running-late makeup lover.
Skip the eyeliner and load up on the lashes.
Eyeliner takes a lot of precision whether you’re experienced or a beginner. A missed stroke can make your eyes look uneven and a little foolish so it’s better to leave it out altogether when you’re stressed. Go for a double threat mascara—one that lengthens and volumizes your lashes in the blackest shade it comes in. Don’t forget to curl your lashes before applying your mascara; it really makes a difference in how awake you look.
One eyeshadow is all you need.
Use a shimmery eyeshadow that’s two shades (or more) lighter than your natural skin tone under your brow bone, on the ball of your eyelid, the inner corners of your eyes, and on the top of your cheekbones to bring light onto your face. Highlighting these points will give you a soft glow that looks like is coming from within. Also, it will counteract the sallow skin that we all tend to get we’re sleep deprived.
Conceal, but only where you need it.
Foundation and concealer are the two products that take me the longest to apply because my personal pet peeve is an unblended face makeup. Try to use foundation only where you need it and leave the concealer behind. I personally think concealer looks too fake on the skin simply because most of them have very limited shades that don’t match most skin tones. I like to apply foundation only where I need it—on blemishes, dark circles, scars etc. I avoid putting in more effort (and product) to conceal a spot because it can end up looking very obvious that I have makeup on. Girls look a lot better when they have imperfections showing than when I can see their makeup-caking skills.
Blush is a necessity.
Blush instantly adds liveliness that only your natural flush can give. I don’t like to put my blush on the apples of my cheeks because it can look a bit clownish, so instead I like to apply it on the sides of my face and sweep up towards my temples. Sweeping your blush upward will make your face look lifted and alert. Some say that cream blush looks can look more natural, but it can also have a tendency to look greasy and not be very long lasting. For myself, being on campus for 8 hours a day, I want my blush to stay on my face and look exactly as I applied it that morning. Powder blush will do just that.
By following all of these steps, you’ll achieve a natural and youthful makeup look without looking overdone. Nevertheless, the most important thing is that everyone should feel comfortable in their own skin, with or without makeup. After all, you can always wash away the makeup but you can’t wash away your skin. Embrace it!