Article by BR Kellie
It’s a challenge that does the rounds of YouTube on a regular basis. A challenge that beauty vloggers take to with relish, with some succeeding and others not succeeding quite as much. The Five-Minute Makeup Challenge. A YouTube phenomenon, but is it a real life reality?
For those of us who find themselves short on time in the mornings, whether it’s because we fit in exercise, are wrangling kids, squeezing in housework, or just to like to hit that snooze button one too many times, it’s a reality we pray for. Well, your prayers (and mine!) are answered, because it’s totally possible to create a look you’ll love in five minutes. You just have to know these tips and tricks.
The first big rule? Get fingery. Fingers make for fantastic tools when you’re in a hurry. Use them to apply your base, concealer, eyeshadows, highlight, and even blush if you’re going the cream route.
So what are the basics you need?
Foundation – liquid is best as it glides on easily and you can apply it with your fingers. You can also use a BB Cream, CC Cream or a tinted moisturiser, it’s your choice depending on the kind of coverage you’re after. As for application, you can swipe on and blend in, or try applying it the way you would a moisturiser, by smooshing it (that’s the technical term) over your fingers and just smearing it over your face until it’s even.
Concealer is a must, especially if you’ve dark circles under your eyes, redness or blemishes. Dot it on and pat with your finger. You can even use it to quickly highlight the length of your nose, your cupid’s bow and your chin.
Next grab your bronzer and give it a quick blast over the hollows of your cheeks, the tops of your forehead, your chin, down your neck – anywhere you’d usually apply it. Then take your blusher and pat it on if you’re using the finger method or apply it with a brush to your cheeks.
Eyes are the windows to the soul, so one must never forget to gussy them up. In this case, simple is best, so swipe a single shade of eyeshadow over your lid and up to the crease, being sure to blend it out. Got time for eyeliner? Go for it. If not, hit the mascara bottle and embolden those lashes.
Considering skipping the brows? Think again. Beautiful brows give a polished look. This doesn’t mean you have to spend most of your five minutes filling and blending, instead grab a tinted gel and work it through to tame and add a hint of fullness and colour.
Lastly grab your favourite gloss or lippy and swipe it over your lips, then blow a kiss to your reflection as you grab your handbag and head out the door looking totally gorge!
Are you a five-minute makeup wonder? What are your tips for heading out the door looking fab with as little effort as possible?
I can get close to 5 mins if I have to but to be fair I usually find I have skipped a step (mascara is my main drop out) or worse... not blended my base out properly. I think concealing can take up more (necessary) time too. Brows I have down to about a minute with my Holy Grail EOH pencil, and their goddess pencils make great shadows when smudged (neatly) across the eyelid.