What's up, girls? We're always the ones blamed for not getting ready on time — but most of us have a quick, go-to minimal makeup look that saves time and still looks presentable. Here are the actual tips and tricks that get me out the door fast.
Your Compact Powder Is Your Best Friend
Never underestimate having the perfect shade of compact — it's a genuine lifesaver. I've done full events with nothing but compact on, and you genuinely can't tell. The only requirement: your skin needs to be well prepped underneath, since powder is going to mattify whatever's there.
If your skin's in good shape, just buff the compact straight onto bare skin and you're done. Always use a buffing brush rather than a sponge for a flawless finish, and invest in a medium-to-full coverage compact to make life easier. My favourite is reviewed in full here.
Mascara Is Going to Open Up Your Eyes
The one product that makes your eyes pop: a good mascara, matched to what your lashes actually need. Short lashes want a lengthening formula; sparse lashes want volume. Can't decide? Go for one that claims both.
Lipstick Is a Multitasker
We all own a suspicious number of lipsticks in near-identical shades — no judgement, I'm guilty too. My trick: swipe on lipstick, kiss two fingers, and smudge the leftover colour onto your cheeks. Instant, matching blush.
My current lipstick favourites are rounded up here.
Eyebrows Make a Huge Difference
You'll only really understand this once you try it — fill in just one brow and compare it to the other. Properly shaped, filled-in brows elevate a whole look more than almost anything else on this list.
I tried it myself and got genuinely obsessed — whether it's a powder, pencil, gel or pomade, filled-in brows are what completes a minimal makeup look.
These are my go-to hacks for the (frequent) days I'm running late. Give them a try, and let me know your own favourite shortcuts. Till then — do good, and be good.
Written by Ritu Singh
Makeup artist and founder of The Beauty Thesaurus. Every review here is written after real, first-hand use — no PR spin, ever.
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