How Do You Create a Quick Everyday Makeup Look Before Work?

What should you do first?

Start with clean, moisturized skin and sunscreen. That's enough prep for most mornings, and your makeup will sit better when you're not layering it over dry patches or leftover product.

You don't need to spend 15 minutes on skincare before work. If your face feels oily when you wake up, wash with a gentle cleanser. Follow with a lightweight moisturizer and give it a minute to sink in.

Now comes sunscreen. Go for broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, follow the product directions and let it settle before putting on makeup. Foundation with SPF isn't a reason to skip your regular sun protection.

Your quick skin prep

• A gentle cleanse
• A thin layer of moisturizer keeps dry patches from showing through your makeup (especially around your nose and mouth).
• Are you wearing SPF 30 or higher? Don't forget broad-spectrum sunscreen.
• Give everything a minute to settle

How do you even out your skin?

A skin tint or tinted moisturizer is usually enough for an everyday office look. Add concealer only where you want more coverage. Your skin should still look like skin.

There's no need to cover your whole face with foundation before heading to work. A tinted moisturizer or skin tint takes care of uneven-looking tone without hiding your natural skin.

Start with a pea-sized amount. Blend from the center of your face outward with clean fingers, a damp makeup sponge or a foundation brush. Then tap a little concealer under your eyes, around your nose or onto individual blemishes. Don't rub it around, or you'll disturb the base underneath.

Does your forehead or nose get shiny by lunchtime? Press a little translucent powder onto those spots with a small puff. Leave your cheeks alone if they already look good.

Keep your base simple

• Blend outward
• A little concealer goes a long way, particularly under your eyes or around your nose (you can always add another tiny dab).
• What gets shiny first? Powder just those areas.
• Skip another layer of foundation

Which colors look good at work?

Soft rose, peach, taupe and brown are easy choices for a workday. They give your face some color without making it look like you've spent half an hour getting ready.

Cream blush is worth keeping on your desk or in your makeup bag. Try soft rose, peach or muted berry. Tap a little onto the apples of your cheeks and blend toward your temples. In a real rush, a cheek and lip tint can save time too, provided its directions allow both uses.

For your eyes, sweep beige, taupe or soft brown shadow across your lids with one finger or a fluffy brush. One shade is plenty for the office. Want a little more definition? Run a deeper brown shade close to your upper lash line.

One coat of mascara is usually enough. Brush your brows into place with clear or tinted brow gel, then finish with tinted balm, rosy lipstick or a neutral lip color. Go for something you can touch up without hunting for a mirror.

Easy workday colors

• Soft rose blush
• A quick sweep of taupe across your eyelids gives your eyes some definition without adding another step.
• If you want more definition, try deeper brown near your upper lashes.
• Finish with rosy tinted balm

How can you finish in five minutes?

Keep your everyday products together and follow the same order each morning. When you're already running late, skip eyeshadow or another optional step rather than rushing through everything.

Your five-to-ten-minute routine doesn't need every product you own. Keep your skin tint, concealer, cream blush, mascara and lip color together. No digging through drawers while you're trying to get out the door.

Allow roughly two minutes for skin prep, two for your complexion, two for cheeks and eyes, and one for lips and a final check. Have another three minutes? Blend any obvious edges and take a quick look in natural light.

Your makeup doesn't have to look exactly the same every morning. If your skin feels dry, go easy on powder. For a long workday, slip your lip color and a small powder compact into your bag for touch-ups. If makeup causes persistent irritation or a reaction, speak with a qualified dermatologist, particularly if you already have a skin condition or allergy.

Your five-to-ten-minute checklist

• Prep and protect your skin
• A light layer of coverage is plenty for most office mornings, so don't spend ages blending foundation.
• Are your cheeks and eyes done? Add blush, mascara and brow gel.
• Finish your lips and check the mirror