If you’re pressed for time on Valentine’s Day, this quick 15 minute guide to getting gorgeous will help you save time and still have you looking pretty for that special someone – or for just a night out with the girls!
1. Prime
Start with a clean, moisturized face, and use a foundation primer to help even out your skin tone and keep your makeup flawless. I like e.l.f. Studio Mineral Infused Face Primer ($6, eyeslipsface.com,) but feel free to use your favorite primer for this step.
2. Foundation/Concealer
For light coverage, a tinted moisturizer is best, followed by spot treating problem areas with a bit of concealer. However, if you need full coverage, choose a lightweight foundation like Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Foundation ($50, Sephora) for buildable coverage that lasts. Use a foundation brush or a makeup sponge for a smooth finish.
3. Blush
Impart skin with a rosy glow by dusting CoverGirl TruBlend Blush Naturally Luminous Powder in Pure Romance 425 ($7.29, drugstore.com) over cheeks.
4. Eyes
Because you’re in a hurry, choose one eyeshadow to sweep over lids and in the crease. For a standout look, choose a shimmery neutral like taupe, sand, bronze or something in between. Make sure to line the upper and lower lash line with black eyeliner, such as Prestige Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil ($5.25, drugstores) and coat lashes with one to two coats of a volumizing and lengthening mascara.
5. Lips
For lip color that lasts all night, choose a lip stain that you can simply sweep on and forget about. One to try: NYC Smooch Proof 16 Hour Lipstain, ($4-6, drugstores.) If you prefer a glossy finish rather than a matte look, simply apply the stain and then coat lips in your favorite clear gloss for a shiny, sexy finish.
There you have it! Your 15 minute guide to easy Valentine’s Day makeup that will look just as gorgeous as if you spent hours pulling your look together. Do you have any favorite time-saving tips for getting gorgeous in a flash? Share them with me in the comments.
About Denise Shively
