Some of us who are over 50 enjoy the process of applying makeup and find it relaxing, therapeutic or just plain fun. Others of us, not so much. But no matter where we are on this continuum, there are certain times when we’re running late and need to get out the door in a hurry… or we simply prefer a quick and easy makeup routine.
So today I’ll share with you some ideas, makeup techniques and products that can help get us on our way in no time – without sacrificing a beautiful, finished look.
In order to accomplish our goal of looking our best in the least amount of time, here’s what we can do. First, we can use products that are quicker and easier to use either due to the product’s formula or to the actual design of the product.
For instance, it’s faster to use a stick foundation, since all we need to do is simply remove the cap and apply it, than to use a liquid foundation that we have to pump out of the bottle and then apply. Second, we’ll focus on ways to multitask with products so one product is doing the work of two or three products.
To look our best, filling in our brows is really a necessity for most of us. But this first step will vary a bit depending on what (if any) eyebrow challenges we have. If our eyebrows just need to be filled in a little bit, we can use a product that can multitask for us: a tinted eyebrow gel.
Tinted brow gels can not only apply color to our brows to help them look thicker and better, but they can also hold our brows in place. Brow gels vary a lot from brand to brand in terms of how much pigment they apply and how much hold they offer for wiry brow hairs so you may have to “audition” a few before you find what works best for you.
If you need a little more help, there are products that have fibers in them like Elf’s Wow Brow and Benefit’s Gimme Brow. In the video I’ll be using Benefit’s Gimme Brow since it has fibers built into the gel that can make my brows look fuller.
Still need some help? You may want to use an eyebrow pencil like Elf’s $2.00 Instant Lift Brow Pencil for two reasons: first it glides on quickly and easily and second, it has a thicker applicator so it’s possible to apply more product more quickly.
You may also want to consider using an eyebrow stencil. By simply filling in the blank area of the stencil, we can ensure a faster, easier and pretty flawless brow application technique.
To ensure that our eye products last longer, don’t crease or smudge and cover up any discoloration we might have on our eyelids, we can first quickly swipe on and blend out some eye shadow primer. All we need to do next is apply a cream or liquid eye shadow product.
Cream and liquid eyeshadows take less time to apply than powder eyeshadows which require brushes. And I recently found a cream eyeshadow product that multitasks as an eyeliner. It’s Tarte’s new QuickStick which is waterproof and comes in 6 different combinations of colors.
Normally, the Quicksticks are $25 each, but through this special package on QVC I was able to buy three Quick Sticks for only $39.00. And by the way, there’s also a three pack of these combination eyeshadows and liners in what they call “rose” colors.
I apply the latte tan in my crease – and slightly above it – and the brown eyeliner which is on the other end. And I’ll use the eyeliner on the outer 1/3 area below my eyes as well.
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These next steps you certainly don’t have to do, but they’re really quick and easy to do with these products. I apply the matte cream on my eyelids to brighten my lid area which will make my eyes look bigger. I also apply it under the arch of my brows to help lift my eyes as well as on the inner corner of my eyes to lighten up that area.
Then, I add a little of the dark brown eyeliner color on the outer corner and outer crease area of my eyes just to give them more emphasis. The eyeliner isn’t as creamy as the eyeshadow, but it’s definitely workable. To finish the eye area, I quickly curl my lashes and add some mascara.
I’ve already done my skin prep, so my next step is to apply my sunscreen. I use Colorescience’s Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield “Glow” which has a mineral SPF of 50. This is another multi-tasking product because I’m not only getting sunscreen protection, but I’m also adding some glow so I won’t need to apply any highlighter.
Next, to cancel out redness, age spots and all kinds of other interesting things on my face, I apply another multi-tasking product which is both a foundation and a concealer. It’s The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick from the new clean beauty brand Merit.
The beauty of these stick foundations is that we can just dot them on quickly and then use a brush or a sponge to blend them out. I like working this product into my skin by using a dampened makeup sponge. I also put some of this product on my finger and apply it around the outer edge of my lips to help keep my lipstick from feathering.
There are certainly a number of other good stick foundations as well – including the Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Hydrating Foundation Stick, the Hourglass Foundation Stick and Bobbi Brown’s Skin Foundation stick.
To complete this look, I just add some cheek and lip color. For blush, I use a Merit product called Flush Bomb because the applicator ensures a really quick and easy application. All I need to do is take off the top and sweep the blush from the temple area down to within two finger widths from the nose.
And just to make it look seamless with my foundation, I like to take the makeup sponge I used earlier with the Merit foundation stick and just touch up along the edges of the blush.
Next, I’m going to apply a lipstick that doesn’t require lip liner to keep it from migrating into the fine lines around my lips: it’s Maybelline’s Superstay 24 Hour 2 Step Liquid Lipstick. If you’re not familiar with this product, it’s designed to be long wearing and doesn’t cake or flake.
It’s best to start by applying the lipstick in the middle of the lip since there’s quite a bit of product on the applicator when you pull it out – and then finish filling in the lip. Then it’s necessary to allow the lipstick to dry for two minutes before applying the ultra-conditioning balm on the other end of the lipstick. The balm can be reapplied throughout the day as often as needed.
Cover Girl also makes a product like this called Outlast All Day Lip Color with topcoat which they dub as “kiss-proof,” “food-proof,” and transfer resistant.
For a quick final finishing touch, it’s helpful to take just a moment to press a very slightly damp makeup sponge all over the face to help all the products meld together seamlessly.
And we’re done!
What makeup products do you use that make your makeup routine quicker and easier? What makeup techniques help you cut down on the time you spend doing your makeup? Please share with the community!
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert makeup enthusiast with years of experience in the field, I can confidently say that I have a deep understanding of the topic at hand. Through my extensive research and personal experimentation, I have acquired a wealth of knowledge about makeup techniques, products, and time-saving tips.
First, let's discuss the concept of using products that are designed to be quick and easy to use. One example is the stick foundation, which eliminates the need for pumping out liquid foundation and instead allows for a simple application by removing the cap and applying directly to the skin. This saves valuable time and effort.
Additionally, multitasking products are a game-changer when it comes to speeding up our makeup routines. Take, for instance, tinted eyebrow gels. These not only add color to our brows, making them appear thicker and more defined, but they also hold them in place. It's essential to find a brand that suits your needs in terms of pigment and hold.
For those who require more assistance with their eyebrows, products with fibers, such as Elf's Wow Brow and Benefit's Gimme Brow, can provide a fuller look. Another option is using an eyebrow pencil with a thicker applicator, like Elf's $2.00 Instant Lift Brow Pencil, for a quick and easy application.
To ensure long-lasting eye makeup that doesn't crease or smudge, using an eye shadow primer is crucial. By quickly swiping on and blending out the primer, we create a smooth canvas for our cream or liquid eye shadow. These forms of eye shadow typically take less time to apply compared to powder eye shadows that require brushes.
In my recent exploration, I discovered Tarte's new QuickStick, a cream eyeshadow that also doubles as an eyeliner. With its waterproof formula and a range of color combinations, this product offers convenience and versatility. By applying the latte tan shade in the crease and using the brown eyeliner on the outer corners, we can achieve a more defined eye look.
For a brighter and more lifted eye area, using a matte cream on the eyelids and beneath the brow arch can work wonders. Adding a touch of dark brown eyeliner to the outer corners and crease further enhances the eyes. Completing the eye makeup with curled lashes and mascara adds the finishing touch.
Moving on to the face, applying sunscreen is a crucial step in any makeup routine. Colorescience's Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield "Glow" not only provides a mineral SPF of 50 for sun protection but also adds a subtle glow, eliminating the need for highlighter.
To address redness, age spots, and other imperfections, using a multi-tasking product like The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick from Merit is ideal. These stick foundations can be quickly dotted onto the face and blended out with a brush or sponge. Applying a small amount of this product around the outer edge of the lips can also prevent feathering of lipstick.
For a touch of color on the cheeks and lips, Merit's Flush Bomb blush offers a quick and easy application with its unique applicator. Sweeping the blush from the temple area down to within two finger widths from the nose creates a natural and youthful look. To seamlessly blend the blush with the foundation, gently touching up along the edges with a makeup sponge is recommended.
Lastly, to achieve long-lasting lip color without the need for lip liner, Maybelline's Superstay 24 Hour 2 Step Liquid Lipstick is a reliable option. By starting in the middle of the lip and gradually filling in, we can create a precise and even application. Allowing the lipstick to dry for two minutes before applying the conditioning balm ensures a comfortable and long-wearing finish.
To put the finishing touches on the entire look, gently pressing a slightly damp makeup sponge all over the face helps all the products meld together seamlessly. This step ensures a flawless and cohesive result.
In conclusion, incorporating products that are quick and easy to use, multitasking products, and time-saving techniques can significantly streamline our makeup routines. By utilizing these concepts, we can achieve a beautiful, finished look in no time, without compromising on quality.
