Finding a way to do makeup quickly is, and will likely always be, at the top of our list of makeup routine goals (alongside making our routines more sustainable and perfecting the cut crease). Let’s face it though, for many of us a five-minute makeup routine just isn’t going to give us the swagger that we seek and a 10-minute routine gets close but just doesn’t cut it. You may feel like if you just had a few more minutes it’d be perfect. Enter the 15-minute makeup routine.
A 15-minute routine still allows you to get ready fast but it gives you just enough time to touch each part of your face if you’d like. It’s still very much in the realm of minimalist makeup, but you can highlight your favorite facial features — that is, as long as you have the right products. And as you may have guessed, long-wear base products and multitasking must-haves are at the core of this arsenal.
Read on to get our picks for best products to make you look good in just 15 minutes.
1. L’Oréal Paris True Match Hyaluronic Tinted Serum
Feed the minimalist in you by skipping foundation altogether and opting for this skin care-makeup hybrid. The tinted serum offers your skin a hydrated feel — thanks to a dose of hyaluronic acid — and a natural, luminous finish. It’s an easy way to get moisturized, even and radiant skin without packing on a handful of products. Add mascara and tinted lip balm and you have a polished look that’s perfect for a workday or morning of running errands.
2. L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup 4-in-1 Tinted Face Balm Foundation
When you need a little more coverage for blemishes, dark spots or redness, or you simply won’t put your trust in anything less than foundation for your base product, grab this creamy balm. The 4-in-1 foundation includes a firming serum that smooths lines and firms the skin overtime while the medium-coverage formula instantly conceals blemishes and evens skin tone.
3. L’Oréal Paris Unbelievabrow Longwear Waterproof Brow Gel
We say this a lot because it continues to be true: If you do nothing else on your face, shape and fill in your eyebrows. Messy eyebrows give off a just-rolled-out-of-bed vibe, and you don’t want that for virtual meetings — especially if you actually just rolled out of bed.
Grooming your brows with this no-budge brow gel gives your entire face some polish so that no one ever has to know how late you sleep in on weekdays. Pair it with tinted balm foundation and you’ll look ready to take on the day.
4. L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Lip and Cheek Tint
Any quick makeup routine will include multitasking products like this glossy tint. Use it on your lips, your lids and your cheeks for an easy-to-do monochromatic look. Layer it on after your tinted serum or natural-coverage foundation. The subtle hint of color melts into the skin and blends easily with a weightless feel.
5. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner
Applying eyeliner may feel like an unnecessary step in a quick makeup routine, but when you have a pen this easy to use, it’s a cinch. It’s such a great way to make eyes your focus. Try it in blue, green or gray when you want to switch up from your typical black eyeliner and watch it glide on smoothly for a gorgeous line that lasts up to 30 hours. Finish your look with mascara and lip gloss and sit back while the compliments pour in.
6. L’Oréal Paris Air Wear Air Volume Mega Mascara Waterproof, Lightweight
Like polished brows, long and voluminous lashes can open up the eyes and give you a more wide-awake appearance. So if you’re going for a simple look, opt for a mascara that lifts and separates your lashes without weighing them down. This air-whipped formula does exactly that without smudging, flaking or succumbing to sweat. Plus, the waterproof finish will give you all day wear.
7. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer
If you’ve been skipping bronzer as if it’s an extra step you don’t need, that ends today. Even in the most basic makeup routine, bronzer can go a long way in enhancing your look. This soft, powder formula helps to warm up the complexion and offers a lightweight finish that’s sweatproof, transferproof, heatproof, and non-pore clogging. How’s that for warming your complexion and your heart.
Next: 3 Beauty Must-Haves for Your Midday Makeup Refresh
Written by: Shalwah Evans, Photo Design: Crystal Miller