The key to applying makeup when you’re pressed for time is to find products and tools that will multitask, that way you can cut down your time and the amount of products you use.

The main thing that you’re going to want to do is to even out your skin tone with either a tinted moisturizer or foundation (liquid or powder) depending on your preference. I find that the best tool for this is your fingers (for liquid foundations) and if needed, you can use a brush (or a sponge) to blend the foundation into the hair line and down your neck.

Cream blushes are also great because you can use your fingers to apply; I find that you get a better application when you use your fingers vs. using a brush. Cream blush will add a subtle colour and make you look fresh. Don’t forget to apply concealer under your eyes. For this I recommend choosing a concealer with warmth to it to brighten up under your eyes and make you look more awake. Buff a light coating of a translucent powder to set liquid foundation, if you’re more on the dry side, you could skip this step or just powder lightly down the t-zone to combat the shine.

My new favourite things are cream eye shadows. Not only can you find them in an assortment of colours but they last all day and some are even waterproof. To apply, you can either use your fingers or a dense but fluffy brush. If you have a bit more time, add a matte eye shadow shade a few tones deeper than your skin tone into your crease for added definition. Skip the liner and add a few coats of a volumizing or lengthening mascara depending on your preference.

Since the rest of the face is fairly subtle, add a medium toned lip gloss or lipstick to the lips to finish off the look.

The tools you choose are just as important as the products. The M.A.C 217 is great for placing and blending both powder and cream eye shadows and blending concealer under the eyes due to the dense yet fluffy bristles.  M.A.C 187 is great for applying liquid and powder foundations and cream and powder blushes.

*pictures courtesy of MAC.com & Sephora.com