Everyday makeup should make you look awake and polished without looking "done". The aim is even skin, a little color and defined eyes and brows, in about ten minutes. Once the steps are familiar, the routine becomes automatic.
What you need
- Moisturizer and sunscreen.
- A light base: tinted moisturizer, BB cream or sheer foundation.
- Concealer.
- Cream or powder blush.
- Brow gel or pencil.
- Mascara.
- A neutral eyeshadow or bronzer (optional).
- Tinted balm or a soft lipstick.
- Powder, if your skin gets shiny.
Beginner Makeup Kit: Essential Products to Start With explains how to choose each one.
The ten-minute routine
1. Skin preparation (2 minutes)
Apply moisturizer and a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Let them sink in while you brush your teeth or choose your clothes.
2. Base (2 minutes)
Dot a small amount of your base on the center of the face and blend outward with fingers or a damp sponge. Use it only where you need it. Skin that shows through looks more natural.
3. Concealer (1 minute)
Tap a little concealer at the inner corners of the eyes, around the nose and on any blemishes. Blend the edges.
4. Color (1 minute)
Tap cream blush onto the cheeks and blend up towards the temples. See Cream vs Powder Blush: Which Formula Fits Your Look?. For extra warmth, sweep a little bronzer along the hairline and cheekbones.
5. Powder, if needed (30 seconds)
Press a small amount of powder on the forehead, nose and chin only.
6. Brows (1 minute)
Brush your brows up and fill any gaps with light strokes, or simply use a tinted gel. See How to Shape and Fill Your Eyebrows.
7. Eyes (2 minutes)
- Optional: sweep a neutral matte eyeshadow, or the bronzer you used on your face, across the lid and into the crease.
- Curl your lashes and apply one or two coats of mascara.
8. Lips (30 seconds)
Apply a tinted balm or a soft lipstick close to your natural lip color.
The five-minute version
- Sunscreen.
- Concealer where needed.
- Cream blush, used on cheeks and lightly on eyelids.
- Mascara.
- Tinted balm.
Choosing shades for a natural look
| Product | Natural choice |
|---|---|
| Blush | Soft pink, peach or rose, close to your natural flush |
| Eyeshadow | Matte beige, taupe or soft brown |
| Mascara | Black, or brown for a softer effect |
| Lips | One or two shades deeper than your natural lip color |
| Brows | A shade matching or slightly lighter than your brow hair |
Making it last through the day
- Let skincare settle before applying your base.
- Use thin layers.
- Set only the areas that become oily.
- Keep your hands off your face.
- Carry blotting papers, your lip product and a small powder for a midday check.
For refreshing the look before an evening out, see Day-to-Night Makeup: How to Refresh Your Look.
Adjusting for your skin
- Oily skin: an oil-free base, powder blush and powder on the T-zone.
- Dry skin: a hydrating base, cream blush and little or no powder.
- Acne-prone skin: non-comedogenic products, and concealer patted, not rubbed, over blemishes.
- Mature skin: less powder, a cream blush and a satin lip.
Suitable for most settings
This look is neat and understated, so it works in offices, classrooms and interviews. If your workplace or college has specific rules about appearance, follow those.
Time-saving habits
- Keep your everyday products together in one small bag.
- Use multi-purpose products: a cream blush that works on lips, or a bronzer that doubles as eyeshadow.
- Apply makeup near a window. Daylight shows how much you really need.
- Clean your sponge and brushes on the weekend.
The order of these steps follows the general sequence in Makeup Application Order: What to Apply First.
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Frequently asked questions
How can I make everyday makeup look natural?
Use sheer products, apply base only where needed, choose shades close to your own coloring and blend the edges well.
Do I need foundation for an everyday look?
No. Concealer on the areas that need it, or a tinted moisturizer, is enough for many people.
How do I stop my makeup fading by lunchtime?
Prepare your skin, use thin layers, set the oily areas with a little powder and blot instead of adding more product.