Me-Time Makeup

For a long time, I have always been fascinated with makeup. When I was in high school and college, I always experimented and dabbled in these av ant guard and drag-queenish looks. I've always been a makeup artist at heart, having done my share of weddings, photo shoots and editorial work. Now that I'm a working mother, I find myself opting for more subtle, professional and most of all, quick-to-apply looks. As a busy mom, my thought has always been that I can still have time to make myself look presentable and somewhat pretty.

Most moms are morning people... I'm not always one of those. The thought of waking up and putting on a full face of makeup in the morning can seem like a daunting task. Over the years, I've learned to change my ideology about my beautification sessions.

Putting on makeup in the morning is now my "Me-Time". No one is awake, no one is asking for breakfast and no one is reminding me of bills that need to be paid that day. It's quiet, still, and the only time of day that I truly have to myself. So, this "Me-Time" is my time to do a quick 15 minute makeover and rejuvenate that sassy, pretty girl in college that could pull a few phone numbers by lunch time :-)

Here's my beauty regimen:

1. 5 Minutes - Base
• Apply foundation and powder all over face. I like to use a cream-based foundation and finish with a mineralizing powder. It covers everything, but doesn't look "caked-on". It also lasts through morning meetings, client lunches and after-school activities.
2. 3 Minutes - Conceal & Set
• Next to the Bible, my iPhone and my son's classroom calendar, my concealer is the most dependable item in my purse. Concealer is essential for undereye coverup and eyebrow shaping (which can take YEARS off your face, even between waxings! I'll have a video up soon with step-by-step instructions).
• Use a Blotting Powder or matte setting powder to set the concealer, and eliminate any shine.
3. 7 Minutes - Draw & Color
• The last step to my beautiful makeover is eyes, cheeks and lips....although I usually wait on the gloss until I kiss my boyfriend goodbye for the day (he loves me, but not my lipgloss). 
• I use a felt tip eyeliner because it's fool-proof and easy to apply. Then I apply mascara. Stay away from water-proof! Unless you're a synchronize swimmer, you don't need it!
• Blush always brightens and calms the face. Blush is ALWAYS necessary. A simple pink, no matter what you skin tone, will work.
• I work in a progressive office, so I can get away with a bold rep lip some days. However, if you need to be more subtle, use a simple lip gloss. It completes and puts together the whole look.

And there you have it! 15 minutes to looking like you tried, and all signs of being a zombie because you were up for 4 hours with a sick baby are erased! Give yourself "Me-Time" wherever you can fit it in. You deserve it!

Stay tuned to the blog! I'll be listing a very Oprah-esque product list of My Favorite Things - The Makeup Edition very soon!!!