Last Updated on January 3, 2024
I live in workout clothes and a ponytail, so I rely on my 5-minute beauty makeover a lot. Whether it’s my husband taking me out for an impromptu date or an event for one of my kids that I’ve forgotten about until the last minute, I usually only have a few minutes to make the transformation from drab to fab.
Since I’m all about doing things quickly and easily, I’ve figured out a few beauty essentials that make looking good in minutes a snap. They’re affordable, fashionable, and easy to work into your look when you don’t have much time.
Here’s what I use for my easy summer 5-minute beauty makeover:
Iconic Sunglasses
The longest part of my normal makeup routine is applying eye makeup. It takes time to apply eye shadow primer, get my eyeliner line just right, blend my eye shadow to look natural and apply and wait for my mascara to dry.
When I’m in a hurry, I skip this step entirely and just throw on a pair of sunglasses.
Lipstick
The sunglasses will have most of your face covered. Now, you only need to worry about your cheeks and lips. A lipstick in just the right shade for your skin tone can makeover both of these areas in 30 seconds.
Dab a dot of lipstick on each cheek and rub in to give your cheeks a rosy glow. Apply a layer of lipstick to your lips and dab briefly with a tissue. Your face is ready to go!
Sundress
Now that your face is set, we need to makeover your outfit.
The easiest way to get dressed up quickly is to throw on a sundress. Even a casual dress makes you look like you put effort into getting ready, even though it takes just a few seconds to throw it on.
Added bonus: You’ll stay cooler in a sundress than in almost anything else you might choose to wear.
Stylish Sandals
Like a sundress, sandals are easy to slide on and instantly transform your look. If you have a pedicure that’s chipping, just remove the polish and clip your toenails, if needed.
Bobby Pins
Unless you wake up with great hair every day, making over your hairdo will be the hardest task in this 5-minute makeover. I’ve found that bobby pins speed up this process substantially.
I can position them anywhere I want, which is helpful when I have lumps leftover from my ponytail or an errant strand of hair. Plus, there are so many different ways to twist, braid and pin up strands so you can create a unique look in minutes.
Dangly Earrings
I keep a pair of dangly earrings in my purse so I can throw them on in these makeover emergencies while we’re in the car. Like scarves in the winter, a pair of dangly earrings somehow makes you look put together.
If You Have Time…
Don’t let dry, scaly skin ruin the look you’ve just put together. Before you head out the door, rub down of your arms, legs and feet with lotion.
Then, dab on your favorite perfume or an affordable alternative. For example, check out these Black Opium dupes.
