Start by rejuvenating the skin with a serum. Napoleon Perdis' Chief of Makeup Services, Rebecca Prior, says, "Even though it�s a skin care step, the better your skin is, the less you'll have to do with your makeup." Look for a serum with peptides, which pep up your skin instantly, and antioxidants, which provide ongoing protection throughout the day.
Next, apply a color-correcting primer that has a purple tint. "Purple counteracts the yellow sallow color in the skin," says Prior. Try NP Set Brightening Pre-Foundation Primer, $29, which evens skin tone and has microscopic gold flecks that help brighten skin.
Expert tip: Look for a foundation that has SPF protection in it, which cuts out one skin-prep step.
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Add contours
No, you don't need bronzer or a big, special brush. Prior says all you need to do is apply your blush to the apples of your cheeks to get color, then brush it back to your temples to get definition.
Expert tip: Don't have blush with you? Apply a blushy pink creamy lipstick or lip gloss onto the apples of your cheeks to give color and luminescence, says Prior.
We see her all the time. The woman in the next lane, swerving because she's applying her mascara while going 55 miles per hour. Or the one who's so busy perfecting her smoky eye that it takes her a solid 30 seconds to start moving after the light turns green.
Oh wait, was that you we spotted on the road today?
It's OK, we won't wag a finger just yet. We know how hectic mornings can get with the kids screaming and the breakfast burning and the dog scratching at the front door because he's ready for his walk.
So, when we are finally out the door, sometimes we, too, hope for a red light or four so we can finish filling in our eyebrows.
And while there's the obvious problem with putting on your makeup while driving (read: it's illegal), there are other risks as well. Like stabbing yourself in the eye with your eyeliner from a sudden stop. Or hitting a bump in the road that forces you to draw your liner so thick you walk into work wearing a cat eye to rival Cleopatra's.
Now, we're not saying that you should forego wearing makeup to the office altogether. In fact, researchers at Harvard University and Boston University found that wearing makeup can actually raise your perceived level of competence, likability, and trustworthiness. It can also help you look more awake and put-together -- even if you didn't get enough sleep or have enough time to get ready in the morning.
That's why we've compiled these makeup looks that are so easy, you can apply them in five minutes flat -- ideally when your gearshift is in park. We also uncovered the best makeup tricks to disguise the problems one too many busy mornings cause: sallow skin, tired eyes, and other dead giveaways that you're overworked and not getting enough shut-eye. Ready to look awake, competent, and not like Cleopatra for that 8 a.m. meeting? Park that car and try one of these looks.
