Carmindy's "The 5-Minute Face"

Ah, that morning: You overslept your alarm, you're nowhere near ready, and your meeting started, oh, 10 minutes ago. Dolling up on the fly doesn't have to mean morning mayhem, though: Carmindy—makeup artist from TLC's #1 show, "What Not To Wear"—gave us a lesson in time-saving beauty this morning, using tips from her new book, The 5 Minute Face. Fabulous Benefit products in hand, she powdered and polished our model, Catherine, to perfection in just five minutes. So, next time you're running behind? Here's how to look pretty in a pinch:

1—Even skin with a light foundation (Some Kind-A Gorgeous). "You want to enhance skin, not cover it," Carmindy says. "[And] to look polished, not overdone."
2—Dab a light concealer (Boi-ing) under your eyes. Use a brightening pencil (Eye Bright) to line above your cheekbones and from the outer corner of your eye. Blend.
3—Spot-conceal any redness with a light concealer (Boi-ing).
4—Lightly dust your T-zone with a translucent powder (Get Even).
5—Highlight under your brows and on your cheekbones (High Beam). "Your eyes will sparkle and showcase your natural radiance," Carmindy says.
6—Sweep a powder blush (Dandelion) onto the apples of your cheeks.
7—Apply eyeliner (BADgal) to your upper lash-line, wiggling as close to the roots as possible. Forget that perfect line—blend with a Q-tip.
8—Coat your top lashes with mascara (BADgal Lash). "I always like to use black mascara, no matter what," Carmindy says. "The idea is less makeup, more impact."
9—Slick on a sheer lip gloss (Silky-Finish Lipstick in Rocket Pop). As a rule, go for creamy lipsticks or sheer glosses, Carmindy says, not dark, heavy lipsticks.
10—Hit the road beautifully!

Posted in Expert Advice , how-to