Hair and makeup pros were challenged to give their top quick updates. The two-minute makeover is on.
Beauty perk ups
The secret to beating the midwinter blues? No, it's not jet-setting off to some beachy spa (though we wouldn’t exactly turn that down). It's something a whole lot quicker, easier—and cheaper.
Simply put: Change up your beauty routine for genuine mood- and beauty-boosting effects.
Here are some basic tweaks that just might turn your S.A.D. into happy, delivering gorgeous looking skin however much time you have. Winter blahs, you’re on notice!
Wake up your face
Makeup: If you only have a few seconds.
You’re fresh off the holiday-party circuit—with the washed-out look to prove it. A swoop of peach blush on cheeks adds a warm, healthy glow, says makeup artist Sarah Lucero, Stila global creative director.
We like ALMAY Powder Blush 040 Sunkissed ($8.69 free 2-day shipping on $35 orders; TARGET).
Rock a berry dramatic lip
Makeup: If you only have a few seconds.
Blue-based pinks (blackberry and raspberry) are the hottest winter hues, says Troy Surratt, a New York City–based makeup artist. Bonus: They make teeth look white.
Try Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede Lipstick in Muse ($8.99 ships free; TARGET).
Turn on the highlights
Makeup: If you only have a few seconds.
Brighten up (and open up) your eyes with a dab of shimmer in the center of the lower lid.
You’ll love: Maybelline® Expert Wear® Eyeshadow Quads ($4.99 ships free; TARGET).
Play up winter blues
Makeup: If you only have a few minutes.
Layer jumbo eye pencil over basic black eyeliner "for a hint of eye-brightening purple velvet," says Gilbert Soliz, Sephora PRO lead makeup artist.
Try NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Purple Velvet ($4.49 ships free; TARGET).
Re-define your brows
Makeup: If you only have a few minutes.
Get an "instant eye lift" with a brow filler a shade or two darker than your hair, says Hilary Foote, global brow expert for Benefit Cosmetics.
Our pick: NYX Professional Makeup Tinted Brow Mascara ($6.99 free 2-day shipping on $35 orders; TARGET).
Blush from within
Makeup: If you only have a few minutes.
For a believable peek-through flush, tap a cream blush like Bobbi Brown Sheer Color Cheek Tint in Sheer Pink ($65; Amazon.com) onto cheeks; follow with liquid foundation. It's a little on the expensive side, but you don't use much product each time you apply it. You end up with a flush of color that's translucent.
Fake flawless skin
Skin: If you only have a few seconds.
To sheer out and blend foundation, add a few drops of skin serum such as non-clogging Bio-Oil ($12; Amazon.com).
