Beat-the-Clock Beauty: 21 Shortcuts from the Pros

Quick Makeup Tips

Slow way: Applying eye cream, eyeliner, eye shadow, and highlighter when your eyes look tired
Speedy switch: Sweep a light, neutral goof-proof shimmer shadow over your lids and on the inside corners of your eyes to instantly mask darkness.
--Santina Sharpe, makeup artist for SalonCapri, Dedham, Massachusetts

Slow way: Reapplying foundation, powder, and blush after the gym
Speedy switch: Pat a few drops of liquid illuminator onto your skin; it gives you a healthy, dewy look and immediately conceals imperfections.
--Robert Bolanos, makeup artist for Lukaro Salon, Los Angeles

Slow way: Using a color-coordinated eye shadow, blush, and lipstick
Speedy switch: Get a chic look with just one shade by swiping a light pink or coral lipstick on your cheeks and lips and the outer areas underneath your brows. If you have a dark complexion, opt for a sheer berry color.
--Cindy Joseph, CEO and founder of Boom! by Cindy Joseph, Yonkers, New York

Slow way: Layering moisturizer, primer, and foundation
Speedy switch: Mix the three products together in your hand and apply to your face and neck.
--Ricky Wilson, Dior celebrity makeup artist, New York City

Slow way: Struggling with a liquid, gel, or pencil eyeliner
Speedy switch: Choose an eyeliner crayon, which is easier to smudge and allows you to blend stray marks.
--Santina Sharpe