12 Simple Makeup Looks to Save You Time

Many makeup routines take a lot of time because they require precision and attention to detail. It's no wonder most women spend about an hour daily on their beauty routines. Unfortunately, there are days when you won't have much time on your hands. That's where simple makeup looks can come in handy.

Whether you're running late for school, a meeting, or a soiree, several easy makeup looks can help you get ready quickly and efficiently. Read on to discover simple makeup ideas that can take you from dull to glam in almost no time!

Essential tools for simple makeup looks

Some essential tools you'll need for a quick and simple makeup application include:

• A Beautyblender to apply your makeup with ease
• A set of makeup brushes
• A power pocket puff

Must-have products for easy makeup looks

For a quick and easy makeup routine, there are a few essential products you’ll need. While the specific products you'll require will depend on your desired look, here are the essentials you'll need:

• Primer to create a smooth base for long-lasting makeup
• Skin tint or foundation that offers the coverage you prefer
• Concealer to hide blemishes, dark circles, and imperfections
• Blush to add a healthy flush of color to your cheeks
• Highlighter to give your skin a luminous, dewy finish
• Eyeliner for defined eyes, applied with the Wing Man Curved Eyeliner Brush for perfect precision
• Lipstick or lip gloss to elevate your look with a touch of color
• Setting powder to control shine and keep your makeup in place
• Setting spray to lock in your look all day long

12 easy makeup looks to save time

With your essential tools and products ready, here are 12 simple makeup ideas that can help you achieve a flawless and natural look within no time:

Go monochrome

Monochrome doesn't have to look boring. With a high-quality, matching blush and lipstick, you can achieve a gorgeous monochrome look. And best of all? Since you won't need to pick multiple shades, you'll save valuable time.

Follow these simple steps to create a dazzling monochrome look:

• Use a makeup sponge to apply blush onto your cheeks to give them a healthy glow
• Apply a lipstick shade that matches your blush to create a harmonious, monochromatic look

Bright lipstick with winged eyeliner

Slay with a look that screams confidence. It’s a combo that says, “I’m here to have a great time and look fabulous doing it!”

Start by creating your winged eyeliner – the key here is a steady hand and a bit of practice. It’s all about that sharp, precise flick that opens up your eyes and adds a touch of drama. Then, choose a bright lipstick shade that makes you feel fabulous. Whether it’s a classic red, a vibrant pink, or an electrifying coral, let your lips take center stage.

With this look, you’re balancing the intensity of the eyeliner with the vibrancy of the lipstick, creating a chic, confident vibe. So go ahead, rock those wings and that bold lip – the spotlight is all yours!

Sun-kissed bronzed look

For a warm, radiant glow that makes you look like you’ve just returned from a sun-soaked vacation, the Sun-Kissed Bronzed Look is perfect. To achieve this, start by applying a bronzer to the high points of your face—cheekbones, temples, and along your jawline. Use a fluffy brush to blend it seamlessly for a natural, sun-kissed effect.

Complement this with a touch of highlighter on your cheekbones and brow bones to enhance the glow. Finish with a neutral lip color and a swipe of mascara for a fresh, effortless appearance that radiates warmth and vitality.

Create a simple smoky eye look

Smoky eye makeup is a timeless makeup style and an excellent way to draw attention to your eyes. While it may not be the first style that dawns on you when you're thinking of simple eye makeup routines, it's actually pretty simple. Why? Well, unlike other eye makeup styles, smoky eye makeup doesn't require meticulous application.

Follow these steps for a quick and simple smoky eye look:

• Apply a mid-toned eyeshadow like light brown or taupe onto your lid to create a subtle smoky base and blend it up your crease
• Darken the crease with a dark-toned shadow like a deeper brown, gray, or charcoal, and blend well to achieve a smoky eye effect
• Gently smudge the shade with your fingers to create a smokier and brighter finish 
• Finally, use eyeliner to define your upper lash line (preferably one that complements your skin tone) and layer two to three coats of mascara to enhance the look

Use jewel-toned makeup

Few things give the eyes a radiant look like jewel tones. If you want to make your eyes glint, ditch your black and brown makeup for jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, and ruby.

Jewel tones can make your eyes look dazzling in no time, making them perfect for busy days. For best results, use a waterproof eyeliner that can resist smudging.

Get voluminous lashes

Love voluminous lashes? With a couple of swipes of your favorite mascara, you can get them with little effort and time. For best results, look for a clump-resistant mascara to get full, dreamy-looking lashes. Then, use your mascara brush to paint your upper lashes and hold your brush vertically to coat your lower lashes.

This basic makeup look can reduce the time you spend on your eye makeup routine and make your eyes look wide-eyed and alert, making it perfect for busy mornings.

Use a nude lip color

Nude shades are timeless. And for good reason. They can elevate any look without making it look dramatic. Best of all, they can help you achieve a flawless, natural look in almost no time. Ideally, look for nude lipstick that matches your skin tone.

Look for a nude lip color with some pink to warm up your skin if you have a fair or medium skin tone. On the other hand, look for brown hues if you have a dark skin tone, as light hues may result in a frosted look.

Soft cut crease look

The Soft Cut Crease is a quick and easy way to add definition to your eyes while keeping things soft and stylish.

Start by priming your eyelids and applying a neutral base shade. Define your crease with a darker eyeshadow, blending it well for a smooth transition. Apply a light, shimmery shadow on your lid and blend the edges for a seamless finish.

Finish with a thin line of eyeliner and a few coats of mascara. This look offers a refined touch with minimal effort, perfect for busy days or when you need to look polished in no time.

Create a twinkly eye look

Want to give your eyes a dazzling, dreamy look? Then, add some shimmer to your eyes with a metallic eye shadow. For a quick and subtle twinkly eye look, you'll just need to use your fingers or a beauty sponge to tap the eyeshadow around the corner of your eyes and the center of the lid. And voila! You'll be ready to step out with your best face forward.

Create a makeshift highlighter

Want to create a DIY highlighter? Simply dab some moisturizer, petroleum jelly, or oil on top of the foundation on the bridge of your nose, cheekbones, brow bones, or other areas you want to brighten.

While this makeup hack isn't supposed to be a substitute for a high-quality highlighter, it can shave several minutes off of your beauty routine. Plus, it can come in handy on frantic days when you can't find your highlighter.

Retro makeup look

This look is a beauty time machine that whisks you away to the classic eras of the 50s, 60s, and 70s, where bold brows, luscious lips, and dramatic eyes ruled the scene.

To achieve this, rock those full, arched brows and pair them with a flawless, matte complexion. For your eyes, go big or go home with winged eyeliner or colorful eyeshadows that pop – maybe even some fun falsies for that extra flair. Don’t forget the cheeks: a swipe of rosy blush will give you that iconic, pin-up glow.

La pièce de résistance? A classic red lip or a sultry berry shade that completes the look with a touch of sophistication.