College students know best how chaotic mornings are, especially with having an early class. The last thing most students want is to wake up earlier than they need to get ready. The idea of having enough time in the morning for it just doesn’t seem realistic.
Between handling all the assignments, jobs, and extracurriculars, many students barely have time to get breakfast, let alone have time to do a full morning routine with makeup. However, with the right products and routine, anyone can create a flawless look in under ten minutes.
Brows: To begin, I always start with brows. They are a good starting point because they frame your face and make putting on concealer a lot faster and cleaner. Using the e.l.f brow gel, I brush my eyebrows upwards to where they first look like feathers. After, I shape them so they stay in place right where I want them. It’s quick, simple, and helps give me a natural but defined look.
Base Makeup: On a normal day, I go in with one concealer. On those stubborn days when I have breakouts, I first use my L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear concealer on them and blend. Next, under my eyes, I use my favorite concealer by Too Faced in the shade Oatmeal and blend upwards towards my tear duct for a lifted effect. After blending, I set everything with my Haus Labs pressed powder.
When I want a sharper look, I’ll contour using the Makeup by Mario stick and blend it with the brush on the other side of the stick, making it more efficient. To avoid harsh lines, blending is essential. Then I like to set the look with a bronzer powder for warmth, especially during the Fall season.
“I think bronzer is the one product that makes the biggest difference in my routine,” said Rachel, sophomore nursing student. “Even if I don’t wear foundation, bronzer makes me look alive.”
Blush & Color: Now it’s time to add a pop of color. When I apply blush, I make sure I always put it on my cheekbones and brush upwards to keep the lifted effect. I first spray my brush with the Charlotte Tilbury setting spray, then dip the brush in a cream blush. I dab it onto my skin and leave it to dry. When it feels dry, I go in again, but this time with a powder blush to lock it in. This layering makes the color last all day.
This is my favorite step because I think blush is the easiest way to look put together and refreshed. Finding your perfect shade for the season can make a difference in your everyday routine.
“I usually just stick with cream blush because it gives me a more glowy effect without adding too many steps,” said Sophie, senior biology student.
Eyes (Optional): Since this routine is customizable, this step is completely optional! I choose to do it because it gives my eyes a more defined look, but do whatever makes you comfortable. I like to use a black eye pencil on my waterline, then I use a fluffy eyeshadow brush in my crease using a warm bronze/brown eyeshadow. Using a thin layer of black liquid eyeliner along my lid, I follow that with curling my eyelashes and adding a coat of mascara.
“I love to wear false lashes for dramatic effect,” said Gia, sophomore business student.
Some students prefer to keep their eye makeup minimal.
“I usually just curl and put mascara on my lashes,” said Jordan, sophomore health studies student.
Setting the Look: This step is important to make everything stay in place throughout the day. Personally, the Charlotte Tilbury setting spray has had the best effect for me. Spraying it all over my face helps my makeup stay fresh for hours.
Setting sprays are efficient in making sure your makeup doesn’t melt off during classes and activities. Whether you’re in the library, labs, or walking around campus, a spritz or two can make a difference from cakes to a smoother finish.
Budget-Friendly Dupes: Some of my products I listed are pricey, but there are always affordable options. My favorites are drugstore brands like e.l.f, NYX, and Maybelline. They offer great alternatives for concealers, powders, and lip products.
“I like to get all my makeup from Target or Ulta’s drugstore section,” said Leila, sophomore psychology student.
Final Thoughts: Overall, my routine may sound like it includes a lot of steps, but once you start, it becomes fast and simple. Like I said before, the best part is that makeup is completely customizable. On days you may want to sleep in a little more, you can skip any of these steps. On the opposite side, you can add more detail on slower days.
The important part is to find what makes you feel comfortable and confident. Makeup doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult, whether you stick with just brows and mascara or a full glam, the goal is to enhance what’s already there. Having an everyday routine isn’t about being perfect but feeling more active and together.
