We’ve all been there: the notification for an impromptu night out pops up, and you have about fifteen minutes to transform from your cozy-at-home self into someone ready for a fun night. Panic sets in. A full glam routine can take an hour, but who has that kind of time? The good news is, you don’t need it. With the right products and a few smart techniques, you can achieve a glamorous look in ten minutes flat.
The key to a quick glam routine is relying on multitasking products that deliver a big impact with minimal effort. Think creamy formulas you can blend with your fingers, high-pigment products that do the work in one swipe, and finishes that make you look like you spent way more time on your makeup than you actually did. Here is your guide to getting glam and out the door in record time.
Base Makeup: The Perfecting Tints and Concealers
The foundation of any look is your base, but you don't have time for a full-coverage foundation and complex contouring. Instead, focus on creating an even, glowy canvas with products that are quick and easy to apply.
- Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40: This is a multitasking dream. It’s a tinted serum that combines skincare, light coverage, and sun protection all in one bottle. The formula is lightweight and provides a dewy finish that makes your skin look incredibly healthy and radiant. You can apply it with your fingers in under a minute, instantly evening out your skin tone and giving you a glow that looks like it comes from within. It’s the perfect shortcut to flawless-looking skin.
- Glossier Stretch Concealer: When you’re in a hurry, a heavy, matte concealer can look cakey and take too long to blend. This concealer has a flexible, buildable formula that moves with your skin for a natural finish. The dewy texture melts into the skin, covering up redness and dark circles without creasing. Just tap it on with your finger where you need a little extra coverage, and you’re good to go.
- NARS Multiple Stick: Why juggle a separate blush, highlighter, and lipstick when you can have all three in one? The NARS Multiple is an iconic cream-to-powder stick that can be used on your eyes, cheeks, and lips. Swipe a shimmery-peach shade like 'Orgasm' onto the apples of your cheeks for a flush of color, tap it onto your eyelids for a quick wash of shimmer, and press it onto your lips for a monochromatic look. It’s the ultimate time-saver.
Eyes: High-Impact, Low-Effort
A glamorous eye look doesn’t have to involve five different eyeshadow shades and intricate blending. A single, high-impact product can create a stunning look in seconds. The secret is to choose formulas that are creamy, shimmery, and easy to apply.
- Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour: These eyeshadow sticks are a gift to anyone who is short on time. The creamy formula glides onto the lids without any tugging and can be blended out with just your finger. A shimmery shade like 'Amethyst' or 'Rosegold' swept all over the lid creates a beautiful, luminous look that looks far more complex than it is. Best of all, once it sets, it will not move all night.
- Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow: For instant, full-throttle glam, nothing beats this liquid glitter. A single swipe delivers a high-impact, sparkling finish that requires zero skill to apply. Just use the applicator to dab a bit onto the center of your lid and tap it out. It’s the fastest way to achieve a look that says "I tried," when you really didn't.
- Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Curling Mascara: You don't have time for a lash curler and multiple coats of mascara. This mascara has a special "Hook 'n' Roll" brush that grabs, separates, lifts, and curls lashes all in one go. A couple of quick coats will give you a wide-eyed, fanned-out effect that makes you look more awake and your eyes more defined.
Lips: One-Swipe Wonders
A bold lip is the fastest way to pull your entire look together and add a touch of glamour. When you’re in a hurry, you need a product that is easy to apply without a liner and will stay put through the night.
- Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint: This liquid lipstick is famous for its weightless, long-wearing formula and a wand that makes precise application surprisingly easy. A bold color like the universal red 'Uncensored' can be applied quickly and delivers a soft-matte finish that won’t budge. A powerful red lip paired with a simple eye is a classic glam look that never fails.
- Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick: This lipstick is a cult favorite for its hydrating matte formula that makes lips look fuller. A universally flattering nude-pink shade like 'Pillow Talk' is perfect for a quick application. The formula glides on smoothly and provides a sophisticated, polished finish that completes any look without requiring a lot of precision.
The Finishing Touches
To lock everything in place and make sure your ten-minute face lasts all night, a good setting spray is essential.
- Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray: A few spritzes of this legendary setting spray will ensure your makeup doesn’t melt, fade, or settle into fine lines. It’s like a force field for your face, giving you one less thing to worry about while you’re out having fun.