When we think about makeup artists, we often think of the red-carpet looks they so expertly create for celebrities, not how they actually apply makeup to their own faces. But think about it: Makeup artists are busy, so they’ve got to have their five-minute faces down to a science—and they have to look their best daily to show off their skills.
We talked to four pros—Jamie Greenberg, Monika Blunder, Sarah Lucero, and Katie Jane Hughes—all of whom shared with us their very personal quick-and-easy makeup routines. No complicated brushes, no advanced techniques, just gettin’ it done in a hurry.
Jamie Greenberg, YouTube star and celebrity makeup artist to Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, Rashida Jones, and more
“First, I use a tinted moisturizer with SPF like Caudalíe Vinoperfect Radiance Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 ($49), then a Stila Convertible Color ($25) tint that I throw on my lips and cheeks. Another tinted moisturizer I like that has more coverage is Orlane Paris Teint Absolu Treatment Foundation ($70); it’s amazing.
Em Michelle Phan has the best liquid liner called Scribble Calligraphy Liquid Liner in Black Coffee ($18), and it’s so easy to use. I finish off with Tarte Lights, Camera, Flashes Statement Mascara ($23) and Thrive Causemetics Infinity Waterproof Brow Liner ($23).
If you aren’t good at eyeliner, just smudge on Chanel Stylo Eyeshadow ($34), which is a cream and easy to apply. Always bring a gloss with color wherever you’re going to touch up—I love the new MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Plexi-Gloss ($19).”
Courtesy of Jamie Greenberg
Monika Blunder, celebrity makeup artist to Jessica Alba, Naomi Watts, and more
“I love a five-minute makeup routine because I’m a mom, and I usually don’t have more time than that in the morning. I always begin by applying a good primer. The one I’m loving at the moment is Jane Iredale Smooth Affair Facial Primer & Brightener ($48) because it gives a nice luminosity to my skin and helps my makeup last all day.
I always do a foundation to even out my complexion. Right now, I’m really into Giorgio Armani Beauty Maestro Cream Compact ($64). It’s so quick and easy to apply; the creamy texture glides smoothly over skin. The key is to use a damp Beautyblender ($20) for a seamless finish.
Next, I do a creamy concealer under my eyes and around my nose to conceal dark circles and any redness. I love the Honest Beauty Concealer Duo ($20) because it has two shades in the compact—one shade is more pink, and the other is yellow-toned. The pink tone brightens my under-eye area, and the yellow tone cancels redness.
I quickly dust a bit of bronzer onto my cheekbones, forehead, temples, and across the bridge of my nose. All summer I was using the Gucci Golden Glow Bronzer ($59) because it’s the perfect color for my complexion. It gives both definition and a healthy glow to my skin.
For eyes, I trace my upper lash line with Benefit They’re Real! Push-Up Eyeliner ($24), curl my lashes, and follow with two coats of black mascara. Honest Beauty Truly Lush Mascara + Lash Primer ($22) is my current fave—two in one!
As I’m headed out the door, I’ll do a slick of berry lip gloss or stain for a polished look.”
Courtesy of Monika Blunder
Sarah Lucero, Stila head makeup artist and celebrity makeup artist to Victoria Beckham, Kerry Washington, and more
“My personal favorite feature to play up with makeup is my eyes! I love lots of black mascara on top and bottom lashes—it’s the quickest way to open up your eyes and look like you have on more makeup that you really do. I define and darken my lashes with Stila HUGE Extreme Lash Mascara ($23), and I usually wear two coats.
I brighten up tired eyes fast with a flesh-toned, peachy liner like the Stila Kajal Eye Liner in Topaz ($18). The pale peach shade wakes up my makeup and instantly adds a brightness that makes me look well-rested … which is not always the case, especially after fashion week!
Healthy, radiant skin is a must for me and for my clients. I rarely wear foundation because I prefer the look of very natural skin, so I tend to wear Stila Stay All Day 10-in-1 HD Bronzing Beauty Balm ($38) mixed with the Illuminating Beauty Balm ($38) as a foundation alternative.
I love a good glow, and Stila makes the most amazing liquid shimmer in the perfect champagne beige color called All Over Shimmer Liquid Luminizer in Kitten ($20). I like to use this on my cheekbones, eyelids, and the bridge of my nose for a healthy sheen—it lifts and brightens dull-looking skin. I mix it with my moisturizer too. This is my favorite secret beauty product to use after a long flight because it instantly makes my skin looked hydrated and adds a nice finish to natural skin. Good-bye, jet lag.
I use both the Light and Dark colors of Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Brow Color ($21). I like healthy, full, brushed-up brows. I think it makes me look younger and requires me to use less eye makeup on a daily basis. I love Anastasia Clear Brow Gel ($22); I wear it daily.
Even if I’m in a hurry I always brush clear gel through my brows. It ties your look together. It makes me look polished and like I really made an effort with my makeup.
I apply Stila Color Balm Lipstick in Isabelle ($22) like a lip stain—I blot it on my lips so it looks more matte on me. When I like a lipstick, I’ll wear it every day until it gets discontinued! I get so hooked.
My other favorite is Stila Convertible Color in Camellia ($25); I wear this often and dab it on my lips and cheeks. I can throw it on quickly at a stoplight while I’m on my way to work. It’s a quick pick-me-up and adds a sunny glow to my skin. I tap the cream onto my cheeks rather than rub—this application technique makes it look really dewy on skin.”
Courtesy of Sarah Lucero
Katie Jane Hughes, butter LONDON Global Colour Ambassador, makeup artist, and manicurist
“I start by prepping skin with my favorite moisturizer and letting it sit for 30 seconds. I apply my concealer where I need it and then blend. I’m using Urban Decay Naked Skin ($28), and I use a water-spritzed brush [to apply] for less coverage.
Next, I do eye shadow. The butter LONDON Smoke Stick Duo ($20) adds a little shadow in under 30 seconds without requiring tools or brushes. I used the shade Buzz Worthy for my look.
The other side is highlighter, which I applied to the inner corners of my eyes and all over the top lid. I soften edges with my fingers for a subtle glow. I add a good layer of butter LONDON Iconoclast Mega Volume Lacquer Mascara ($20), and my eyes are done.
If I have two minutes to spare and want to look extra fab, I add a bright lip. It’s a really fast way to take your makeup to the next level, and it can always be cleaned up with a lip liner.
I use butter LONDON Moisture Matte Lipstick in Ladybird ($22), starting in the middle of the lip and working my way out to the lip line. I finish any edges with a red-orange liner, or I use a dry Q-tip for a diffused edge. I finish with a touch of powder and bronzer, and I’m good to go!”
Courtesy of Katie Jane Hughes
MORE: Makeup Artists’ Life-Changing Drugstore Beauty Buys