18 Easy Makeup Ideas for When You Have Zero Time (2025)

Glowy skin is one of those makeup trends that will never go out of style. While makeup can help amp up the dew, Cheng says the key is focusing on skin prep. Use a gentle exfoliant to smooth over any dry patches (Cheng likes Glossier’s new Cleanser Concentrate) and a good moisturizer. Then go in with a dewy foundation like Monika Blunder’s Blunder Cover or Shiseido Synchro Skin before popping a highlighter on the high points of your face. Cheng used Pat McGrath’s Highlighter Balm on Indya Moore, above.

Allover Blush

If you’re short on time (or space in your makeup bag), using the same blush tone across eyes, cheeks, and lips is so cohesive and easy. “This will be a forever favorite makeup look,” says Cheng. “I love using one or two shades across all the features.” She recommends cream blushes like the the Tower28 Beach Please tints, as well as Sisley Le Phyto Blush. “I’ll use this on the cheeks and I’ll dab it onto my lips when I have balm on already.”

Colorful Cat Eye

Consider this green cat eye further proof that simple makeup doesn’t mean boring. Just swap your usual black liner for a vibrant shade. Makeup artist Kate Synnott, who created this look for Ashley Graham, used a soft light-brown shadow to sketch out her wing shape. “Once I’ve perfected the shape, I then go over the line with my green liner,” she says. To lock the color in place, mist on a setting spray and lightly dust on translucent setting powder.

Nude Lips

Nude lips are a classic for a reason—they can pull together any look without looking too “done.” Synnott recommends choosing a “fleshy nude color that’s about two shades lighter than your skin tone. Use a brownish liner that’s only one shade lighter to create more dimension and depth around the mouth.” She recommends using a shadow smudge brush to blend the liner and lipstick so it looks seamless. She likes Róen Kiss My Liquid Lip Balm in Charlie, and Victoria Beckham Posh Lipstick in Pose for darker skin.

Glossy Lips

Gloss isn’t going anywhere. For this ’90s-inspired beat, makeup artist Kasey Spickard lined the lips with classic MAC Cork Liner, then went in with a “generous coat” of the ViseartMoisture Boost Lip Shine in Beignet. “This is a gorgeous, warm, toasty brown that gives the lips a perfect juicy pout,” he says.

Berry Kiss

A berry lip color make as much of an impact as red but is a little more unexpected. Spickcard loves LiveTinted’s Huestick in Free. “You can use the Huestick as a liner due to its pointed tip, and then fill it in.”

Pink Flush

“To achieve a flushed look, my best tips would be to use the same shade on the entire face to create a monochromatic look,” says celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta. “It brings a brightness to the face and allows that one shade to really pop. Don’t be afraid to select a pigmented blush; just adjust the tools you use to gently build up the color until you’re happy.” He loves his Crème & Powder Blushin the shade She’s That Girl for a pop of color with a natural finish.

Red Lips

A red lip seems simple, but Ta says to make sure your lips are prepped for the best results. “I love to use a thin but super-nourishing lip mask and apply to lips while working on the rest of the face,” he says. “Then I’ll go in and apply a high-pigment lipstick straight from the bullet, as I find that it gives the best color payoff and wears longer and better than if you applied with a lip brush.”

Full Lashes

For full fluffy lashes without falsies, Ta says double-curling your lashes is the secret. “It may seem excessive, but once you try this, you’ll be hooked on how amazing it makes your lashes look,” he says. “Then I like to go in with two coats of any volumizing mascara. I like wands that have bristles, as I think it adds to the fullness of the lashes.” Ta lovesPat McGrath’s Dark Star Mascara.