For the days when I'm running short on time and I only have time to apply a few makeup products, what should I reach for?
—Lindsey, via the Ask Style inbox

We've all been there. You look at the clock and realize you should've hit the road 10 minutes ago. Yikes! For those who need a li'l lip color to feel pulled together, there are ways to fake the full-on makeup effect fast.

If you only have time to apply one product, "Make it a really good lip color. It gives your entire face a pick-me-up and adds a great pop of color," says Faith Lawless, the Makeup Guide for About.com. The best part about using a good lip color? "When you're in a time crunch, you can put it on your lips and then apply a small circle on each cheek and blend out quickly to give you a hint of color on your cheeks as well," says Lawless, who has trained with Chanel and Lancôme . If you prefer the dramatic look of a full-on lipstick, try Clinique's moisturizing version for your own double-duty beauty. Or if you'd like a more subtle effect, go for Fresh's Sugar Rosé Tint or Benefit's lip stain. 

If you can spare a couple more minutes, Lawless has a 5-minute look that she promises will last you till the end of your workday. "Simply begin with a moisturizer that suits your skin type. This will keep your skin looking hydrated throughout the day so your makeup doesn't dry and age you," she advises. Next, to achieve an even skin tone, apply either foundation, tinted moisturizer or spot-treat with concealer, depending on your desired amount of coverage. To open up your eyes, "Quickly follow with two applications of your favorite mascara beginning at the base of your lashes and shimmying outwards." By applying your mascara so close to your eyelid, you'll get a slight eyeliner effect, so you can skip your eyeliner step. Finally, finish up with the lip/cheek color discussed earlier.    

When you're done, place all of the products you used for your 5-minute look into a separate makeup bag so you'll be set for the next time you need to put your face on in a flash.

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