Top 10 Makeup Tips for When You Have to Get Ready in Under 10 Minutes

Morning rushes are a universal experience: the alarm mysteriously rings late, the shower takes longer than planned, and suddenly, the clock is glaring at you with zero sympathy. Yet, there's still that urge to look presentable, whether for work, a brunch meet-up, or a last-minute video call. This is where the art of the quick makeup routine swoops in to save the day.

The trick isn't about piling on layers but knowing exactly which products to use, how to apply them, and in what order. With the right shortcuts, a fresh, glowy, and confident look can be achieved faster than a rickshaw ride to the corner store. Let's dive into 10 quick makeup tips that are practical, easy, and completely achievable, even on the busiest mornings.

Get Ready In 10 Minutes: Easy Makeup Tips For Busy Mornings; Photo Credit: Pexels

1. Start with a Tinted Moisturiser

When there's barely any time, skip the foundation marathon. A good tinted moisturiser offers hydration, a hint of coverage, and often SPF, all in one. This means one less product to fuss over.

Imagine this: instead of juggling a moisturiser, sunscreen, and foundation, a quick squeeze of tinted moisturiser smooths over uneven skin tone and gives a natural glow. Perfect for days when the skin is in decent shape but needs a little help looking more awake.

Opt for a formula that blends easily with fingertips, no brush or sponge required. Dab it on your cheeks, forehead, and chin, then spread evenly. That's your base done in under a minute. If budget is a concern, there are great drugstore options under ₹500 that do the job beautifully. Bonus: tinted moisturisers tend to feel light, making them ideal for long, humid days when heavy foundation can be uncomfortable.

2. Concealer: Your Secret Weapon

No time for a full face of makeup? Concealer alone can transform your look. It brightens under-eye darkness, hides the surprise blemish, and tones down redness around the nose, the holy trinity of quick fixes.

Choose a creamy, easy-to-blend concealer that doesn't settle into fine lines. In a rush, dot it only where needed instead of painting the whole face. For under-eyes, place a couple of dots near the inner corner and blend outward; this instantly makes you look more awake.

The magic here is efficiency: by focusing on just the areas that need coverage, skin still looks natural, and you save precious minutes. Keep a travel-sized concealer in your handbag too; it's perfect for sneaky touch-ups after lunch or before an evening plan. It's like having a tiny wand that instantly says, 'Yes, I've had eight hours of sleep', even when the truth is a different story.

3. Brow Grooming in Seconds

Brows frame the face, and even the quickest makeup look can feel incomplete without them. But don't reach for complicated palettes when you're on the clock, a tinted brow gel is your best friend.

Swipe it through your brows, and you instantly add colour, tame stray hairs, and create a fuller shape. The tint helps fill gaps without the need for pencils or powders, and the gel keeps everything in place all day. If the brows are naturally thick, even a clear gel works wonders to neaten them up.

For extra speed, choose a gel with a small spoolie brush that deposits just enough product without clumping. In under 30 seconds, brows go from 'just woke up' to 'ready for the world'. And yes, the change is subtle but powerful, think of it like ironing a crumpled shirt; suddenly, the whole outfit feels more put together.

4. Multipurpose Sticks for Cheeks and Lips

One product, two uses, this is the golden rule of speed makeup. A creamy multipurpose stick can work as both blush and lip colour, giving a harmonious, pulled-together look with minimal effort.

Pick a shade that complements your skin tone, something that makes you look naturally flushed, rosy pinks, peachy corals, or warm terracottas work well. Swipe onto the apples of your cheeks, blend with fingertips, and dab the same colour onto lips. Done.

This trick not only saves time but also ensures your makeup looks cohesive without much thought. Plus, carrying just one stick means less clutter in the handbag. Multipurpose sticks can be found from local brands for under ₹700, making them a budget-friendly choice too. And there's something satisfying about finishing two steps in the time it takes to find a lipstick in a cluttered drawer.

5. Skip the Eyeshadow, Use Your Bronzer

When there's no time for an elaborate eyeshadow look, bronzer comes to the rescue. The warm tones work beautifully as a quick wash of colour on the eyelids, adding depth without fuss.

With a fluffy brush or even your fingertip, blend a little bronzer across the lid and slightly into the crease. This instantly defines the eyes and makes them look more awake. Since it's the same shade you'll use on your cheeks or jawline, it also keeps the makeup palette simple and cohesive.

Bronzer doubles up as a face sculptor too, so one product takes care of eyeshadow and contouring in seconds. It's also less likely to crease compared to creamy shadows, which is a blessing on hot days. This little hack feels like a magic trick, using what's already in hand instead of digging out more products.

6. Tightline Instead of Eyeliner

Drawing a perfect eyeliner flick when the clock is ticking is a risky game. Tightlining, applying eyeliner directly along the waterline of your upper lash, gives the same eye-defining effect in half the time.

This trick makes lashes look fuller and eyes more defined without the pressure of perfect symmetry. A waterproof pencil liner is ideal for this; it won't smudge through the day. Gently lift your eyelid and run the pencil along the waterline. It's quick, subtle, and doesn't require a steady hand like winged liner does.

Pair this with a coat of mascara, and your eyes are done. It's a great hack for mornings when a complicated cat-eye is just not happening, but you still want to look like you've put in effort. Plus, no one will suspect you did it in under 30 seconds.

7. Mascara: The Eye-Opener

Mascara is the coffee of the makeup world, it instantly wakes you up. Even without eyeshadow, a single coat of mascara can make a huge difference.

For speed, curl lashes first. This alone lifts the eyes and preps them for mascara. Choose a formula that adds both volume and length so you don't have to layer multiple coats. One swipe from root to tip, a quick wiggle of the wand, and you're done.

If the lower lashes tend to smudge during the day, skip them entirely, it saves time and keeps the look cleaner. A waterproof version is great for humid days or unexpected rain showers. The result? Eyes that look fresher, brighter, and more alert, without taking more than a minute.

Also Read: 10 Best Eye Makeup for Beginners: From Lakme To Maybelline, Foolproof Products That Work

8. Lip Balm with a Hint of Tint

On rushed days, a heavy lipstick can feel high-maintenance. A tinted lip balm gives both colour and comfort, with zero precision needed.

Choose one with moisturising ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil, so it keeps lips soft while adding a wash of colour. Tints in rose, berry, or coral shades can instantly perk up the face without looking overdone.

Best part? You can apply it without a mirror and even on the go, in the lift, in the cab, or while walking to the meeting room. Some tinted balms are available for as little as ₹150, so it's easy to keep one in every bag. And unlike matte lipsticks, they fade evenly, which means no awkward touch-ups mid-day.

9. Use Setting Spray Instead of Powder

While powder is great for mattifying, in a hurry, setting spray is faster and gives a fresher finish. Just a few spritzes lock everything in place without the risk of looking cakey.

Choose a setting spray that offers a subtle glow; it makes skin look healthy and hydrated. Hold it about an arm's length away and mist lightly over the face. Not only does it help makeup last longer, but it also instantly revives a look that's feeling flat.

This step is especially helpful on busy days when there's no time for mid-day touch-ups. It's like a refreshing splash of water, but without undoing your hard work. Some sprays even have soothing scents like rose or lavender, which can give you a tiny moment of calm before stepping into the chaos of the day.

10. Keep a 'Grab-and-Go' Makeup Pouch

The best time-saving trick is to have all your essentials in one place. A small pouch with your everyday heroes, tinted moisturiser, concealer, brow gel, multipurpose stick, mascara, and lip balm, means you never waste time hunting for products.

When everything is ready to go, the whole routine becomes muscle memory. You can even do it during a train ride or while waiting for your cab. Keep travel-sized products to make the pouch light and handbag-friendly.

The pouch is also your safety net for unexpected plans. If a friend calls for coffee after work, you can freshen up in minutes. Think of it as a portable beauty station that fits right into your daily life, no matter how unpredictable the day gets.

Products Related To This Article

1. Oriflame Sweden Peach Tinted Moisturiser Foundation

2. Thristygirl 3 Color Eyebrow Powder Cake Palette With 1 Brush 7.2 g

3. MARS Lip & Cheek Tint for Bold Pop Color

4. MyGlamm POSE HD Bronzer Duo

5. MAYBELLINE NEW YORK Colossal Waterproof Mascara

6. Dot & Key Lip Mask Vitamin C + E Berries, Pomegranate

7. Renee Makeup Fix Setting Spray

Looking put together doesn't have to mean sacrificing precious time in the morning. With a few clever product swaps, multipurpose tricks, and streamlined steps, a polished look is entirely possible in under ten minutes. It's all about focusing on the essentials that make the biggest impact and skipping the rest.

Makeup should feel like an ally, not an extra chore. So, the next time the clock's against you, take a deep breath, reach for that trusty pouch, and let these quick tips work their magic. After all, confidence isn't about how long the makeup took, it's about how ready you feel to face the day. Shop now on Flipkart.

Disclaimer: The images used in this article are for illustration purpose only. They may not be an exact representation of the products, categories and brands listed in this article.