5-Minute Makeup Hacks For Girls Who Are Always Late

By Allison Kong on 22 May 2025

Writes about all things beauty, fashion, lifestyle, and entertainment. When she’s not writing, she’s probably lost in a daydream.

You hit snooze one too many times and suddenly you’ve got like 15 minutes to wash up, eat something (if you’re lucky), and try not to leave the house looking like a zombie. Honestly, this is me pretty much every morning. Whether you’re always running late or just feeling lazy but still want to look cute and put together, these 5-minute makeup hacks have got you covered! Keep reading for quick and easy looks perfect for work, brunch, or any last-minute plans.

Tinted sunscreen = your lazy girl base

Photo from Shutterstock

Forget foundation. In 2025, we’re all about that "barely there, but still flawless" look. Go for a tinted sunscreen with a glowy finish — you get SPF, light coverage, and that dewy skin effect in one step.

Tip: Use your fingers to blend. The warmth helps it melt into your skin faster.

Try: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Tinted Fluid SPF50+ — lightweight, glowy, and super skin-friendly. Available at Watsons.
Concealer - only where it counts

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No time for a full-faced foundation? Just dot some concealer under your eyes, around your nose, and on any pimples. Blend it out with your fingers or sponge!

Bonus hack: Dab a tiny bit on your eyelids too. It covers redness and makes you look more awake.

Try: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, a cult fave for quick, smooth coverage. Get it at Sephora.
Lip tint = lips + cheeks done in 10 secs

Photo from @karina__aespa via Instagram

A creamy lip tint is your ride-or-die when you’re running late. Dot a bit on your cheeks and lips, blend with your fingers, and you’re done.

Trending in 2025: Water-based stains and film-forming lip glosses for that soft blur “jelly lips” look.

Try: Benefit Benetint Lip & Cheek Stain, perfect for that flushed, natural glow. You can find it at Sephora.
Brush your brows up — that’s it

Photo from @dlwlrma via Instagram

In 2025, brows are all about that natural fluff. Use a tinted or clear brow gel to brush them up and out. No need to fill them in unless you’ve got the time. You’ll look polished even if the rest of your face is bare.

Try: Benefit 24-Hour Brow Setter for all-day hold. Available at Sephora.
Shimmer stick = fake 8 hours of sleep

Photo from Shutterstock

Glide a shimmer stick (or glow drops) on your inner corners, cheekbones, and nose bridge for that fresh, “I actually slept” look. It’s fast, foolproof, and makes a huge difference.

Trending: Soft peach and champagne tones that catch the light without looking glittery.

Try: Fenty Beauty Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick — mix into your base or dab directly. Available at Sephora.