I forgot to put makeup on this morning while running out the door, but I happened to have my emergency makeup kit in my handbag. Thank god! Once I got to work, I ran to the bathroom, threw it on and ran back—it took less than 2 minutes.

How do you find a makeup routine that’s fast and looks great every time?

I have a foolproof method. I don’t care what complexion your skin is, how dry or oily it is, what color your hair is, if you have darker skin or if your skin has never seen sunlight: this kit will look good on you, I promise.

Here are the goods, but feel free to substitute with less/more expensive versions, if you want:

• Cargo Bronzer, $28
• Bronzer/Blush Brush (This one is $25 by Clinique)
• CoverGirl Outlast Lip Stain, $7.50
• CoverGirl Lash Blast, $8
• L’Oreal Extra Intense Eyeliner, $8
• Rimmel Eyeshadow Quad in “Smokey Brown”, $12 (Other options by Elizabeth Arden, $30; Lancome, $42)

And here are quick instructions to get it on fast:

1. Apply bronzer on cheekbones and a bit on your forehead, chin and nose. (Just a bit now!)
2. Grab the eyeshadow quad. Put the second darkest shade over your whole lid. Then, use the second lightest shade and put that on above your lid up to your brow bone. Now, put the darkest shade in your crease and along your top lash line.
3. Time for eyeliner. Pull the outside corner of your eye taut. Draw the eyeliner with your free hand on the upper lash line from the inner eye to the outer eye. The line should get slightly wider as you do this. Switch and do the other eye.
4. Apply mascara. The best way to apply mascara quickly is to hold the wand directly beneath your lashes (while your eyes are open) and then blink. This way the mascara is not only applied, but also curls as you go.
5. Apply the lip stain.
6. You’re done!

You should be able to get this routine down in less than 5 minutes pretty quickly. Of course, adding foundation and moisturizer and undereye concealer and all of that takes up much more time, but if you’re looking for a quick way to get some color on your face, this is the best way to do it!

Note: depending on your skin tone, you may want to adjust some of the colors. For instance, very pale, very blond women should probably stick to a brown or soft black eyeliner and mascara. If you have darker skin, use a darker bronzer and vise versa. But, in general, the colors above were chosen because they are more or less universally flattering!

Good luck and, as always, feel free to e-mail me or ask me if you have any questions!