BAZAAR's Senior Beauty Writer Shows You How To Get The Perfect 5-Minute Face

We all know the drill: there are days when you just didn't hear the alarm and oversleep. Instead of making your way to the office barefaced, here are five essential (and super quick) steps to look office-ready in exactly five minutes—yes we timed ourselves!

STEP 1: Tinted Moisturiser

Time Needed: 1 minute

When time is of the essence, skip foundation and opt for a tinted moisturiser instead. Foundation generally needs more time to blend out seamlessly whereas a tinted moisturiser is much sheerer and can be applied by just smearing it over skin with your fingers. We like Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen, $77, for its lightweight texture and no-makeup makeup look. Also available in an oil-free formula for those with shine-prone skin and an illuminating formula for an added glow.

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STEP 2: Loose Powder

Time Needed: 30 seconds

To prolong the longevity of any base products, a light dusting of loose powder is crucial. It sets makeup and also gives a velvety finish that's totally office-appropriate. Use a large powder brush and always tap off excess product before applying all over the face. Try Lancôme Teint Miracle Loose Powder, $75, which has tiny optical pigments to create a soft-focus effect.

STEP 3: Eyebrows

Time Needed: 2 minutes

Spending two minutes out of five to fix your brows might seem excessive but it's actually really worth the time. Well-groomed brows instantly give you a polished look, which means half the battle is won. When you're time-pressed, always go for sheerer textures so you're less likely to overdo it for a more natural effect. We like Shu Uemura Brow:Palette, $53,which has two complementary shades. And use Zoeva's 322 Brow Line Brush, $15, to apply and blend.

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STEP 4: Blusher

Time Needed: 30 seconds

Nothing enlivens your complexion better than a wash of colour. For the quickest pick-me-up, apply blush on the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards and outwards towards the temples for a rosy flush. We like NARS Blush in Orgasm, $50, a universally-flattering peachy-pink with a touch of golden shimmer.

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STEP 5: Lipstick

Time Needed: 1 minute

Forget opaque, full-coverage lipstick when you're in a rush. Instead, opt for a lip balm or a sheer lipstick like YSL Beauty's Volupté Tint-In-Balm, $54. Best part? It has a nourishing balm-like core to condition lips while coating it with a natural veil of colour.

By Joyce Cheo