5 Minutes to a Fabulous Post-Workout Face

For many, it's not always so hard to find time for a workout -- what's hard is finding time to get ready for something else immediately following a workout. You can certainly work up a sweat in 20 or 30 minutes, but how do you get your face looking fresh and fabulous for work, or for lunch with your friends, in the few minutes remaining after you take a shower? Not to mention the fact that, even after the shower, you're still feeling a little hot and sweaty. Or, at least, I usually am. Here are some tips for streamlining your beauty routine when you're on the go.

• Keep everything you need together, and remove everything else. I have tons of "fun" makeup, but all of that stays in a separate makeup bag. I only have a few products I use every day, and all of those products live together in their own makeup bag, so if I have to take it with me to the gym, it's easy.
  
• If you're getting ready somewhere other than your home, avoid bringing more tools than necessary. I have a nice set of makeup brushes, but for my "on the go" beauty routine, I only use products that come with their own applicators so I have less to remember.
• Do the maintenance when you have more time. Things like well-groomed eyebrows are important, but try to take care of that at night before bed so you don't have to worry about it when you're rushing. Additionally, do your deep-cleaning routine on days when you have more than five minutes to get out of the house.

As far as products go, I have brands that work for me, but that might not be the best fit for you. Below are my picks, but what I really want you to take away from this is the type of product -- tinted moisturizer, eyeliner that doesn't run or smudge, etc. And if you have a product or technique you're in love with, share it in the comments!

• theBalm BalmShelter Tinted Moisturizer, $25. Alternatively, mix some of your liquid foundation with your moisturizer for a similar effect.
• theBalm timeBalm Foundation, $28, gives you a little extra coverage, (you don't use much, even if using on your whole face, so it lasts a long time).
  
• theBalm timeBalm Concealer, $18 for brightening up the area under the eye (and lasts forever).
• tarte cheek stain in Blushing Bride, $28, gives a really natural looking flush to my cheeks and the gel is easy to use. Looks really dark, but isn't.
• Stila Smudge Pot Liner in Bronze, $20 -- this is my favorite eyeliner ever because it's easy to use, is dark enough to really make my eyes pop, but doesn't look like a lot of makeup. Plus, it doesn't smudge, even when I sweat. Even on my bottom lash line. I also love the black for times when I want to look a little fancier.
• Maybelline Expertwear Quad Eyeshadow in Chai Latte, $4.99 (and currently BOGO at drugstore.com!). Go with colors that you like best, but to keep it easy, go with the more natural shades.
• Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express Mascara, $5.99 (also BOGO right now). I never use anything but the darkest black available, and rarely go with less than two coats.
• theBalm Plump Your Pucker Tinted Gloss in Spiked Punch, $15 -- looks way brighter than it goes on and has good staying power for a gloss. Gives a good amount of shine, tastes and smells good, and makes my lips a little fuller.