Whether you’re after beginner-friendly tips or can play with shading like a chiaroscuro painter, an easy eye makeup look is one less thing to worry about in a day filled with deadlines and endless to-dos. Mastering a few quick steps can make hurried mornings a little calmer—and last-minute evening plans smoother to navigate.
Vogue’s Quick Eye Makeup Essentials
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There was a time in the 2010s where I was obsessed with watching lengthy step-by-step makeup routines on YouTube. Back then, thick eye primer, a dramatic cut crease, and a razor-sharp cat eye was my signature. These days, though, I gravitate toward something simpler—a flick of a wing with the same pen I use to fill in my brows, sticking to the outer corners only to avoid smudging on my hooded eyes. Other days, I skip eyeliner altogether and swipe just a single wash of color across my lids (a bronzer, blush, or a brown eyeshadow stick, depending on what’s closest). A coat of tubing mascara helps open the eyes, and I’m done. I’m much more focused on lip liner for a pouty finish, rosy cheeks, and a fluffy brow—simple, effortless, and just polished enough.
So what’s the trick to refining your eye look? “Cutting down on the number of products you use is key to achieving a faster look,” pro makeup artist Anastasia Vavina previously told Vogue. Remember: A little product goes a long way—especially when time (and patience) is short. Ahead, discover four key tricks to achieving an eye makeup look in five minutes flat.
Stick With a Single Color Eyeshadow
For your own good, put down the 16-pan eyeshadow palette. Instead, opt for a single eyeshadow for a polished look with zero effort. “There is something so striking about a single color wash all over the lid,” celebrity makeup artist Jo Baker previously said. “It’s timeless, elegant, and ageless, and it requires minimal skills to execute, making it a perfect look year-round.”
There are plenty of ways to achieve this simple eye look. Pro makeup artist Kasey Spickard is partial to cream shadows, like Merit’s option. “For an easy eye look, cream shadows are your best friend. They blend out beautifully and look like you did more than you actually did,” she says. If you prefer sticks, Chanel’s version feels like a chubby kohl liner, gliding on tug-free and smudging out effortlessly. Meanwhile, Ilia’s long-wear stick formula spans everything from neutral eyeshadows, playful pastels, and subtle shimmers. Those partial to pressed powder eyeshadows will appreciate Jones Road’s pot; all you need is a fluffy blender brush (Chanel’s N°200 is great) to apply.
Opt for Multipurpose Color Cosmetics
Professional makeup artist El DeBratto knows all about maximizing time by minimizing the number of products used—in an effort to streamline their routine before early morning shoots. “I’m a huge proponent of finding products you can ‘break the rules’ with and apply to multiple areas of the face, which helps with the overall look of makeup cohesion,” they said. When curating a five-minute routine, Vavina suggests taking a “one-and-done” approach by using the same color across cheeks, eyes, and even lips for a natural, unified flush. So ditch your eyeshadow and use a single-color cream shadow stick instead.
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