How-To: Create a Five (or Seven) Minute Face

Whenever I meet a makeup artist, I'm always intrigued by her version of the "five-minute face" or other similarly swift application techniques. Last year, Bruce Grayson gave me the lowdown on a six-minute face, and now Dell Ashley of Yves Saint Laurent is sharing his advice on a five- and seven-minute face.

If you only have five minutes:

• Dell recommends using a primer/moisturizer duo on the skin as a prepping agent. Next, apply a complexion-boosting foundation, such as Perfect Touch Radiant Brush Foundation ($55) and highlighter on these six areas of your face.

If you only have two more minutes:

• Apply lipstick and mascara. It's as simple as that.

Find out some tips for making these simple techniques work for you, along with some lower-priced recommendations right here.

Tips for creating the five- and seven-minute face:

• Don't skimp on skin care. You might even find that you can skip the foundation step altogether.
• While spending upwards of $150 on products might not be a reality, might I recommend some more affordable finds? Prep with Professionnel Perfection Makeup Base ($12); Apply foundation using CoverGirl Advanced Radiance SPF 10 ($10.50); and highlight with Boots No7 Radiant Glow Concealer ($13).