The other day I was running late, rushing out from work to meet friends for dinner and I had no time to go home or freshen up or change my clothes. This isn't anything out of the ordinary for me. I'm usually running around from one place to another and this tends to take a toll on my makeup. Showing up to a friend's birthday dinner dripping in sweat is a regular occurrence for me. So when it comes to looking refreshed and ready to go, there are a few tips and tricks I've picked up along the way . 

When you're in a rush or on the go, your beauty routine should be quick and painless. It needs to be uncomplicated and should require as little products as possible. After a few trial runs, I came up with my 5 minute makeup refresher that I do while sitting in the back of a car or on the subway and even at my desk. I know I can't be the only one who needs a good pick me up by the end of the day, so I thought I'd share my own 5 minute makeup refresher (for when you're on the subway). I also added in a few tips for when you have a few extra minutes to spend on your makeup. 
 
The Prep: First of all, when you're doing your makeup on a morning when you know you'll be rushing about throughout the day, you want to start with a good primer and finish with a setting spray. These will ensure that your makeup lasts longer and it helps your foundation to glide on and decreases the amount of caking.

Here are a few products I'm a fan of: 

1. Make Up For Ever HD Microperfecting Primer To Go (C$18.00)  

2. Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray (C$35.00)

3. Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potion (C$24.00)

Getting into the nitty gritty of my routine: 

Step #1: This step isn't really beauty related but its a step that makes me feel more confident and happy and I like to think that that shines through. If I'm not already wearing one, I put on a statement piece of jewellery. This brings a casual or basic outfit to the next level and if you're headed to an event or party, it makes for a good conversation starter! 

Steps #2 and 3: Blot to get rid of excess oil. Next, mist on a facial spray. Right now I am using The Body Shop Vitamin C Energising Face Spritz to give my skin a boost.  
 
Step #4: I have very sensitive eyes. They tend to get very dry and itchy during the day and staring at a computer screen doesn't help. So, I make sure to use eye drops throughout the day and before I leave.

Step #5: Touch up concealer. If I'm in a real time crunch, I simply touch up my concealer underneath my eyes and bring it down as a highlighter near my cheek bone. This makes me look more alert and awake. If I have a bit more time and I feel a pimple coming on, I follow this quickie at work pimple stopping guide and redo my concealer in that area. I keep Joe Fresh Duo Concealer, with a liquid and cream stick end in my purse at all times. 

Step #4: Add a bold lip. I don't wear very much eye makeup at work and most likely, I won't have time to put any on. A bold lip makes up for this and adds some major drama and colour to my face. I think the bare face and bold lip is a really chic look for fall as well. I'm wearing CoverGirl Lip Perfection Lip Liner in Sophisticated and Lip Perfection Lipstick in Euphoria. 

If you have extra time: Add some brown or black liner on the top near lash line and curl your lashes. You can add an extra coat of mascara but that can make them clumpy so I stick to curling instead. 

Step #5: Sock bun it up! I have wavy, curly hair and towards the end of the day, my curls fall flat and limp. Instead of adding more product or trying to salvage it, I just take out the sock bun I always tote around and use that to create a classic top knot. It makes it look like you spent a ton of time on it, but you didn't. 

If you have extra time: Add few sprays of dry shampoo in there. Not only will it reduce the oil accumulated throughout the day but it also adds texture and volume. 

Step #6: To make up for the sweating that will occur, I take out my travel or sample size fragrance I have with me and spritz on a small amount. It just ties everything all together! 

Here are a few products I recommend to keep in your bag or desk for quickie freshen ups on the road: 

Statement Necklaces:
1. Hoss Intropia Black Sequin Necklace (UK$120.00)  
  
2. J. Crew Flower Lattice Necklace (US$228.00) 
 
3. AsosRose Gold Torque Necklace(C$17.51)  

Beauty Products: 

1. Philosophy Amazing Grace Rollerball Fragrance (C$23.00)
 
2. Revlon PhotoReady Concealer (C$10.99)
 
3. Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain (C$14.00)   
 
4. Mac Fix + (C$12.00) 
 
5. Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets (C$8.49) 
 
6. H&M Hair Donut (C$3.95) 
 
7. Clear Eyes Eye Drops (C$6.99) 

Do you have any quick fixes you use to get ready in a hurry?