Whether in a time crunch from a cramped schedule or just sleeping too late, many women think they lack the time required to apply makeup. But there’s no need to venture into the world with a bare face. A beautiful look only requires about five minutes.

Before applying makeup, it’s imperative to properly care for the skin. After cleansing, follow with a moisturizer and sunscreen, or a moisturizer containing sunscreen, to protect the skin from sun damage.

This quick makeup routine consists of seven steps, and any step may be skipped to save time, depending on individual needs and the look desired.

1. Foundation
Start by dabbing on foundation with a cotton swab or fingertips. Apply foundation only where needed to save time. Blend with fingers, a cosmetic sponge or a brush. Try a Beauty Blender or, using a MAC number 187 or similar brush, blend foundation in a circular motion.

2. Concealer
Use a concealer brush or fingertips to dab concealer on dark circles or blemishes. To blend, pat gently with fingertips or stipple concealer in place with a cosmetic sponge or Beauty Blender.

3. Eyeliner
Use an eyeliner pencil, like Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil. Line both the upper and lower lash lines to make eyes stand out. If desired, blend with a cotton swab to soften eyeliner.

4. Mascara
For a quick application, remove the wand from the tube and wipe off excess mascara with a clean tissue. This prevents clumping. Place the wand at the base of the lashes and, using a back and forth motion, sweep it over lashes. Most people use two or three coats to get the look they want. Popular brands include Cover Girl Lash Blast and Lancôme Définicils.

5. Blush
To add color to the face, start with a powder blush and a fluffy blush brush. Try MAC’s number 103 or 134. Load the brush with blush, and then tap off any excess product. Lightly apply blush to the apples of the cheeks. To quickly add color to the eye area, sweep blush over the outer part of the lids and brow bones.

6. Lip color
Skip the lip brush or primer and apply lip color directly from the tube to the lips. Use lipstick, gloss or a tinted lip balm like Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15. Correct any mistakes and press lips together to evenly distribute color.

7. Powder
To finish up try using a pressed powder like MAC SkinFinish Natural. Gently pat it on any oily or shiny areas with an applicator pad or a brush. A loose powder may be used instead. Just dip a brush into the powder, tap off any excess and apply it to the face wherever needed.

Before heading out, be sure that makeup is well blended and mascara is clump-free. That’s it! Five minutes really is more than enough time to create a polished look.