We'd love to be able to take the time to apply an impeccable coat of makeup each morning, but it's not always realistic. There are so many things grabbing for our attention these days, like making breakfast, getting the kids ready for school, or that office staff meeting you can never get up early enough for.

Sometimes, eyeliner, lip liner and other crowning touches are luxuries in our world. But with just four cosmetic staples you can be made up in mere minutes. Take a look at some basic items every woman should have in her makeup bag, along with some simple application techniques. Once you've perfected these simple makeup tips, you'll never have to worry about being seen without makeup again - it's that easy and quick.

Lip Gloss

If you're prone to rushing in the morning, always keep a stick of lip gloss on hand. Even with neutral or clear shades, an extra layer of sheen will help make your lips pop. No more pale dull-looking lips. The great thing about lip gloss is t you can carry it in your purse and reapply it throughout the day as needed.

Quick Application Tip: Nothing really special here, just apply to your lips as you normally would. If you have extra time, apply a thin layer of lip balm or powder before the lip gloss; it will make your gloss stay on longer.

Time to Apply: 3 to 5 seconds.

Bronzer

The great thing about bronzer is that it's typically two-toned. A darker shade helps lend a sun-kissed glow, and you may have a lighter, highlighting shade. You could use the lighter shade for a little color around the eyes to lighten and refresh. Even if you don't have time for foundation, applying bronzer will help lend your skin extra color and give you a slightly tanned, healthy look.

Quick Application Tip: Using a wide brush with a rounded top, swirl evenly throughout bronzer. Tap brush on compact or counter to get rid of excess. Then lightly apply to the areas the sun would naturally hit (top of forehead, nose and cheeks). You may also put a little on your chin, or even on your décolleté area, to balance out your chest and face. Literally, this takes about 4 to 5 strokes of the brush.

At the Store: When picking out your bronzer, select a shade slightly darker than your skin. Test it out before buying, and look at it in multiple lighting situations if possible. (The last thing you want is to look fake or sport that dreaded oompa loompa orange glow.)

Bronzer: 20 to 30 seconds

Even without time for eye shadow, eyeliner or liquid eyeliner, mascara will lend definition to your eyes. Consider a lash thickening mascara on your upper lashes. Just one coat will help make your lashes look thicker and darker (and bring out that beautiful blue, brown or green hue of your eyes). You'll probably want to use a true black color for the best contrast between face and eyes -gray or black-brown mascaras probably won't get the "pop" you want in the absence of other eyeliners or shadows. The exceptions to this rule are blondes and redheads, who typically need brown instead of black mascara.

Quick Application Tip: Remove the wand from the mascara tube in one motion. Apply the mascara to your top lashes first. Start from the underside closest to your eyelid then work your way out to the tips of the lashes. Just one coat will do. On the bottom lashes, start at the bottom of the eye and lightly apply the mascara in a downward motion. You won't need to use as much here. Just 2 strokes for each eye and you're done.

At the Store: When selecting your black lash-thickening mascara, consider whether you want normal, water resistant or waterproof mascara. Take a mental inventory of your daily activities. If you're outside a lot and exposed to rain or other elements, you may want a water-resistant mascara made from petroleum and water base.

Time to Apply: 45 seconds to 1 minute

It might not be a bad idea to include this product in your morning makeup routine. Foundation helps to even out your skin tone, hide imperfections, and protect your skin from daily exposure to the sun and other environmental hazards.

When considering a foundation for a fast face, instead of the traditional liquid foundation, you may want to opt for a loose mineral powder foundation that can be applied just before bronzer, or even a tinted moisturizer.

Quick Application Tip: For loose mineral powder, use either a brush or makeup sponge and press against the foundation sifter holes. Tap the excess powder back into the container and use circular motions to brush the foundation onto your face. Start at your nose, chin and forehead then work your way outward. You don't need much. Tip: Applying loose mineral foundation a few minutes after your moisturizer will help it stick to your face, creating a longer-lasting look.

For tinted moisturizer, gently squeeze a little on to your hands and apply as you would a regular moisturizer. Rub in well, and wash your hands when done.

At the Store: Making sure your foundation matches your skin tone is extremely important. Selecting a wrong shade can give you a ghostly pallor or an orange line along the jaw. To test the foundation, try some on the top of your hand then, if it blends in, try it on your face.

Remember ladies, it doesn't take long to give your face a finished glow that will last all day. So even if you seem to be in a perpetual rush, setting your alarm 2 minutes earlier shouldn't be too much of a sacrifice!