Having a 5-minute makeup routine can be a real game-changer. It works for busy mornings, if you’re running late or short on time, or need to be *just ready enough* for that Zoom call. Here’s exactly why you should master the 5-minute makeup routine, plus the exact items I use in mine.
The 5-Minute Makeup Routine
Even though I love an excuse to add a smoky eye and a dramatic bold lip, most days I’m either running out the door or going makeup-free while working from home. We’re all busy, and the last thing anyone needs is to be overwhelmed by something that should be considered self-care.
Here’s why you should perfect a 5-minute face:
It Saves Time
If you don’t need or want to spend 45 minutes on your makeup, don’t. Save that time and energy for other things. With just a few simple steps, you can achieve a natural makeup look that’s both quick and effortless.
It Streamlines Your Product Assortment
With a 5-minute makeup routine, you’re really just sticking to the essentials. Find the tried-and-true makeup products that bring you joy and work for you. By figuring out which beauty essentials you can’t live without for everyday use, you’ll be able to get rid of expired products, clear out your makeup drawer, and ultimately save money on unnecessary spending in the long run.
It’s Customizable
While most 5-minute makeup routines include concealer, foundation, and mascara, you can create your own speedy routine that works for you. Maybe a pop of sparkle on your lids is more important than filling in your brows. For my mom, no makeup look is complete unless she puts on lipstick, even if she’s not wearing any other makeup.
Pick your favorite 3-5 products that make you feel “together” or that highlight your best features.
It works for all occasions
Whether you’re going to work, running errands, or going out, a five minute makeup routine works for any occasion. And since you’re already mastered it, you can explore new beauty trends or products when you have some extra time.
My 5-Minute Makeup Routine
My routine includes 5 products: concealer, foundation, an eyebrow pencil, mascara, and blush.
Concealer
I’ve used Kosas Revealer Concealer since 2019, and it’s probably one of the makeup items I have used the most consistently and for the longest period of time.
Fun fact, I love this concealer so much I was tapped by the brand to be part of their campaign for this product! If you click on shade 5.5, you’ll find a familiar face.
It has a creamy texture, so it spreads and blends easily. I mostly use this concealer under my eyes, but will use it around my nose where I often experience some redness, and on any blemishes.
Foundation
This Kosas foundation was created because so many people said that they use the Revealer Concealer as foundation. (Seriously, the concealer is so good.)
For the longest time I was not a foundation girl because everything I tried was too heavy for my liking. The Kosas Revealer Foundation is a nice middle ground between their Tinted Face Oil (which I use in the summer) and a traditional foundation. It provides more coverage than the oil but doesn’t feel as heavy as other foundations on the market.
I have combination skin, so I like that it’s not super dewy or super matte, it’s right in between.
Eyebrow Pencil
I’ve dabbled with lots of different eyebrow pencils in search for the perfect one that is easy to use and fills in my sparse areas quickly without making my eyebrows look like two caterpillars.
I have naturally dark and generally full brows, so I use the Hourglass Arch Brow Shaping Pencil to fill in specific areas on my brows (versus filling in my entire brow). This pencil has a thick tip, so it allows you to fill in brows a lot faster than thinner pencils that require hairlike strokes.
Mascara
Tom Ford Beauty Extreme Mascara. Man, I have tried to tell myself I don’t need this mascara, but I always come back to it.
The black formula is super black, and the giant mascara brush adds volume, darkness, and thickness to lashes without getting too clumpy.
It’s a splurge, but it honestly adds the perfect amount of density and drama to lashes. I just can’t quit this mascara.
Blush
I like to add a little color to my cheeks, otherwise my makeup can fall a little flat and one-dimensional.
I have really been loving the Lip & Cheek Stick from Jones Road. A few taps of the stick onto your cheeks and some blending with your fingers, and you have a nice, natural rosy flush in a flash. (I also love that you can do a quick swipe of it to add color onto your lips, too.)
Do you use any of these products? Have a new beauty item I should try in my five minute makeup routine? Let me know in the comments.
