Having a 5-minute makeup routine can be a real game-changer. It works for busy mornings, if you’re short on time, or need to be *just ready enough* for that Zoom call. As someone who is perpetually always running late, I have had some serious practice perfecting my own everyday look and 5-minute routine.
If you’re looking for an easy way to achieve natural, no makeup-makeup, here’s why you should master the 5-minute makeup routine, plus the exact makeup products I use nearly every day.
The 5-Minute Makeup Routine
Even though I love a special occasion or an excuse to add a smoky eye and a dramatic bold lip, I prefer a natural look for everyday makeup. I work from home, and although there are days where I’ll embrace going makeup-free, taking a quick five minutes to put on some makeup gives me a boost of confidence. It makes me feel a little more put-together, even if I’m just in jeans and a t-shirt at my desk all day.
Here’s Why You Should Master a 5-Minute Makeup Routine
Saves Time
I’m not one for a full face of makeup. Over the years I’ve learned that I’d rather spend time on a good skincare routine and an easy makeup routine.
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.
Streamlines Your Product Assortment
Take a look at your makeup drawer, toss expired and old items, and focus on curating a streamlined assortment of the right products. Once you’ve figured out your tried-and-true makeup products that bring you joy and work for you, you’ll also ultimately save money on unnecessary spending in the long run.
Plus, a simple makeup routine means that you don’t have to pack a huge makeup bag when you travel.
It’s Customizable
One of the best parts about a quick routine is that it’s fully customizable to your preferences, regardless of skin tone.
While most 5-minute makeup routines include concealer, foundation, and mascara, you can create your own speedy routine that works for you. Maybe applying eye shadow for a pop of color on your lids is more important than filling in your brows. Maybe it’s more about the perfect cat eye with your eye liner than mascara. For my mom, no makeup look is complete unless she puts on lipstick, even if she’s not wearing any other makeup.
Pick a handful of your favorite products that make you feel “together” or that highlight your best features. We’re talking like 3-6 max here. Remember the point of this is to get you feeling like your best self in just a little bit of time, with an easy makeup routine.
Gives You a Boost of Confidence
Sometimes, it’s the little things that go a long way. And sometimes, it’s putting on some makeup to make yourself feel good in the morning. It’s as simple as that. Makeup doesn’t have to be complicated to make you feel good.
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 always explore new beauty trends or new products when you have some extra time.
My 5-Minute Makeup Routine & The Products I Use
The first step to any makeup routine is to start with clean, hydrated skin. I keep a bottle of gentle cleanser in the shower so that I can wash my face while I’m in there every morning.
Once I’m dried off, I do a quick face mist spritz, then add any serums or face oils if needed. I always use a moisturizer.
Step 1: Start with Your Base
I have normal to combination skin, and I don’t like heavy makeup, so I prefer tinted moisturizer or a very lightweight foundation. It’s just enough to brighten my skin and give it a nice, even complexion while minimizing a few dark spots.
One of my favorite tinted moisturizers is by Avene, but it’s sadly not sold in the US. I try to stock up whenever I go to Paris, but when I don’t have it in my drawer, Westman Atelier makes lightweight foundation drops that I really like.
Step 2: Conceal
Dark circles can be a problem for me, especially when I’m particularly tired or stressed, so my concealer is my best friend. Concealer makes a big difference for me.
I used Kosas Revealer Concealer for years, but recently switched to Chanel concealer just to try something new. The formula is a little more matte, which I prefer. I use concealer in my under eye area and wherever I have any redness. I also love this concealer pencil to quickly and magically “erase” blemishes and dark spots.
Step 3: Eyes and Lashes
If I have a little extra time, I’ll go a quick swipe of a neutral eyeshadow on my lids, but for the most part, I usually just fill in my eyebrows and add mascara.
I have naturally dark and generally full eyebrows, so I focus on filling in sparse areas versus my entire brows. This brow pencil has a thick tip, so you can fill in brows a lot faster than thinner pencils that require hairlike strokes. I also love that there’s a spoolie brush on the opposite end of the tip to quickly brush brows into place or blend in any excess color.
When it comes to lashes, I favor super black mascara that leaves my lashes dark, thick, and voluminous. I’ve tried so many mascaras on the quest for the perfect look. My all-time favorite mascara is this one from Tom Ford, but this mascara from Charlotte Tilbury and this mascara from Chanel are both close contenders.
Step 4: Cheek Color
The last thing I do in my 5-minute makeup routine is add some blush to the apples of my cheeks. Doing so adds a touch of color for a subtle, natural flush, and a little bit of dimension to my face.
When my skin is on the drier side, I’ll opt for a cream formula. A few favorites include this blush stick from Westman Atelier; this multi-use stick from Jones Road; and this blush stick from Violette FR. Otherwise I go with NARS powder blush in Orgasm, a shade I have been using basically since I started wearing makeup.
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.
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