Sometimes you barely have enough minutes in the day to Google shirtless pictures of Ben McKenzie let alone put on a full face of makeup. When time’s of the essence, I stick to a bare minimum of basics and products that 1) I can apply fast, and 2) don’t require a lot of blending and precision…
- A brightening moisturizer — First, to brighten my overall appearance and give some extra dimension to my skin, I apply MAC Strobe Cream, an opalescent moisturizer, all over my face.
- Foundation — Next, I reach for Chanel Mat Lumiere Foundation, the synthetic fiber Sonia Kashuk Flat Top Brush (or similar skunk brush) lightly moistened with a bit of MAC Fix+, and dab and blend around my nose, chin and cheeks. It may be mad pricey at $54, but matte Lumiere is the most natural-looking everyday wear foundation I’ve found so far, and it doesn’t give me breakouts.
- Concealer — When worn together, Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener and MAC Pro Longwear Concealer, a pearly pink brightening lotion and a full-coverage liquid concealer, disguise even the darkest of my dark circles.
- Powder — I use translucent MAC Blot Powder to set my makeup and increase wear time. It absorbs shiny oil for hours.
- Brows — I started using Benefit Instant Brow a few months ago to quickly fill in my brows, and now it’s a full-blown addiction. It’s an easy-to-blend wax brow pencil with a handy brow comb attached.
- Lashes — The Shu Uemura Lash Curler is the only curler I’ve ever used that refuses to pinch my lashes, and that’s awesome. It creates lovely, natural-looking lash curls, too.
- You’re making me blush! — Creamy Urban Decay After Glow Glide-On Cheek Tints are a snap to apply and blend. I just use my fingers. I end by using these cream blushes to give a little color to both my cheeks and my lips (they double as lipsticks).
When I have an extra minute or two (aka the 7-minute makeup routine), I apply a coat of my favorite hurry-up mascara, which right now is Ultra Flesh Panthera Mascara, a jet black volumizing mascara that takes my lashes from lame to WHOA in just one layer.
And boom! — I’m out the door. 🙂
How about you? What’s your 5-minute makeup routine?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
My steps are similar but with different products. I ALWAYS use mascara though, and skip the brows because I have to have lash definition and my brows are typical Indian bushy brows that I can go without more brow definition.
Lucky you! I wish I could skip brows. What’s your fave mascara these days?
I actually only use Origins “Vita Zing” all over… Its a great tinted moisturizer that matches any skin tone. Gives me a nice, healthy glow actually. I may add a little L’oreal matte power in my t-zone. Then I’ll fill in my brows with my trusty Wet n Wild brow pencil. Mascara of course. I use one of those dual L’oreal lash ones. Put the white stuff on and then black. Lastly, I am loving those Burts Bees colored lip balms you posted a month ago. I love “Rose” it looks dark but once applied its a neutral pink on my lips. Thats my simple face.
Those Burt’s Bees balms are awesome! 🙂
Oh man, vitazing has been my savior! I just put conceler around my nose and then powder and I’m good to go! You should really check it out Karen! I think it will be perfect for summer 😀
Thanks for the rec. I’ll take a peek next time I’m at the counter. 🙂
Yes do try it. They give you samples and the little tiny jar you get will last a week, definitely. A little goes a long way with this stuff.
My makeup routine is five minutes every day.
I prime my face, do foundation and then something for the lips. I might also do some blush/eyeliner depending on my mood.
That’s a fast routine!
I usually spend a good 20 minutes putting on my war paint to face the day. But if I am running late, then it is:
– Clarins Hydra Quench Moisturizer
– Laura Mercier oil-free Foundation Primer
– Pro Longwear Concealer
– MAC Studio Fix Fluid
– Studio Careblend pressed powder
– any blush that is nearby
– Lip balm and a simple lipstick
Hi Fieran,
How are you liking the Studio Careblend powder?
I love it – mainly because I didn’t see “Bismuth” in the ingredients list. I’m a bit iffy about Bismuth as I have very sensitive skin (Mineralize Skin Finish Natural has Bismuth).
The MUA told me that Studio Careblend powder does not make you look cakey – so I use it to set my concealer and foundation. I’ve had my compact for a few weeks now and I use it almost everyday but it still looks so new. I use it with a fluffy brush like Sephora’s Professionnel Platinum Air Brush #55 and it works well so far.
Hmm, I didn’t think to try it to set my concealer. I’ll give it a go! Thanks, Fieran. 🙂
You’re most welcome Karen 🙂
My 5 minute makeup routine is very bare bones:
1. Start with Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion to prep my skin. I’ve used nothing but this moisturizer for years and at 43 years, I don’t have a single wrinkle so it’s doing something right.
2. Foundation with Maybelline’s Super Stay. I like it’s coverage as it often helps me skip concealer.
3. Sweep on powder with L’oreal’s True Match Super-Blendable powder.
4. Set my eyebrows with Maybelline’s Great Lash Clear Mascara.
5. A quick coat of Covergirl’s Lash Blast Length (water resistant) for the lashes.
6. Top it off with my pick of lipstick or lipgloss.
7. Out the door, Hello World!
Hi Taffy,
I know several women who swear by Dramatically Different too. I wore it for a while but it wasn’t moisturizing enough for me in the winter.
Mine goes like this.
Sunscreen,
Body Shop Face Powder.
NARS Casino Bronzer to highlight my cheeks.
Bourjois Liner Stylo on my waterline.
Body Shop Liquid Eye Liner in Black on my eye lid.
Nivea Hydro Care lip balm – colourless.
This is less than five minutes actually, but its what I wear to college everyday = )
For a full five minutes, I would probably wear a Primer with MAC Amber Lights/Soba/Bronze Eye Shadow. = D
I love this post!
What are you studying in college, Shrutilaya?
Design.
Actually, Fashion Design.
= D
It’s quite exciting.
Btw, I love your blog, its the first site I check when I come online. = )
Olay Moisturizer
Face Primer Loreal Studio Secrets Professional Color Correcting Primers Anti-Dull Skin Primer in (Medium/Deep Skin)
Fill in Eyebrows
Apply Eyeliner Black Radiance Brown Pencil
Apply mascara One by One
Concealer NYX Conceal Jar in Nutmeg Foundation
Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation Carmel Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation Cappuccino
Black Radiance Loose Power
(Blush & Bronzer if I have time)
Thanks for sharing your routine!
Black Opal’s finishing powder is great also!
Here’s my 5 minute (aka daily) routine:
Foundation: Chanel Vitalumiere (my new obsession), applied with my fingers, concentrating around my nose & t-zone area. It’s perfect for my dry skin & gives it a nice glow without feeling too heavy or looking like a disco ball.
Powder: Physician’s Formula Happy Booster powder using a fluffy domed brush to set the foundation.
Blush: Anything in powder form, usually from MAC or Benefit (I love Dollymix & Dandelion)
Eyes: curl lashes with my Shu Uemura curler, quick swipe of the taupe shade from Clinique’s Double Date eyeshadow duo, & Dior Extase mascara to finish.
Brows: Some days I just use a spoolie to brush them into place, other days I use Anastasia’s brow powder duo in Brunette (just the lighter shade from the duo though).
Last, I can’t ever leave the house with applying some Airbrush Concealer from Clinque to my under-eye area.
I have a million different kinds of lipgloss at all times in my purse so I don’t have to bother with my lips until I get to work. 😀
Re: the lipglosses — you and me both! If I can’t find a particular color then I know it’s time to start digging through my purses. 🙂
Hi Karen,
My 5 mnt make up routine will be:
1. Biore uv face milk fo oily skin. An SPF 50 matte sunblock i recently bought in S’pore.
2. NYX concealer in a jar in medium.
3. MAC studio fix foundie in nc30. I dampened the songe for better coverage.
4. Revlon colorstay liquid liner
5. Revlon colorstay eyebrow pencil
6. Revlon matte blush in Raspberry.
7. Revlon colorburst lipstick in Blush. This I usually put on in the car.
Arum
How are you liking that NYX concealer, Arum?
Hi Karen
Loving it. It works perfectly for zits, acne scas and undereye circle. It is cheap too…
Arum
Aveeno moisturizer
Milani Translucent powder
Line brows with any black liner
Lash Blast mascara
Victorias secret beauty rush lipgloss in cupquake
Have a good day, Shonoi!
Damn it, Karen, I was happy with my makeup routine (Bareminerals, Aveda, and Fluidline in Blacktrack!) until I saw that I didn’t own one of your standards! Sad face, I may have to go back to the MAC counter tomorrow, I’m hella intrigued by the Strobe cream! 🙂 Have a great day!
super fast look: buff on foundation, add red or hot pink lip, swipe mascara, out the door in less than 5 minutes
Brows, mascara and Bedhead Cosmetics Lipstick in “fun”, a fuchsia with satin finish.
I start with:
1. Bobbi Brown moisturizing compact foundation, padded on with a flat Pout foundation brush I got a Sephora YEARS ago. (P.S..I’m on the prowl for a new flat foundation brush..any suggestions?)
2. I apply just a touch of the bobbi brown creamy blush on the apples of my cheeks and rub in lightly with my fingers. Although I need to try these new urban decay after glow glide on cheek tints! Those look fab.
3. Nars primer on my lids, because these oil slicks make creases like whoa.
4. Apply light layer of Trish McEvoy’s eyeshadow in Cafe Latte (By the way, the PERFECT neutral brown for olive skin colored ladies).
5. My old school Merle Norman definitive eye pencil on lower lids, blended quickly with a tiny brush
And IF I have those extra 2 minutes:
6. I’ll slap on some Merle Norman Creamy Flomatic mascara in black. I swear, this is the best mascara I’ve ever used. And I have tried a lot. It defines, lengthens, doesn’t overwhelm with volume, and it’s just perfect. It comes off easily and lasts for a long time. I used to use Trish McEvoy’s high volume mascara in jet black, but it became difficult to work with after about a month and half. :\
I LOVE Trish McEvoy eye shadows. They are so versatile, and blend like a dream. My only qualm is that she extend her line so there are more fun colors!
The UD Cheek Tints are AMAZING. You gotta try one soon. 🙂
1. moisturizer
2. foundation
3. concealer
4. cream blush
5. powder
6. eyebrows
7. curl lashes (and if i’m lucky, a quick coat of mascara)
…..i think i have the exact same routine as you.
I have naturally rosy cheeks (thanks, Mom!), so that saves me a lot of time in the morning, since I never have to apply blush unless I wear foundation.
If I’m in a rush, I use my E.L.F. Undereye Concealer and Highlighter under my eyes and set it with E.L.F. HD Powder. Then I use my UD Naked Palette (and UDPP) to create a really natural yet defined eye. I tightline my upper lashline, occasionally line my lower lashline, and add a subtle winged liner (well, as subtle as winged eyeliner can be!)
I use the E.L.F. eyelash curler to curl my lashes, and apply 1 – 2 coats of L’Oreal Volume Million Lashes mascara. A swipe of cherry Chapstik and I’m good to go! 🙂
this is my fridays and wkend routine:
1. prime — eyes with udpp sin. face w/ loreal studio secrets face primer.
2. conceal — under eye and sides of nose and mouth as well as blemishes w/ time balm; set under eye concealer w/ BE well rested or LM secret brightening powder.
3. line eyes — usually a gray liner like MUFE 22L.
4. cream blush — usually MUFE HD blush in the cheeks; applied and blended w/ my fingers.
5. face powder — msf natural in medium or revlon photoready powder in medium with a big fluffy brush all over my face.
5. curl lashes & do brows — ill usually curl my lashes and do one coat of lashblast, then do my brows using mac’s impeccable brow pencil in taupe.
6. lipbalm — quick swipe of lipbalm on the lips
done!
Wow, I’m intimidated.
My 5 minute routine is so very simple:
1. Moisturizer
2. Foundation
3. Concealer
4. Powder
5. Eyeliner – top lid only
6. Mascara – top lid only
7. Lip Gloss from my purse in the car on the way
I never use blush hardly, even when I’m not in a hurry. I also never do my brows. I “take a little off the top” now and then, but that’s it.
I just did my 5mins routine lol…..ok, this is what I’m wearing
MAC Pro-Longwear concealer…NC30 ( I heart this stuff)
MAC Fix+ then light buff of MAC MSF naturral in Medium
MAC mystery into brow
Rimmerl Lash Accelarator mascara
MAC Groundwork paintpot over lid
Chabel Brun eye liner
MUFE #12 HD blush
MAC Lune creme blush to highlight
Chapstick
I’m in the “Bright Lip Camp” when I have to do a 5 minute routine:
Illamasqua blush in Tremble (on bare skin).
Bare Minerals foundation in Light (over blush).
MAC Soba on lids.
Curl eyelashes with Shu curler and apply one coat of Maybelline Full n Soft Waterproof mascara.
Lips get Revlon Colorburst lipstick in Raspberry (pink) or NARS Pure Matte in Vesuvio (red).
If I had two more minutes, I would add a highlighter to my brow bone and line my eyes with Inglot Gel Liner in #90 (dark brown).
Im not sure how i can cut my makeup routine into five minutes but Im working on it. Im always adding something new to my routine. Maybe when i add a new product I should take something away! No matter what I always use Peter Thomas Roth anti- shine gel as a primer on my T-zone and M.A.C. Lash Prime+Prep along with cover girl’s super thick mascara in black brown. My favorite (and only) foundation is M.A.C. Studio Tech in NC 50. I just started using M.A.C.’s FIX+ spray and I love it!!!
My quickie routine is just moisturizer, concealer and lipstick. I have been taking such good care of my skin this past year that I find I need less concealer (come on, who’s proud of me? Come out and say it! LOL) overall. I like Pangea Organics moisturizer, MAC Studio Sculpt on my face and Amazing Cosmetics concealer under my eyes.
My 5-minute routine: (Although I’ve never really timed it but this is what I do when I’m running extremely late!)
1. Sunscreen (Neutrogena)
2. Undereye Concealer (Clinique)
3. Mineral Foundation (Youngblood)
4. Brows (Maybelline)
5. Curler (Shu Uemura)
6. Mascara (Maybelline)
7. Lip Balm (Burt’s Bees)
And that’s it! When I’m in a hurry, I skip on liquid foundation, liners, blush, lipstick, etc. Sometimes I may even have to skip on mascara when I just don’t have enough time.
Hmm, I also have a 1 minute make up look that I wear quite regularly (mostly because I’m lazy) so 5 minutes seems so long, haha! For a 5 minute look I wear concealer under my eyes, face powder, maybe a natural and hard to over-apply powder blush, an eyeshadow I can wear without primer like Benefit’s Creaseless creams, and mascara. Maybe eyeliner on my upper lash line if I have the time. And sometimes instead of a powder blush I’ll use a cream blush and just apply powder on my nose and t-zone. SO MANY OPTIONS!! Heh.
1) foundation ( havent found a keeper yet)
2) under eye concealer ( clinque..i forgot its exact name though)
3) powder (clinque & again forgot the name)
4) blush any type
5) curling of the eyelashes/mascra
the longest step is the mascra, but this is perfect for college students! 🙂
Face: Nars Sheer Glow in Barcelona, MAC MSFN in Medium dark applied with Sigma F80
Eyes: Urban Decay Primer Potion in Original, MAC All that Glitters, Espresso in Crease, Urban Decay 24/7 liner in Stash, MAC Studio Fix Mascara
Cheeks: Physicians Formula Bronze Booster in Medium Dark, Nars Orgasm
Lips: EOS Lip Balm
My five minute face starts with Clinique moisture surge moisturizer, then TImebalm concealer for my dark circles, a highlighter like Benefit’s Moonbeam, and mascara is unskippable to me. My recent obsession is Chanel’s inimitable intense, holy crap its amazing. Throw on some lipgloss and go!
– Korres Pomegranate Balancing Moisturizer and Korres Quercetin & Oak Eye Cream – I’m fanatic about moisturizing my eye area, I feel like using harsh soaps in my teens to get rid of breakouts will destroy that skin!
– Tarte Clean Slate primer, to keep my five minutes of work on
– Alima Pure powder foundation
– Revlon ColorStay eyeliner in Brown Black
– Alima Pure blush in one of three colors
– Curl my eyelashes, then one coat of Badgal Lash mascara
I have so many lipglosses in the purse that I don’t usually put anything on past Vaseline, but if I feel like I need to, I’m currently digging Illamasqua Sheer Lipgloss in Divine.
If I have 2 extra minutes, I’ll use Alima Pure’s blush/highlighter in Poisoned Apple on my eyelids as eyeshadow. Looks pretty and natural but done! I feel like I operate slower in my five minutes than most, hah!
LOVE this post and I really want to try MAC strobe cream…even though my skin is on the oily side I love love love highlighters and anything with the word “glow” in it haha!
You have really made me tempted to go buy it ASAP but I am visiting my long-distance BF in a week and the last thing I need is a face full of pimples because I tried a new moisturizer and it didn’t work out haha!
Anyway, I loved this post, I love five minute faces!
Mine 5 min face is:
Olay Regenerist Serum (has silicones, great as a primer)
Tarte Smooth Operator Tinted Moisturizer on any areas that need evening out
MAC Blot Powder in the t-zone
MAC Blush – Well Dressed
Neutrogena undereye concealer
Clinique brown liner – i do a “V” on the outer upper and lower lids
Quick swipe of Lash Blast and I’m out the door!
You’ll love it! Hmm, maybe try a patch test first along your chin? That’s what I do with new skin products.
I cannot do all of this in just 5 minutes.. If so it’s probably very sloppy done.
We have the same first three steps with the same products! I want to try MAC Blot powder now 🙂
It’s the JAM. I’ve been wearing it for years and can’t live without it.
That IS definitely at least 15 mins worth of work 🙂
My routine consists of
– tinted moisturizer as I finishe washing my face/brushing my teeth
– concealer (optional, if I have any blemishes that morning)
– clear lash gel for the brows and lower lashes
– mascara on top lashes
– lip liner
– chapstick + lipgloss
– finish up with bronzer
7mins tops for me
I do not wear any extra powder/blush in the mornings to prevent too much product build up for 8+ hours.
If I’m running late, then I (after moisturizing and eye cream, of course):
1. MAC Prep + Prime
2. Bobbi Brown Corrector & MAC Studio Finish Concealer
3. MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural in Light Medium
4. NARS Orgasm/Laguna duo (bronze then blush)
5. Anastasia Perfect Brow Pencil
6. Curl eyelashes (I have a simple Revlon curler – haven’t shelled out the money for Shu Uemura)
7. MAC Haute & Naughty Mascara
When I’m not running late, I spend more time on eyeshadows and liner, and I might add a liquid foundation underneath my MAC Mineralize Skin Finish (MAC Pro Longwear or MUFE HD).
We have pretty much the same routine, just change out the products and it’s like we are 5-minute twins! Haha 😉
Great minds think alike! 😉 BTW, I love NARS Amour.
Yay!!! That’s fun!
-Origins Have a Nice Day, SPF 15
-Origins GinZing around the eyes
-eye shadow (from various brands, depending on my outfit)
-Powder (Dandelion by Benefit is my fave)
-Rosebud lip balm (on lips and brows)
-Origins Smilage Plus (in Vintage) I also reapply it during the day since it lives at my desk at work
5 Minutes!
1. Moisturize. Usually my La Roche Posay day moisturizer with SPF. Slather some honey lip balm on my lips (I used to like the Burts Bees one, but I’m loving MoodyBee Leap balm– a lot less “waxy”, and more moisture!).
2. Cover! Take my Sigma “skunk” brush and buff some Lancome Teint Miracle onto my skin (I have major freckles, and if I wear anything heavier coverage, I just look.. pale and weird). This evens out my patches. Usually pull my MAC foundation brush out and put a little extra under my eyes and red patches.
3. Usually use a nice base colour for my eyes(I’ve been reaching for a really matte colour from the WnW Greed palette that EXACTLY matches my skin..weird), and the something shimmery, as well as a brown crease colour for my eyes.
4. Mascara, and if I want, eyeliner.
5. Some blush. Lately I’ve been reaching consistently for ELF contouring blush and bronzer.. which is just enough for the daytime for me.
Loving the blog!
My 5min routine is
Clarins instant light complexion perfector.
Mac face and body or studio sculpt mixed with strobe cream depending on how much coverage I need.
Mac prep and prime powder to set.
Mac brow gel and false lash mascara for eyes
Mac dainty blush or what ever blush I am in the humour for that day. Mac shell cream colour base to highlight.
Mac fashion scoop cream sheen lipgloss- I am loving this gloss at the mo.
If I have an extra 2 min I apply mac painterly paint pot and black or purple gel eye liner
Foundation- Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse
Concealer- Nyx Concealer in a jar
Blush- ELF Studio Blush in Peachy Keen
Lips- just any chapstick
Eyeshadow- Nyx eyeshadow trio in “In the Woods”
Eyeliner- MAC powerpoint eye pencil in Engraved
Mascara- Maybelline One by One volume express mascara.
That is my 5 minute makeup routine!!
Wow, Karen. You must have lightening-speed makeup application skills! I can’t imagine doing all that in five minutes!
My quick and easy makeup routine when I’m just running around doing errands:
Start with a vitamin C serum to add a glow to the skin. I’m loving one I got at CVS from Lumene.
Concealer under eyes and on any blemishes. The new Amazonian Clay one from Tarte is amazing.
Tinted moisturizer with SPF. Loving the Josie Maran one.
Cream or gel blush. Tarte or NYX are my most often reached for.
Eyeliner in either a navy or brown, depending on what I’m wearing. Tarte’s Aqua-Gel liners (I think that’s their title) apply nice and quick.
Mascara, usually Tarte’s Lights! Cameras! Lashes!
Lipgloss with SPF.
Done!
With only a little bit of time, I’ll just do eye shadow, eyeliner and mascara. Maybe I’ll also dust on some blush.
– i moisturize with josie maran’s argan oil
– slap on chanel vitalumiere + mac studio finish concealer with my fingers
– apply mac’s pinch o’peach or dainty blush with an estee lauder blush brush
– apply LOTS of l’oréal voluminous.
– wear glasses to cover up the rest of the dark circles i didn’t have time to cover :p
Moisturizer – Origins Make a Difference Ultra Rich Cream
Concealer – MAC Pro Longwear in NW20
Foundation – MAC Pro Longwear in NC30
Contour – MAC Blunt
Blush – LORAC Desire
Eye – painterly paint pot
Liner – MAC Penultimate eye liner
Mascara – MAC Pro Lash
My 5-min routine would look something like this:
– Chanel Hydramax cream to moisturize
– bourjois healthy mix foundation or chanel vitalumiere quickly applied with my fingers
– my favorite mascara Maybelline Colossal volume
– any blush nearby (my fav natural looking one is tickled pink by ELF)
– a lipbalm
– and if I have time left I wil take my mac 226 brush and a black or brown eyeshadow to line the upper lashline. Quick and foolproof 😉
1. Moisturize the heck out of my skin with eucerin, winter is terrible for dry skin!
2. YSL touche eclat on sides of nose and under eyes (it’s surprisingly a good concealer)
3. Set concealer with MUFE kabuki and hd powder.
4. Becca beach tint in rasberry on the cheeks! (Love this stuff) Or jouer petal tint
5. Becca shimmering skin perfector along cheekbones
6. Lise watier colour folie in blanche all over the lids
7. Curl lashes
8. 2 coats of CG lashblast mascara in brown black
9. Tightline upper lashes with dollywink pencil liner in brown
10. Fill in brows with anastasia brow wiz, then set with her clear brow gel
11. Burts bees tinted lip balm in pink blossom
I’ve done this so much it really only takes me about 5 minutes 😀
I moisturize my face with an oil-free moisturizer. Then I prime my face with Hard Candy primer (from Wal-Mart). I apply a small amount of MAC Pro Longwear foundation or Revlon Colorstay foundation on my cheeks and forehead (if I know I’m taking pics I’ll use the Revlon Colorstay instead of the MAC). Then I use MAC Studio Fix Powder on my whole face to set the foundation and give more coverage. I then apply blush, black pencil eyeliner, and mascara. Then I apply chapstick or lipgloss. Takes 5-7 minutes and then I’m done.
Hi Karen. I have a question because I am curious about your use of Smashbox Photo Op along with a concealer. I have really dark circles and have both products but have never used them together. Photo Op alone does nothing so I’ve been using it as a checkbone highlighter. How do you use Photo Op and a concealer together? Do you put Photo Op on first, then the concealer? Please let me in on your secret. Thanks!
Hi Liz,
Yup, I apply Photo Op beneath my eyes, let it sink in and then apply my concealer on top.
I am so impressed that you ladies can complete so much in 5 minutes. All I could do if I had 5 minutes was:
moisturize
conceal a skin problem on one eye with Bobbi Brown cream concealer
apply MAC paintpot to lid (constructivist)
apply Laur Mercier cake eyeline to upper lashline
Laura Mercier mascara
whatever blush I’m feeling that day
lip balm, then lip gloss
That’s it!
My five minute routine (translation: every morning) is moisturizer – I’ve been loving CeraVe – Tarte Smooth Operator, NARS Orgasm, Clinique Brow Pencil, Clinique Eyeliner (brown), Hypnose mascara.
In a pinch, I’ll skip everything except the blush, brow pencil and mascara. But it’s not pretty! 🙂
Wait, where the glitter?!?
HAHA! I have to be careful with that and save it for my evening look. Did I already tell you that Saturday was my 40th b’day? Glitter in the bright light (on me) scares animals and small children! 🙂
My five minute routine…after hair is inponytail & I’ve washed and moisturized 😉
Blend a liquid concealer under my eyes, buff Bare Escentuals all over my face (only one layer), spot conceal with a cream concealer if needed on any discolorations I might have, some blush from Nars in “Amour”, do one pass over my face with Smashbox Halo Hydrating powder to set (I prefer it compared to Bare Escentual’s Mineral Veil) … quickly line my eyebrows, curl my lashes, and supa-quickly do a coat of mascara… boom done!
Super quick and easy but I still prefer days when I have plenty of time to really do myself up 🙂
1. Moisturize – have to make sure my eczmena riddled skin is fine – I’ll use an ointment then go directly to LM Primer/Tinted moisturizer
2. Brows – never leave home without ’em!
3. Cream shadow – Benefit’s Birthday Suit is a GOD-SEND! If there’s time I will use UD 24/7 Underground on my bottom lash line then smudge
4. Mascara
5. Gloss and again if there’s time I will swipe on a blush – in this case, I reach for my “go-to” NARS Gilda.
I should test this theory tomorrow morning!
Mine is a tad different – I must line my eyes or else I look sleepy, and I skip curling my lashes since they’re naturally curly (I got so lucky with that one). So my 5 min routine is more like
1) Hourglass Veil Primer to smooth and brighten my skin
2) MUFE HD Foundation applied super quickly with my fingers
3) TheBalm’s TimeBalm concealer for my dark circles and any dark spots, applied with the cool “airbrush” concealer brush from Sephora
4) A teensy bit of bronzer and blush (whatever is closest to my hand that day)
5) A sweep of some not too light by shimmery color on lids
6) MUFE aqua cream liner in black
in the car I finish the rest of my look with
7) FAIRYDROPS Scandal Queen mascara
8) A gloss or lipstick that I have on me
If I have more time, I apply a darker color into my crease for definition, and I smudge the liner upwards for a smokier and less harsh look. It’s really fast since I know my face well, and I’m always in a rush!
Here’s my 5 minute routine: first I apply sunscreen, then foundation and concealer. On my eyes, I use one or two cream eyeshadows – I’m loving Michael Todd ones at the moment as they last ages before creasing and fading on my oily lids – and mascara. Next I apply blush and swipe on lipgloss or a tinted lip balm.
I apply Clinique’s moisturizing gel, City Block (spf 40) and Bliss eye cream right after washing my face and before breakfast. After breakfast, it’s zoom through Tarte’s tinted moisturizer, UD primer and two shadows (lid + crease), eye liner (24/7 pencil) and a quick dash of blush/bronzer. 5-10 minutes a day! 🙂
Olay SPF 30 lotion for sensitive skin with 2 drops jojoba oil mixed in
Brush eyebrows into place
Undereye concealer (MUFE Lift), concealer on blemishes if needed
Curl lashes, maybe mascara (Almay)
Cream blush (Revlon)
Lipbalm with SPF
man i can’t do all those in 5 mins! maybe closer to ten, even if i just put primer, concealer, curl my lashes then mascara 🙁
1. mattifying moisturizer w/ spf 15- I’m liking the new mattifying one from Clean&Clear
2. some form of mineral makeup- either Bare Minerals or Neutrogena Mineral Sheer powder foundation (my cheapie alternative to BM). I usually don’t feel like I need concealer if I concentrate the powder on any noticable spots
3. Curl lashes and apply mascara- I actually have a curler by Revlon that I quite like, no pinching!
4. Make sure my brows don’t look crazy, brush on some clear brow mascara if need be
5. Swipe on some blush and I’m done!
I did this just this morning because I didn’t want to take the time to do my full routine.
I’m dying to try Origins Vitazing, and MAC blot powder actually.
Hi!! every morning I apply Clinique’s all about eyes and then my Neutrogena sunscreen. After that, sometimes I put on Palladio Herbal Primer all over my face, then Benefit’s eyebright in my undereye area just before I apply some concealer (mon rêve, a local Colombian brand). Then I apply either liquid foundation (Clinique’s even better foundation) or pressed powder (Bardot, another local colombian brand). Then I put on some powder blush (Bardot) or Maybelline’s dream mousse. Then I do my brows with Benefit’s Brows A go-go and I put some of the light pink powder that comer in that palette in my browbone. After that, I’ll just use my Cherry fraganced lip balm from Agatha Ruiz de la Prada. If I’m in too much of a hurry I’l skip concealer… and that’s it!
1. MAC Prolongwear foundation in NC20
2.MAC concealer
3.MAC Danity blush
4.L’ancome Hypnose Drama mascara
5.A clear lipgloss
And I’m good to go. 🙂 I have permanent makeup on my eyebrows so I don’t have to bother with them any more 🙂
You guys have got it DOWN for five minutes. I can’t even do my “simple makeup” face in ten or fifteen minutes! And that face is just foundation and brows! Generally, my routine takes me twenty minutes. That’s foundation, brows, eyelid primer, smudged eyeliner, mascara, and a bit of powder. I’ve been wearing makeup regularly since I started two years ago, and my skills are still slow, to say the least. Advice?
Hi Katie,
This is going to sound silly, but being perpetually late is what brought on my 5 minute routine. 🙂
You could always try setting a timer and practicing…
Lancome Dual Finish powder foundation
a swipe of NARS Orgarm or Torrid blush
Bobbi Brown black gel liner on top lid slightly winged
mascara
Chanel Rouge Allure lipstick in Libertine
moisturiser;the body shop vitamin e series moisturiser
eyeliner;flormar or lancome le krayon kohl
mascara;MAC zoom fast black lash
concealer;garnier rollon concealer
foundation;MAC studio fix C4
blush;flormar or maybelline mousse blush 07
its my routine but actually i want to change all of my routine products with better ones 😀
1. TFSI
2. a color like Fyrinnae Nijiro or MAC Fairylite, just a wash all over
3. Eyeliner on the upper lash line only, MAC Blacktrack
4. Mascara – Covergirl Lash Blast Volume
5. Brows – Nyx brow pencil in black
6. Fyrinnae velvet-gel silica face primer
7. a gloss of some sort
I really want to try the Smashbox brightening lotion now! Too much studying and not enough sleep makes for some dark circles.
A 5 or 6 minute face is my standard. Quick and easy.
Lotion with SPF – Neutrogena right now
Primer: L’oreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base/Smashbox Photo Finish
Concealer: MAC Select Cover Up
Powder: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends
Blush: Smashbox Quad in Luminary or Sonia Kashuk Cheek Tint in Peony
Eyes: Line and Lid in a single shade, according to mood.
Mascara: MAC Fibre Rich Lash or Clinique High Impact Mascara
Brow: Smashbox Brow Tech Trio
Cherry Chapstick is a staple in my purse, but that can usually wait until I get to school 🙂
You must be super fast! That seems like more than 5 minutes. Tabs must have you running drills to perfect your quick technique.
My 5 minute routine:
1- Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer – apply with SK flat top brush or fingers if really rushed
2- NARS Smudgeproof shadow primer
3- Wash of shadow — MAC Naked Lunch, BB Nude or Rockstar — just a little something to open and perk my eyes
4- Line outer corners with Ecotools angle brush and MAC Center Stage
5- Light dusting of MAC Prep + Prime powder to set
6- Curl lashes
7- One coat Maybelline Full ‘N Soft mascara
8- Tinted lip balm (usually apply whatever is in my bag on my way down in the elevator)
– Kate Somerville moisturizer
– Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation
– Fresh Supernova Concealer
– Blush and/or bronzer in whatever color I choose for the day
– Chanel Inimitable Mascara
– NARS eye primer
– Chanel eye quad of choice (great bc they usually have highlight, lid, and liner colors)
– Lipstick (either MAC Cut a Caper, MAC Hue, NARS Cruising or Chanel Boy)
Hiya Karen – here’s my 5 minute (Saturday) makeup routine.
DDF Exfoliating Moisturizer, Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Concealer, MAC Pro Longwear Concealer, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, Smashbox O-Glow Blush, Sephora Matte Brown Waterproof eyeliner, MAC False Lashes Mascara, Smashbox O-Gloss Lip Gloss.
The standard work routine (about 10 minutes) includes MAC Eyeshadow for a work-appropriate brown smoky eye, and swap out the Tinted Moisturizer for MAC Pro Longwear Foundation, and more than one coat of mascara, along with lining upper and lower lids with liquid eyeliner.
Oh – and for both my weekend and weekday look, I use MAC Brow Finisher, a wax stick thing, to tame my brows with a brow brush.
5 min-
pevonia problematic skin moisturizer
smashbox photo op/ mac longwear pro concealer combo (thank you for that!!)
eyelid primer (paint pot or creasless cream)
jane iredale pressed powder foundation
blush (nars, jane iredale)
curl lashes and mascara (shu and cover girl lash blast)
some lippy
Face: Dior Forever with Sonia Kashuk flat-top; tarte smooth operator finishing powder
Eyes: tightline liquid liner; Diorshow mascara
Lips: the BRIGHTEST red lipstick i can find (usu NARS heatwave or Sephora hot to tango)
and BAM!!! out the door.
btw, does 6 step mean you’ve found your shu curler? 🙂
hi Karen…great article!
When you use the Strobe cream, do you put a primer over or under it?
1. Laura Mercier face prime w/ fingers.
2. Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer mixed in w/ normal day moisturizer, w/ fingers.
3. Laura Mercier secret camouflage concealer (I just got a LM sample set, and am pretty excited – can you tell?), set with powder
4. Curl Lashes.
5. Add some champagne shadow to inner corners and browbone.
6. My Favorite LipBalm from Bath and Body Works
out the door 🙂
Here is my 5 minute makeup routine.
1. Estee Lauder Daywear Plus Moisturizer
2. Nars Sheer Glow Foundation-This is my “Holy Grail” Foundation. I apply it with my Sigma or MAC Foundation Brush
3. Chanel Natural Finish Loose Powder-I apply it with my Sigma Powder Brush
4. MAC Select Moisturecover Concealer-I apply it with my MAC Concealer Brush
5. MAC Teddy Eyekohl
6. I curl my lashes with my Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
7. Cover Girl Lash Blast Volume Mascara or L’oreal Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara
8. Blush-I apply one of my many blushes
9. Lipgloss-On my dresser I have two Deflect-O Stackable Cubes with X Dividers that I use to organize my MAC, Dior, and YSL liglosses. I usually will grab one of these lipglosses.
Mine changes with the season and since spring/summer has arrived in full force with all of its hot, steamy days….I’m not bothering with a full face of makeup anymore. Here is my new 5 minute routine:
Origins Vitazing
BE Big & Bright Eyeliner top lash line
Mascara (optional)
NYX Natural or Beige Lip Gloss (touch up w/Golden Pink in my purse)
When summer temps hit the 90’s+ I will switch to BE Matte Foundation.
I am going to be honest, it would be near impossible for me to include my skin care routine with my cosmetic routine and have it come out in under ten minutes time!
However, if I really need to do my make-up in five or less minutes, here is my routine:
1. Foundation – usually Lancome’s Teinte Idole Ultra. It’s so smooth and wears for so long that it doesn’t need a primer! Or a setting powder!
2. Concealer – Lise Watier Portfolio – a cream concealer pot with five different shades. I religiously mix the violet concealer with the ivory to give the top of my cheekbones and under-eyes a bright look!
3. Highlight – With L’Oreal Mono Eyeshadow in Morning Glory (I think). It’s amazing for fair skin, because a lot of the powder and liquid highlighters are actually too dark for porcelaine skin!
4. Blush – I have too many favorites! I am actually loving DuWop blush in Watermelon at the moment!
5. EYEBROWS – couldnt leave home without ’em! Lancome’s Le Crayon Poudre in Taupe – most amaaazziinng eyebrow pencil out there!
6. Mascara – Dior Extase (love me some bold lashes)!
7. Lipgloss – have yet to find one colour and one type that I desperately love. So for now, it’s whatever falls out of my purse (usually smashbox or bare minerals buxom)!
Your five minute face would take me a lot longer than five minutes! I don’t normally wear that much makeup, though, so I haven’t got the steps down to a routine like you have. My everyday face is concealer, powder, and tinted lip balm. Done! 🙂
Dang girl you must be fast! 🙂 My quickie routine (maybe a bit over 5 mins?) is: Clinique Tinted sunscreen, Kevyn Aucoin concealer where needed, Bobbi Brown loose powder to set, Stila eyeshadow in Kitten, eyelasher curler + Benefit Bad Gal Lash mascara and a sweep of Nars Orgasm blush! 🙂
I’m new to the blog, and OMG it’s so awesome to read all of these great reviews and see the community you’ve got going here!
I basically have my standard “must have” makeup moves that can squeeze into 5 minutes…but I’m looking to change the foundation part of it.
I use that pink bottle BB cream with a beauty blender, then I use Benefit’s Coralista to rosy the cheeks up a bit. I can’t leave the house with (at the very least) mascara, so I use so Anastasia clear brow gel on the brows, then I quickly line my eyes partially. Then I use whatever mascara catches my fancy at the moment (normally Maybelline Rocket) after using my Shu curler (if I happen to remember that step). Half the time I actually forget to do my lips? lol. But if I do remember, that’s a toss-up, too. I’d really love to find that “perfect” everyday look that I can always fall back on, but I find that my mood changes in regards to my eye and lip looks…sometimes making the look too underdone or overdone. Know what I mean? =)