5-minute everyday makeup—that actually takes 5 minutes

3 brushes, 4 products, 5 minutes. Seriously.

Seeing a bunch of “quick” makeup routines that involve more steps and products than you have time for in your morning or space for in your makeup bag? 

Let me introduce you to your new everyday face that really does just take 5 minutes (or less). It’ll probably take you longer to read this blog than it will to do this makeup routine. Let’s get into it!

Before you get started…

Make sure your skin is cleansed and moisturized before applying any makeup. Starting with a clean, even textured base is essential. The good news? It doesn’t have to be complicated. 

My routine: 

1. Wash with warm water and a washcloth (gentle exfoliation, no drying chemicals)

2. Rosewater toner on a cotton ball all over (removes lingering dirt + soothes and re-balances skin’s PH)

3. Thin layer of Tallow & Honey balm (all natural, my skin loves it, lasts forever, and is so affordable. Love love love it. Might give it its own blog. Trying this next.)

That’s it. Super simple. And now, onto what you’re really here for. I give you: the 5-minute everyday makeup routine.

Step 1: Foundation

I’ve been using this PÜR powder for years and it is hands-down the best powder foundation I’ve ever found. I’ve tried others and they just don’t cover or wear as well as this one. 

Why do I choose powder over liquid foundation? I find it feels better, wears off more naturally, and doesn’t build up in my wrinkles throughout the day—plus I prefer a more translucent coverage. I like not worrying about wiping sweat off my brow and having a streak of different colored skin. But, that’s just me. If you’re all about the liquid or mousse foundation, that’s great, too! I’ve heard really great things about Il Makiage.

Start by applying foundation all over with a face brush (I use the smaller one of this face brush set), then take a tiny brush, like one of these, and use it for spot concealing and under/around the eyes. 

Step 2: Bronzer, aka “contour”

Now that you’ve got an even foundation (and if you’re like me, kind of look like a porcelain doll), it’s time to add some dimension. I don’t necessarily “controur,” but I strategically place this Whatup Beaches bronzer on my cheekbones, hairline, jawline, and either side of my nose to give a soft contour illusion.

For this step, I use the larger face brush in this set, and I start by applying it with horizontal brush strokes then I blend them out vertically. If it still feels like too obvious of a contrast (because we’re going for soft & natural here), I’ll take my powder brush and blend it out even more.

The goal is to notice the dimension without being able to tell that I put it there.

Step 3: Brows

Congratulations, you’re more than halfway there! 

I’m not particular about the product I use here. Currently using this Maybelline pencil that I got in a pinch while traveling. It was cheap, has lasted a long time, and works great. Might try a brow gel next. Got a favorite to recommend? Let me know about it in the comments.

Anyway, I always start by brushing my eyebrows straight up (I learned this gives a bit of a “lift” illusion), then I pencil in small brush strokes, moving with the direction of my natural growth pattern. A very wise friend once told me, “your eyebrows should be sisters, not twins.” So don’t focus on making them perfectly even, just fill in what nature gave you.

4. Mascara

If I were stranded on a desert island and I only got to keep 3 things, mascara would be one of them. I’ve been using the same mascara forever. I try to branch out every once in a while, and they just never stack up to this L’Oreal Lash Paradise. It lasts all day and doesn’t bleed to my lower or upper eyelid. And it’s like $10. I’m a big fan.

The way I apply my mascara is one of those things from childhood that I’ve carried with me into adulthood. When I was about 10, my older cousin taught me how to apply mascara—she just held the wand still and told me to “blink.” So simple. And I’ve learned, if you blink and twist the wand away from your face simultaneously, it helps to reduce clumps and kind of fan out your lashes so you get a really even application. 

5. If you’re feeling fancy…

Here are a few subtle, yet impactful, add-ons that take roughly 30 seconds to one minute:

1. Nude eyeliner. 

I apply this along the lower waterline and inner corner of the eye—especially on those real tired days. It’s like a magical little visual boost of energy for your eyes.

2. Black shadow in the crease (trust me) and on the eye line. 

Kind of like a “baby smoky eye” but also it looks so natural. I’ll do a how-to video soon. This is my favorite way to do eyeshadow, and it takes hardly any product. I’ve been using the same black eyeshadow palette for years and have barely scratched the surface.

3. A good lipstick. 

Doesn’t need any explanation. Here’s my go-to, all-time favorite red.

Your everyday makeup routine doesn’t have to be complicated or take all morning

Life is busy. We’ve all got shit to do. And it shouldn’t require half of your morning or hundreds of dollars worth of products to get ready for the day. 

There’s a reason the phrase “less is more” exists. Especially when it comes to makeup. Especially as we age. 

This 5-minute face allows you to look and feel like you, just refined. Softening some things (like blemishes and undereye darkness) and highlighting others (like your gorgeous eyes and bone structure). 

And I promise, it really does just take 5 minutes.