Prior to having children, I wasn’t the type to stand in front of the mirror for hours making sure my makeup was just so. Even when I started my professional career, I pretty much did the bare minimum and called it a day. So it’s a little ironic that since becoming a mom, I’ve actually invested in higher quality products, learned more about how to apply it, and cared just a tinge more about my appearance. Horribly ironic, really, because I rarely have the time to commit towards the upkeep that requires. Thus, I’ve figured out how to streamline the process and get the most bang for my buck. Or more specifically, the biggest impact for the least amount of time. In case you think this would all take more than five minutes, I really did time it, I swear. Twice, in fact, and both times I had other things come up that I had to tend to so the entire five minutes weren’t a frantic explosion of foundation, blush, and lip gloss. I promise you this is completely feasible and easy to copy. Start your timer…….now!
1. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths
If I didn’t wash off my makeup the night before, or if my skin just feels a little gross, a quick swipe of this makeup removing cloth is all I need. I use Cetaphil face wash in the shower, so I like that I stick with a similar formula and it’s not using a bunch of harsh chemicals. It doesn’t remove every speck of eye makeup, I will say, but it does the job.
2. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20
I had heard amazing things about this moisturizer for years and finally picked some up a few months ago. It’s perfect for days when I don’t have time for full blown foundation, and I can just swipe it on quickly without worrying if it’s blending nicely. I personally use the Sand shade, but they have a whole range to suit any skin tone. BONUS: the SPF helps me take care of my skin without even thinking about it.
{This is me BEFORE any makeup. The photo at the top of this post is after my five minute routine.}
3. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
I dap a few quick spots of this concealer in “Custard” on any problem areas, and ALWAYS under my eyes to cover up those mommy dark circles. The Beauty Blender
Thank goodness the full brow look is in right now, because I just need a quick sweep of this gel to help my brows stay in place all day. I use the “Blonde” shade, but if you’re a darker hair color you can match it to one of Anastasia’s many options.
I have the Naked2 palette, but unless I have time for it I really don’t worry about whipping the whole thing out. I recently picked up an individual size of “Suspect” since that was the only shade I was using anyways and it makes it much easier to just pop that open, rather than using the humongous palette. Seconds count here, people. 😉 I sweep it onto my lids with a basic eyeshadow brush I picked up at ULTA for just a little bit of color and shimmer.
6. Christian Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara
My cousin April swears by Dior mascara, and I am completely on board with her now as well. It’s a great combination of everything you want: curling, lengthening, volumizing, everything you seem to have to sacrifice is some capacity or another with other mascaras. I don’t typically curl my lashes when I just have a few minutes because this does the trick well enough.
When I went to The Makeup Show in Dallas last year, my friend Angie asked me to pick up an Orgasm from the NARS counter. Being a beginner makeup junkie at that point, I had no idea what she meant, but I went to the first saleslady I could find and she rather rudely explained it’s the best-selling blush shade of all time. Well, if that was the case, I needed to try it. Although I still want to smack that saleslady for her tone, I have to admit she was right. It suits any skin tone, gives a subtle glow, and reflects light in just the right way so you look like you’re trying, but not too much. I just sweep it onto my cheeks with a Sonia Kashuk blush brush from Target.
8. NARS Bronzing Powder, Laguna
I don’t have time for contouring on a daily basis, but I will give my cheekbones just a little definition with the NARS Ita Kabuki Brush
9. stila Lush Water Plumping Primer
My biggest annoyance is having to reapply lip gloss or lipstick throughout the day. This primer plumps, moisturizes, and creates the perfect canvas for whatever shade I’ve decided on that day. It’s easily to slap on and then you can immediately put on lipstick over it.
10. REVLON Colorburst Lip Butter, Berry Smoothie
I’ve written about how much I love this lip butter before in , and I’m still obsessed. I feel naked without the Berry Smoothie shade on at least, and then I play it up and have a little more fun with other colors when I’m feeling adventurous.
11. Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
As a final touch, I spritz this setting spray all over my face to keep everything in place. Because there’s nothing more annoying than taking the time to actually do your makeup and then having it disappear by noon. If I’m going to put in the effort it better stick around. This stuff is like hairspray for your face, but it doesn’t feel sticky or plastic-y.
So you can see from the “after” photo at the top of the post, this isn’t a ton of makeup. Which, when you’re a mom, you don’t want to look like you’re trying to be a teenager again anyways. It’s just enough to help you look refreshed, awake, and ready for what the day will hold. I know I personally feel ready to take on the world once I’ve put my face on. I just don’t want it to take forever. Hopefully going through my routine will be helpful to other moms out there who want the same thing!
What is your makeup routine like? Do you have any questions about mine? Let me know in the comments!
XO,
A
P.S. This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click, I may be compensated. Thanks for supporting Haute in Texas!
