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Spring has sprung, y’all! Praise be! Get out and enjoy that weather (and pretend like we’re not all dying inside from yearly allergies). You don’t have time to sit in front of a mirror for more than a few minutes, you’ve got a fabulous life to be living. Take it from me, who used to spend nearly 30 minutes diligently applying my makeup every a.m. And while makeup is super fun to experiment and try new looks with, sometimes you want to look fresh-faced and glowing, but in five minutes or less.
Thus, I changed things up. I found five products that get me up and at ‘em and out the door in five minutes. And honestly, I think I get more compliments about how glowing I look when I do this quick, simple routine versus a more complex look. That’s just a win-win.
Primer, or Glow-Getter
I’m the biggest fan of primers, they make your makeup (even if it’s just a few, subtle products) actually stay on throughout the day, and really excel when they have added boosts, like hydration or glowing enhancements. The trick, at least for me personally thanks to my oily skin, is using one not made of silicones. Silicone-based primers can be great for some, but they a) have chemicals in them and b) pill off my face like nobody’s business.
I love Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Anti-Aging Primer ($85) collab with celeb makeup artist Monika Blunder. It has crushed up pearl pigments, so it imparts some major glowing wow-factor, but it also has anti-inflammatory purslane, and hyaluronic acid for an intense moisture boost.
Another favorite for flawless-looking natural skin is Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter ($44). It does have polymers in it, but the blend is brilliant and can be used as just a primer for radiant, dewy skin, or even as a subtle lit-from-within highlighter. Or my newest favorite is Marc Jacobs Undercover Perfecting Coconut Face Primer ($44). It feels so hydrating, thanks to the five forms of coconut ingredients, including cold-pressed coconut water, juice, and pulp. It feels as light as gel, yet as refreshing as drinking an ice-cold coconut water on a hot day.
Concealer
I remember once reading many years ago that Claudia Schiffer preferred to use concealers than foundation, saying she could pinpoint her skin tone more precisely with one or two shades of concealer, and that it looked so much fresher. And IDK, Claudia tells you something once, you listen. On days when I’m just working and running around town, versus have a big event or date, I prefer to just use a concealer and dab it on under eyes, and blemishes. And in a pinch, you could also mix your concealer with your primer, as a mock foundation with a foundation brush.
I’m a sucker for NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer ($30), it is such a perfect concealer. My coverage always seem to disappear mid-day, but this one sticks through it, rain or shine, thanks to the lightweight formula that imparts full coverage. Also, amazingly the concealer has hyaluronic acid and Vitamins A, C, and E, making skin hydrated and smoother-looking throughout the day.
Another great option: Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer ($27), which is beloved for its un-moveable full coverage. It’s pretty magical.
Blush
This may not be needed for all, but I love a good rosy flush. Kjaer Weis Cream Blush ($56) has all my heart and love, with their refillable, clean beauty formulas, which last longer throughout the day than any chemical formula I’ve tried. And seriously, I’ve had mine for a year and a half and I’ve barely made a dent in it—worth every penny. Another favorite is Lancome Cushion Blush Subtil ($39) because it gives a gorgeous, natural flush.
Eyebrows
I love a good bold brow, but keep it simple, classic, and mess-free. Glossier Boy Brow ($16) is the best for its simplicity and effectiveness. Nothing swipes on like it—it’s not too much color, and not too much formula—basically the Goldilocks of eyebrow products. I like to back comb through the hairs to grab the hidden hairs, and then re-comb through the larger brow hairs like normal.
Mascara
A couple of swipes of mascara and you’re good to go. I also always curl my lashes prior to mascara. If you do it afterwards, it can bend the lashes weirdly or even harm the lashes themselves. I love Surratt Beauty Eyelash Curler ($30); it’s both pinch- and fool-proof. Sometimes I’ll even skip this mascara step and do a bright, bold lip instead. I really love TPSY Whipstick ($23) for a quick, bold lipstick that stay for hours.
Wham-bam, go out and enjoy the day—and share your go-to routine in the comments!
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