Hi friends!
Let’s face it, most people have very little time each day to do their makeup before rushing off to work, school, or wherever. Likewise, a lot of people simply don’t wear much makeup on a day-to-day basis, or are perhaps just starting to experiment with it. These are all examples of where having a quick, effortless face routine in your arsenal can be very beneficial.
So in this post, I wanted to give you a peek into my quick, 8-minute makeup routine that utilizes just 6 products. I’ll also give you some tips I have for quick application along the way. If you can apply the same amount of products or even more in less time than this, please teach me your ways Yoda! I’ve tried to master the whole 5-minute face and personally it’s just too hard for me. I think it’s the mascara application that slows me down; I like to pile it on! My mom is actually really good at quick makeup, so I’ll have to start mimicking her!
THE STRATEGY
When I want to apply my makeup fast, I think of the facial features I want to emphasize the most or the areas of my face that I want to “correct” the most. Of course, this will be different for everyone and it will help you choose which products to use. For me, I always want to emphasize my eyes & cheeks and correct my under-eye discoloration. So think about what the indispensible aspects of a makeup routine are for you and go from there.
Also, think about how you want to apply your products in a short amount of time. You may be able to work quickly with brushes or sponges, but for me I work everything in quickly with the warmth of my hands.
THE PRODUCTS
Now, you can use whatever products you want of course. But when I want quick makeup, I go for textures that I know will be impactful, will blend out quickly with my hands, and could be used for more than one purpose. For me, cream textures are the most versatile & blendable. And if I want to wear lipstick too, I make sure to pick a formula that’s creamy and easy to apply; no lip liners, precision or extra patience needed!

In this particular makeup routine, I used mascara (2 types, high-maintenance I know!), concealer, cream blush (as both blush & highlighter), brow gel & lipstick. I’ve listed & linked the exact products below if you’re interested to know.
- Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara
- Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara
- NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
- Kiko Velvet Touch Creamy Stick Blush in Golden Peach
- Peripera Speedy Brow Cara in Light Brown
- Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Color in Lilac
Read this: The 2018 beauty discoveries I’m obsessed with!
Read this: Five moisturizing lippies for Autumn-Winter
THE STEPS
Again, you can order your routine any way you like; there’s no right or wrong way here. But this is just what I did, step-by-step, to achieve the quick look you see on me in the image above. And yes I did time myself by the way! It was actually quite a fun little challenge.
Step 1 – Apply copious amounts of mascara to top & bottom lashes. When I forego eyeshadow, eyeliner or any color on my eyes, I want my mascara to be as dramatic as possible.
Step 2 – Apply concealer to my under-eyes, around my nose and on any little red spots or blemishes.
Step 3 – Apply cream blush to the tops of my cheekbones to add color & sheen. The Kiko blush I used has little flecks of shimmer in it, so it can double as a highlight in this case.
Step 4 – Brush brow gel through my brows.
Step 5 – Apply lipstick & smudge into lips.
I hope that was helpful to you if you’re looking for ideas or inspiration on how to do quick makeup! Do you have any tips or tricks on no-fuss makeup you can share? I’d love to know!
Xo, Erica
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That’s awesome that it only took 8 minutes. It looks like you spent hours on your makeup! I don’t apply a lot of makeup unless I’m going out somewhere fun. I use my hands and fingers to apply my makeup, too, so I don’t have a lot of tools.
Oh, thanks Michelle! It actually took me like 7 1/2 minutes according to the stopwatch on my phone, but to be honest I went back and applied another layer of mascara (since I can’t help myself) after I stopped it. So I thought it was only fair to add another half-minute! Fingers are the best, aren’t they? So much quicker & easier!
You look stunning! Those lashes are to die for 😍😍😍
Thank you lady!! It’s a combo of the Hourglass mascara (which is awesome), lots of layers, & a lash serum I’ve been using. Plus when you don’t wear eyeshadow or anything your lashes just stand out so much more!
I loveeee!
😉
You look so fresh and lovely Erica. This is my kind of routine. I normally do moisturizer, eye liner and lipstick for my out the door look. But I am going to try mascara instead of the liner as it will be faster and looks great.
Thanks so much Devinder, that’s very sweet! Your routine sounds even speedier, that’s great! I don’t have the patience for liner when I’m really against the clock; for mascara is just easier, so I go with that. I wish I could cut down even more sometimes, but I always end up putting on more than I intended 😄.
Lookin’ great, Erica!
You’re too sweet 😉