My quick, 8-minute makeup routine

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

PIN IT!