5-Minute Makeup Routine for Busy Mornings
Mornings in my house can be...intense.
I’m a mum of three little boys, which means getting everyone fed, dressed, and out the door before 9am feels like an Olympic event.
Between making lunches, finding matching shoes, and wrangling everyone into the car, there’s not a lot of time left for me, or my makeup.
Still, I like to do something to help me feel ready for the day. Even if it’s just mascara and tinted lip balm, it helps me feel more awake and ready for whatever the day throws at me (and it’s a tiny moment of calm in the morning chaos).
That’s what I want to share with you today.
5-Minute Makeup Routine (plus product recommendations!)
For those days when time is short (or you just can’t be bothered), these simple steps will leave you looking polished and feeling like yourself—without the hassle.
I’ve included a few products I love to get you started. None of these recommendations are sponsored or paid for; it’s just stuff I actually use and love. Think of it like rummaging through my kit with a friend, minus the mess.
1. Start with a Good (but Simple) Base
If you’re short on time, a hydrating tinted sunscreen is your best friend.
Daily moisturizer and sunscreen are non-negotiables for me, but layering them separately takes time. That’s why I recommend finding a product that does it all: hydration, coverage, and protection.
Some tinted sunscreen favourites:
If you want more coverage, opt for a BB cream or skin tint. Many now include SPF and feel light on the skin.
My go-to’s:
Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream (especially great for us combo or oily girlies)
Apply with your fingers, no brushes needed. You’ll get a smoother, brighter complexion in seconds.
2. Conceal What You Need (and Skip the Rest)
If I only have time for one thing, it’s usually concealer—especially under my eyes.
Pick a creamy, easy-to-blend formula that suits your skin type and tap it in gently using your fingers or a sponge. Less is more…just focus on the spots that need a little love.
My top picks:
3. A Quick Sweep of Colour (Cheeks + Eyes)
This is the fastest way to look alive—cream blush! Bonus: you can use it on your eyes too.
A few dabs on the high points of your cheeks, a tap on the lids, blend with fingers or a sponge, and you’re done.
Some multitasking favourites:
Pro-Tip: Stick to soft peach, rose tones, or even a red blush, shades that mimic your natural flush and brighten your whole face. Also, if you’ve got oily skin, opt for a powder blush instead of a cream.
4. Make Your Eyes Pop
If I’ve got an extra 30 seconds, I swipe on mascara. It instantly opens the eyes and makes me look more awake, even if I’m still on my first coffee.
Budget-friendly mascaras I love:
Maybelline
L’Oréal
Essence
5. Finish with a Juicy Lip
I almost always reach for a tinted balm or lip oil as I’m rushing out the door, something I can swipe on in the car or while putting shoes on little feet.
Right now, I’m obsessed with the ELF Reviver Lip Oil. This formula is glossy, hydrating, and adds just the right amount of colour without being sticky.
There are lots of lovely lippie options out there, so have fun and experiment! It’s also great to have a few of these scattered around for quick touch ups while on the go (I keep the Nude by Nature lip gloss in my car for just that purpose).
Final Tip: Keep It All in One Place
I keep my 5-minute routine in a small makeup bag—ready to grab whenever I have a moment. No digging through drawers while someone yells for snacks.
The Bottom Line?
You don’t need a full-face of makeup to feel pulled together. All you need is a few multitasking products and 5-minutes to feel fresh and look a little brighter.
And if you’re not sure where to start—or you want help simplifying your morning routine—I’d love to help.
Let’s Make Mornings Easier
Book a 1:1 makeup lesson with me and we’ll create a routine that fits into your real life.