Master this 5-minute makeup routine with tips from celebrity makeup artists
As the mornings become shorter, our desire to rise before the sun lessens, giving us less time to perfect our makeup look.
Naturally, the urge to roll out of bed with tired eyes and head straight for the door is difficult to resist, but it raises the question: How minimal can your makeup routine be while still achieving a polished, office-appropriate result?
We get insights from top makeup artists and beauty gurus, who offer their best advice for mastering the five-minute morning makeup routine.
Wake up your skin
The key to perfecting a speedy makeup routine, without looking like you've just rolled out of bed, is de-puffing. "Hydrating is crucial for creating a smooth, radiant canvas for your make-up," says celebrity makeup artist and founder of Made by Mitchell, Mitchell Halliday.
In the precious five minutes you've allocated for your morning routine, spend 30 seconds massaging your face to drain your lymphatic system and reduce puffiness.
Begin by washing your face with lukewarm water, then, using a serum or moisturiser, glide your finger or gua sha over your skin, to contour your face and awaken tired skin.
After a quick massage, "let the moisturiser sink in while you do other parts of your morning routine, like brushing your teeth," suggests Halliday. "Properly hydrated skin looks better and feels fresh and prepped for the day ahead, even on the busiest mornings."
BYOMA Brightening Serum 30ml, £13, Space NK.
BEAUTY BAY The Jade Gua Sha, now only £8.40, down from £10.50.
Lancaster Golden Lift Sculpting Cream 50ml, available for £85 at Harrods.
Lighten up on the complexion
While it's tempting to pile on layers of concealer under our eyes to hide the signs of early morning fatigue, Halliday advises that less is more when aiming for that refined look.
"Go for a lightweight, dewy skin tint or a BB cream to even out your skin tone without masking your natural complexion," says Halliday. "Apply it with a damp make-up sponge for a sheer, effortless look."
Employing a damp makeup sponge aids in diluting and spreading the product on your face, preventing it from becoming cakey or cracked, and instead promoting a healthy glow rather than a thick, matte finish.
For those stubborn blemishes and dark spots, beauty guru Katie Walker from Beauty Answers suggests using your fingers to dab on small amounts of fuller-coverage concealer.
Using your fingers not only saves you from rummaging for a tiny brush at the bottom of your makeup bag, but the heat helps blend the product into the skin, resulting in a more polished finish.
Made By Mitchell Truth Tint Skin Tint, now just £12.80, reduced from £16, available at BEAUTY BAY.
Beautyblender Pro sponge, priced at £17.50, available at Look Fantastic.
M.A.C Studio Radiance 24hr Luminous Lift Concealer, priced at £26.
Multi-tasking products
We're all aware that the secret to saving time is multi-tasking, so having a staple product that performs two functions at once is a godsend for those early morning starts.
From versatile bronzers that double up as eye shadows to lipsticks that can add a dash of colour to your cheeks it's all about multi-tasking makeup these days. One such product leading the charge is MAC's innovative clear lipstick, perfect for a spot of lip care, enhancing cheekbones and taming brows in a single swipe.
"Multi-use balms are perfect whenever you are short on time dab them on your eyelids and lips for a creamy and glossy finish," advises Halliday.
Plus, opting for cream-based products might just mean you can skip on the highlighter, thanks to their inherent ability to catch light and give you that natural glow. Simplifying your cosmetic collection can be a real timesaver and fend off that early morning indecision.
Nothing simplifies beauty routines quite like TRINNY London's savvy set and stacks, designed specifically for your lips, cheeks, and eyes. They come in three neat pots, ideal not only for following a fuss-free routine but also for tossing into your bag when every second counts against the dreaded train schedule.
For those looking to shop the featured items, find MAC's M.A.C Macximal Sleek Satin Lipstick In The Clear priced at £25 on Look Fantastic, where the NARS Laguna Bronzing Powder is currently reduced to £28.80 from its usual £36. And if you're eyeing the full package, Trinny London's versatile Smoky Eye Stack for eyes, lips, and cheeks could be yours for £80.
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