Like most ladies, I don’t get a huge amount of time to dedicate to my makeup in the mornings. I get to spend 10-15 minutes max before I need to get fixed on the day ahead.
I thought I’d share with you my 5 minute face for the mornings when I’m even more pressed for time. These are the products I reach for time and time again to help me get the most polished look in the shortest time possible.
1. MAC 180 Flat Top Buffer Brush, I think this is a discontinued brush now but I saw it in my local CCO not that long ago. I use this brush for a full coverage application of mineral foundation, it is densely packed and always gives a beautiful even finish.
2. Bare Minerals Mineral Foundation in Fairly Light. I’m not hugely brand loyal when it comes to mineral foundation. I like Bare Escentuals, Elemental Beauty and Cory Cosmetics for a full coverage finish in the least amount of time. I find all 3 brands offer a well milled product that looks natural whilst still covering well. I reach for minerals when I’m in a rush because it literally takes me less than 30 seconds to apply a full face of foundation using them.
3. Once my foundation is on I’ll add a touch of liquid highlighter. I rotate what I’m using, some days I’ll use the NARS Orgasm Illuminator or my Illamasqua Halcyon, at the moment I’m using up my Shu Uemura Base Control in Silver. I just apply with my fingers and blend.
4. Bourjois Lilas D’or is a blush I reach for when I’m in a hurry because it’s impossible to screw up. It gives a beautiful pink/peach flush with gold shimmer. I always keep an old toothbrush with my makeup brushes to give the top a quick sweep as it tends to harden unless in continuous use.
5. Aurifere Blush Brush #150. This is a new acquisition, but I can already tell I’m gonna reach for this above any of my other blush brushes. I love the taper and it’s pretty darn soft for goat hair. A beautiful densely packed brush that places a perfect amount of product just where I want it. A full review of my recent order should be up tomorrow.
6. Benefit Creaseless Cream in R.S.V.P. This is a peachy shimmery shade that I sweep over the entire eyelid, right up to and just beyond the socket line. Again, it’s just a foolproof product that negates the need for eye primer. Lasts all day and just gives a polished look.
7. Sonia Kashuk Large Eyeshadow Brush. I bought this before Space NK dropped the SK brushes from their inventory. I reach for it when I want to sweep colour or blend without the need for too much precision. It’s a great brush for time-pressed gals.
8. The Body Shop Eye Colour #37 Pink Champagne. This is a beautiful shimmery shade that’s half pink/half taupe and works well blended through the socket line for subtle shading without looking like an obvious ‘crease colour’. I reach for this shade often.
9. This is a Paula’s Choice Precision Shadow Brush that I picked up from eBay US a couple of years ago. It’s a densely packed small crease brush that I use to place shadows precisely but quickly into the socket line before using a fluffier brush to blend the colour out.
10. PURE Kajal Eyeliner in Unforgetable Black. When PURE started to desert the shelves of Boots, I rushed down to my local to buy a backup. Whilst I’ll always reach for my GOSH Velvet Touch Eyeliners when I need unwavering longevity, I grab these super-soft kajals for a quick sweep across the upper waterline when I’m in a hurry. I then press my eyes closed for a couple of seconds to transfer the line to my lower lashline.
11. YSL Singulier Mascara in Black. It gives me beautiful dark lashes with one coat, and that’s all I’ve got time for!
12. INGLOT Slim Gel Lipstick in #61. A well pigmented pink/mauve that goes on smoothly and needs no lip liner faffery. (I hereby declare “faffery” a real word).
13. Lanolips Lip Ointment in Rose. A small amount of this slicked over the centre of my bottom lip and ‘smooshed’ up to the top lip is all I use in the way of gloss at the moment. It’s non-sticky and beautifully moisturising. Goes lovely with my INGLOT Slim Gel too!
Have just realised that my number idiocy has struck again…. I’ve labelled #5 twice in the first photo *eye roll*. Can’t be bothered to change it – so let me quickly mention #5 (the other one).
5. Body Shop Vitamin E Face Mist. I never wear mineral foundation without a quick spritz of this on top. It eliminates any hint of powdery dryness that minerals can sometimes leave behind.
This was taken at the end of the day with a quick re-application of my lip products for the photo. Please excuse the frizz and weary look!
What are some of your foolproof 5 minute face products?
Ooh I like the look of thhe Pink Champagne eyeshadow. Benefit creaseless creams are great aren’t they?
My in a rush face is a quick swipe of some liquid foundation over forehead, cheeks and nose, just where it really needs it. Then under eye concealer, a dust of blusher and then mascara followed by whichever lip balm is close to hand. This makes me look normal enough to get into work and do the rest at my desk later on!
Great post!
VERY pretty! That pink on your lips is perfect on your complextion!!
If only my 5 min produced results like that. Unfortunately after 5 min i still have one contact lens refusing to go in and bedhair! lol
I love the quality of your photographs and also the selection of products that you have chosen. They definitely provide you with a polished and perfect everyday look.
I feel curious about the TBS Vitamin E mist… I wonder whether my Mac Fix+ or Simply spring Thermal Water would have a similar function.
XOXO
Wow, just wow. I take 10 minutes to get mascara right! 🙁
It’s gorgeous! You sure do use a lot of products and tools–you must be a speed demon!!
I’ve just had to put on a 5 minute face so I could work out what I use!
Barbara Daly souffle foundation in soft linen (only a tiny bit on cheeks and chin)
Rimmel Hide the Blemish concealer
Benefit dark Brow Zings
A sweep of Benefit Dallas
A smoosh of Benefit Dandelion
A sprinkle of Benefit High Beam
A coat of Maybelline the Colossal Volum express.
Man, that’s actually quite a lot!
I read this and first thought “there’s no way I’d manage a 5 min face”
but I lied to myself, I’ve timed it and my normal work face takes 5 mins, very much involving mineral foundation, as it’s so quick to use!
I usually sweep some gel liner on my upper lashes, it saves me having to apply mascara!
xxx
this is super useful. i would not know where to start and this will give me some ideas. I move from non makeup at all (well just a heavy slap of foundation & eyeliner) to draggish/going out/ youtube makeup lol. thank you so much for this xx
Very nice! I so want that MAC 180 brush especially now that I’m into mineral makeup too. It’s definitely discontinued as none of the local MAC stores have it. If you set your face with a face mist, does it feel sticky?
My 5 minute face:
– primer (not always though, current fave is Shu Uemura’s UV Underbase Mousse SPF30/PA+++)
– Lumiere Cashmere Silk Foundation (mineral)
– Lumiere Silk Powder (finishing, setting)
– T’estimo Eye Base (sheer shimmery peach, acts as a eye primer)
– light wash of colour over lids (neutral shade)
– Shu Uemura automatic brow liner in Seal Brown
– Definite Cosmetics mascara
– Stila blush in Tint (if using blush, usually skip this part)
– tinted lipbalm
Ohh, I really want to try kajal eyeliner
Hi Charlotte,
Can you please let me know how I can find out about where my local CCO is? I didn’t know they were around in the UK and I really want to go and check out if I can find some LE treasures. Many thanks!
I’ve completely given up on trying to put on any more makeup than my 5 minute face routine in the morning. I never have enough time and I prefer to eat breakfast than put on eyeshadow!
I use:
-Everyday minerals foundation. It’s great because it doesn’t need a primer to stay on all day.
-Dr Hauschka Pure Care Cover Stick in 02.
-MAC Prep & Prime Transparent Finishing Powder.
-Urban Decay Afterglow Blush in Quickie.
-MAC Blot Powder in Light (just on T-zone).
-Mascara (currently Bourjois Ultra Care something.. it tends to change a lot).
-Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner in Black.
-And finally some brow stuff that I’ve had forever and probably needs to be replaced.
If I feel like it I shove a lip gloss in my bag to put on at work. It doesn’t happen very often!
I cannot believe you can put all that on in five minutes O.o Some days, it takes me a full five minutes just to pick out my perfume!
I’m always jealous when you mention Bourjois, of course — I’m pretty sure it’s not available in my city! The little blushers are just so cute 😛
It takes me about 5 minutes to pick out my eyeshadow colours! But if I’m really pressed for time I just use a combo of eyeshadows from my NYX Champagne & Caviar palette. It’s foolproof 🙂
wow u look gorgeous at the end of the day 🙂 how about a video to show us how to do it?
Lovely post, I was just thinking this morning of coming up with a 5 minute face post. Thanks for the lovely pictures too!
[…] Charlotte shows you how to creat a 5 minute face – Lipglossiping […]
this is a great post! i may not have kids, but getting up late for college (as usual) and having just 10 minutes to spare, i have to be quick with my make-up.
Your things look so clean and tidy!