I’m a Fashion Editor With 5 Minutes to Get Ready- Here’s My Real Life Makeup Routine

There’s always that one morning — the one where you hit snooze too many times, the coffee hasn’t kicked in, and your reflection is practically begging for help. The good news? You don’t need a 30-minute routine or a full contour kit to look awake. You just need a few strategic moves, the right products, and five minutes.

Over the years, I’ve perfected what I call the “real-life glam.” It’s fast, minimal, and looks like you actually slept eight hours (even when you didn’t). Whether you’re heading to work, school drop-off, or jumping on an early Zoom call, here’s how to get that pulled-together glow — without missing breakfast.

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Minute 1: Skin, but Make It Alive

Start with hydration — it’s non-negotiable. Massage a lightweight moisturizer or tinted SPF into your skin. It’s your base, your glow, and your filter in one. If you need more coverage, grab a tinted moisturizer or skin tint with a dewy finish.

Pro tip: Keep your products on a small tray or in a makeup bag you can carry to any mirror in the house. Efficiency is the real beauty secret.

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion

$18.99

Paula's Choice SKIN BALANCING Ultra-Sheer Daily Defense SPF 30

$39.00

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna 
Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint

$39.00

Minute 2: Conceal What Counts

Skip the full face. Dab concealer only where it’s needed — under eyes, around the nose, or on a breakout. Blend it with your fingers (the warmth helps it melt right in). You’ll look instantly fresher, not “made up.”

If you have a few extra seconds, swipe on a creamy stick foundation just down the center of your face and blend outward — it gives you dimension fast.

tarte 
maracuja creaseless full coverage radiant undereye concealer

$32.00

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Can't Stop Won't Stop Contour Concealer

$9.50

Minute 3: Bring Color Back

This is where the magic happens. Cream blush is your best friend — use one that doubles as a lip tint to save time. Tap it onto your cheeks and lips for instant life.

If you’re feeling fancy, add a swipe of bronzer where the sun would naturally hit — temples, cheekbones, nose. It gives that effortless, I-just-got-back-from-vacation warmth even if you’ve only made it as far as the kitchen.

e.l.f. Camo Liquid Blush

$8.00

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna 
Sun Stalk'r Instant Warmth Bronzer

$37.00

Minute 4: Eyes in a Flash

Skip the eyeshadow palettes and grab a single neutral stick or cream shadow. Swipe, blend, done. A quick curl of the lashes and mascara instantly opens your face — you’ll look more awake before the brush even hits your second eye.

If your brows need help, run a tinted gel through them. It takes five seconds and somehow makes you look like you “tried.”

Lash Separating Mascara with Dual Precision Brush

$14.99

Eyebrow Pencil Makeup Kit

$13.99

Minute 5: Lock It In

Finish with a hydrating mist or translucent powder (depending on your skin type). Then swipe on your go-to lip balm or gloss.

You’re out the door — polished, glowing, and maybe even on time.

MAC

 Lip Liner Pencil

Mahaghony

$25.00

M·A·Cximal Sleek Satin Lipstick

$25.00

Quick Beauty Formulas for Every Scenario

• Overslept and Late for Work: Concealer, cream blush, mascara, gloss. Done.

• School Drop-Off in Sweatpants: SPF tint, brow gel, tinted balm. Looks like effort, feels like skincare.

• Back-to-Back Zoom Calls: Skin tint, cream bronzer, mascara, lip oil. Just enough to catch good lighting.

• Weekend Brunch: Add a highlighter and a rosy tint — your “five minutes” just turned “effortlessly chic.”