A 10-Minute Everyday Make-Up Routine for a Fresh Glow
You can look fresh and polished even when you're rushing in the morning. A practical six-step everyday routine with few products that lasts all day.
2 min read
Most of us can’t spend a long time on make-up every morning. The good news is that ten minutes is enough to look fresh, radiant and polished. The key is knowing the right order and choosing products that do more than one job. This six-step routine will see you through the office, a coffee date or the school run.
1. Prep: moisturiser and sunscreen (1 minute)
The secret to make-up that sits well is well-prepared skin. After cleansing, apply a light moisturiser followed by sunscreen. If you’re really short of time, a moisturiser with SPF turns two steps into one. Give it a minute to settle; you can brush your teeth in the meantime.
2. Skin: light coverage (2 minutes)
Everyday make-up doesn’t need heavy foundation. Choose a tinted moisturiser, a BB cream or a light skin tint. Blend it from the centre of the face outwards with your fingertips or a damp sponge. Add a little concealer only where you really need it, such as under the eyes and around the nose.
3. Brows: framing the face (1 minute)
Brows give the face expression. Brush the hairs upwards with a tinted brow gel. If there are gaps, draw short, hair-like strokes with a fine brow pencil. Brow gel alone makes the whole face look more put together.
4. Blush: instant life (1 minute)
Cream blush is everyday make-up’s best friend. Take a little on your fingertip, smile and tap it onto the apples of your cheeks, blending up towards the temples. Peach and rose shades give most skin tones a natural flush. You can use the same product on your lips.
5. Eyes: mascara and brightness (2 minutes)
No time for eyeshadow? No problem. An eyelash curler and one coat of mascara open the eyes instantly. A neutral cream shadow tapped onto the lid with a finger adds depth. A touch of highlighter in the inner corner brightens the gaze.
6. Lips and the finishing touch (1 minute)
Choose a tinted lip balm or a lipstick close to your natural lip colour. For extra radiance, add a little highlighter on top of the cheekbones and the bridge of the nose. Finally, a light setting spray helps everything stay in place all day.
The mini kit in your bag
Three products are enough to freshen up during the day: lip balm or lipstick, blotting papers and cream blush. A one-minute touch-up after lunch brings back the morning’s freshness.
Make it yours
This routine is a template. Some days you’ll head out with just brow gel and lip balm; other days you’ll spend a little longer on your eyes. Make-up shouldn’t be an obligation but a small moment of pleasure you give yourself.
