Before having kids, I used to spend a good 20 minutes (minimum) on my makeup. Now? If I manage to wash my face and throw on a little something before leaving the house, it feels like a win.
But even with the chaos — the cereal on the floor, the mismatched socks, the toddler climbing on the table — I’ve found a super quick routine that helps me feel a little more awake, a little more like me. And honestly? That tiny boost of confidence can change your whole mood.
So here it is: my no-fuss, 5-minute makeup routine. Nothing fancy. Just the basics that make me look like I’ve had sleep (even when I haven’t).
Step 1: Tinted Moisturizer or BB Cream (1 min)
Forget full coverage — I don’t have time (or patience) for that anymore. A lightweight BB cream evens out my skin and makes me look a bit more alive. I just apply it with my fingers like I’m putting on face cream. Done.
Step 2: A Bit of Concealer (30 sec)
Just a little under the eyes or on that lovely hormonal spot that always shows up at the worst time. I dab it in with my ring finger and move on with my life.
Step 3: Cream Blush (30 sec)
This is my secret weapon. A little cream blush on the cheeks (sometimes even the lips too) makes me look way more put together than I actually am. Plus, I don’t need a brush — fingers work fine!
Step 4: Mascara (1 min)
Even if I do nothing else, mascara is my go-to. One coat and I look less like a tired raccoon and more like someone who has their life together. (Spoiler: I don’t, but it’s a nice illusion.)
Step 5: Brows & Lips (2 min)
– I swipe a tinted brow gel to make my brows look like I tried — even if I didn’t.
– Then I grab a lip balm or tinted lipstick, throw it on quickly, and call it a day. Something hydrating, something easy, something I can apply while chasing a child down the hallway.
Bonus (If One Of The Kids Is Still Asleep):
I’ll dab a little highlighter on my cheekbones or the inner corners of my eyes — not for anyone else, just because it makes me feel good.
Final Words
You don’t need a full glam routine to feel confident. Some days, just brushing your hair is a victory. But if you’ve got five minutes and want to feel a little more you — this quick routine is here for it.
No pressure. No rules. Just something small that makes a big difference in a very full life.
