Back when I was a teeny, newborn beauty writer, I used to wake up that extra bit earlier each morning to style my hair and do a perfect makeup routine (cute eyeshadow! Symmetrical eyeliner flicks!) to really make it look like I'd ✨made an effort✨.
Ugh. I know. My eyes are at the back of my skull, too.
These days, however, I'm significantly more frugal about how I spend my time - and it's forced me to realise that looking like you 'made an effort' doesn't have to involve this long and complicated process of piling on a heap of makeup every morning - unless you want to, that is.
Watch: 'I tried the lube makeup trick. And the results kinda surprised me,' Post continues.
For this reason, I've been slowly perfecting this tight, simple, yet effective makeup routine with a small slew of products that tick all the boxes in five minutes.
And I think I've just about mastered it.
Below I've listed some of my favourite products right now (ahem, they live in a special, separate makeup bag), for the quickest, easiest makeup routine.
Bus leaves in five!
1. Rimmel Kind and Free Foundation, $19.95.
This little sneaky Sue has snuck its way to the top spot of my favourite everyday foundation list (you don't have a list?) because it's insanely good and does everything it promises, giving me glowy, even skin.
I like the way I can literally just slap it on in the morning - it takes seconds, and is a dream to blend (I just use my fingers). The formula itself is beautifully hydrating on my skin, and I really like how it doesn't look like poo by midday.
Right now you can pick it up for half price at the chemist - so it's like 10 bucks.
LOVE THAT FOR US.
2. MAC Cosmetics Lip Pencil in Stripdown, $45.
I've used this MAC pencil so much that it literally looks like it's lived through the Middle Ages.
When it comes to my lips, I keep it super simple (lipstick is TOO HARD at seven in the morning/ever, thanks). I pretty much just line them and then apply a slick of gloss over the top, stand back and admire how juicy they look.
Gym lips, anyone?
3. Poni Cosmetics The White Knight Mascara, $32.
I'm not loyal to any particular mascara and tend to get around, but I have to say - this guy makes my lashes look Very Good and I can't stop talking about it. Have literally recommended it to everyone. (The Uber driver was a tough nut to crack, but he's sold).
It has a fancy dual brush - one for volume and one for length. I apply the volume one first, wiggling it at the base of my lashes, and then I apply the lengthening one at the end of my routine (so the first coat is kinda dry).
4. Charlotte Tilbury Quick and Easy Makeup in 'Super Chic', $99.
You know what's a really good time? When a new Charlotte Tilbury launch slinks its way across my desk, gives me a wink and asks me to trial it. You just know it's going to be good.
And I don't like to play favourites with my beauty children, but sweet mercy this is a good product.
The kit contains three cream stick products - an eye, lip/cheek and highlighter wand. There are five different looks - 'Super Chic' being my fave. I absolutely love how foolproof these products are. You can just use your fingers and apply everything in a second, making you look like you put in way more effort than you did.
5. Quick Brow 2 in 1 Brow Sculpting Lamination Gel, $34.99.
This brow gel gives my caterpillars a beautifully natural, brushed-up, fluffy look and I bloody love it.
The formula itself is white, but when you comb it through your brows (it's a double-sided spoolie/comb/other comb thing), it goes completely invisible. It holds my hairs in place with zero qualms, and there's none of that crunchy, flaky business, either.
Want to hear more from Erin Docherty? You can follow her on Instagram.
What's your quick morning makeup look? Oh, go on - we wanna hear! Share with us in the comment section below.
Feature image: Erin Docherty/Mamamia.
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