Confession: I absolutely adore make-up.  I love to try new products from Sephora to Target to TJ Maxx.  I watch tutorials and try new techniques.  99% of the time I have no need for my 6 eye shadow palettes.  For my every day look, I use a handful of tried-&-true products.  It’s a quick and simple routine that takes under 5 minutes to complete.

5 Minute Makeup Routine

Step 1: Apply Garnier BB Cream

Before

After

If you are not already using a BB Cream, I highly recommend it.  I’ve been using Garnier Anti-Aging 5-in-1 Miracle Corrector BB Cream for half a decade.  While I have tried higher end products and different drug store brands,  I always find my way back to this cream.  It’s not greasy, provides light coverage and works as my morning moisturizer as well.  It doesn’t hurt that it is priced under $10 and lasts a good while.

Step 2: Apply Under Eye Concealer

NYX HD Studio Photogenic Concealer

Apply concealer like you would draw and obtuse triangle from the corner of your eye to the bottom of your nose to the top of your cheekbone.Using a damp beauty blender, blend in the liquid.

NYX is my favorite brand of concealers.  The under-eye coverage is outstanding and lasts 12 hours if combined with the baking method.

Step 3: Baking with Setting Powder

Ah Baking.  It’s a technique I discovered last summer and it has been a game changer.  I apply the translucent setting powder immediately after blending in the concealer and let it set while I complete the rest of my make-up routine.  Baking not only sets the concealer [no runny makeup here!], it also acts as a barrier for mascara smudges and eye shadow debris.  Once I finish my makeup, I sweep away the excess with a fluffy finishing brush.

Step 4: Contour

I am using the Smashbox Contour Palette in light/medium.  I bounce around with contour palettes, but this is a perfect trio to create definition while maintaining a light look.  Using an angled contour brush [Sephora 75], I hit beneath my cheek bones, the hairline around my forehead and my jaw line with the powder on the left.

Step 5: Apply Bronzer

Another product that has been in my beauty bag for years [10!] is this Bare Minerals Warmth in The High Dive.  Using an angled kabuki brush, I sweep the golden color just above the contour areas on my cheeks, beneath the contour area on my forehead and also bring the color down the mid-line and sides of my neck.

Step 6: Blush

I love a big blush palette and I cannot lie.  This is one of those random TJ Maxx finds that serve me so well for under $5.  I am linking a similar palette by BC Cosmetics.  I tap my brush into the peach-tone blush and bronze blush before applying to the apples of my cheeks and sweeping back toward my ears.

Step 7: Apply Eye Shadow using a Shadow Stick + Highlighter from Contour Palette

Make that highlighter work for you!

This right here expedites the entire process.  I apply the NYX shadow stick in Bronze to the base of my eyelid all the way up to the brow bone.  Using a fluffy shadow brush and the highlight from my Smashbox Contour Palette, I brighten up the corners of my eye and the area right underneath my brow.  When you’re racing the clock, there’s no time to slowly build with powder shadow.  This combo keeps the eye game completely goof-proof.

Step 8: Mascara for Lashes + Brows

I am guilty of picking up drug store mascaras like this one by Covergirl.  I’ll try any type of wand to achieve the lashes that come when using Benefit “They’re Real”.   Hands down, the best mascara I’ve ever used. I’m a stickler for practical price tags so I will continue on the Dupe Hunt.  Speaking of dupes, I plan to do the same hunt for my brow gel when this Anastasia Beverly Hills brow gel runs out.  Brow Gel is another perfect-in-a-pinch way to beef up your brows and save on time.

Step 9: Lipliner and Lipgloss [is poppin’]

NYX Butter Gloss is my favorite.  It adds the perfect amount of color and gloss without being overwhelming.  I keep one in my vanity, one in my purse and also mix in a few other Butter Gloss shades.

Step 10: Tidy Up

Don’t forget to sweep away that setting powder with a fluffy finishing brush!

A secret weapon for blemishesNYX Wonder Pencil is legit.  It magically hides even the most brazen blemishes.

Ta-Da!  And with time to spare!

The Products

Garnier BB Cream // NYX HD Photogenic Concealer // Elf Setting Powder

Smashbox Contour Palette // Bare Minerals Warmth/Bronzer // Blush Palette

NYX Shadow Stick // Mascara // Anastasia Beverly Hills Eyebrow Gel

Brushes

Contour Brush Set // Eye Shadow Brush Set // Sephora Contour Brush // Angled Kabuki Brush

Beauty Blender

I buy a lot of makeup brushes at TJ Maxx, but luckily Amazon sells the same or similar.  I am linking my actual shadow brushes and a similar [and affordable] collection of brushes for your face.  That being said, I have yet to find a contour brush I love as much as my Sephora 75.

Call My Bluff

Alright, who is calling my bluff on this whole routine taking 5 minutes or less?  Watch the video tutorial to see it in real time.

For the gram-lovers, I am uploading this to IGTV as my first video tomorrow [Thursday, July 5th]!   Give it some love, will ya?  Follow me on the gram for more outfits of the day posts, real-life stories and video tutorials [more coming!]

Happy 4th Y’all!

---

Outfit Details

Top:  TJ Maxx [Similar, Similar] // Shorts: Band of Gypsies [Similar]

Handbag: Steve Madden [Similar–ish] // Shoes: Rock + Candy

Necklace: Sugarfix by BaubleBar //  Bracelets + Watch: Target

about the handbag: It is so old, like 3 or 4 years so I was trying to find a good similar option.  In my search, I read that Balenciaga filed a lawsuit against Steve Madden about this copycat version.  Well it was good while it lasted!

 

---

Pin Me!