One Minute Makeup Routine

What do you get when you mix a super busy mama that  likes to always put her best face forward - literally? Years of tried and true methods to maximize output while minimizing time ;)


I work from home, and while it would be easy to slip into the yoga pants and messy bun routine, I find that I'm more productive when I pull myself together a little bit.  Not to mention, I like being able to answer the door for the UPS guy or run out to drop off/pick up Guinevere from daycare and feel confident when I chat with other adults.  But especially in the mornings, I don't have the time to spend a lot of time looking presentable, and so I've mastered the One Minute Makeup routine.

Before I show you my routine, there are three things that I HIGHLY recommend that busy mamas look into, that really have helped me look more polished in less time -

• Skincare
• Eyelash extensions
• Brow maintenance

Skincare is a big one - it is one of the first things people will notice about you!  I had horrible acne as a teenager - several bouts of Accutane, every "cycline" on the market, Retin A, the works.  I've recently had minor breakouts again, and while I'd been spending a lot of extra time in the mornings using cover up and heavy foundation, I finally made a dermatologist appointment and they put me on Minocycline.  I have no idea why I waited so long to visit a doctor but I am SO glad I finally did - it is much faster to take a pill in the morning with my daily vitamin than slap on layers and layers of makeup.  Even if you think you have mild to moderate skin issues, I highly recommend consulting a professional to see what options may be available to you.

Eyelash extensions are a new one for me, but I am already OBSESSED, and I have a post coming up soon about them ;) They are basically instant mascara and light top eyeliner (thanks to the extra thickness at the base of my eyelashes) and I wake up looking instantly bright-eyed, plus they last for several weeks.

Brow maintenance is another easy one.  I like to get waxes at the nail salon and they take less than ten minutes for under $10.  

So, knowing that I put in a little bit of extra up front effort in those three areas, I am truly left with just a one minute routine to get out the door in the morning.

First step - BB Cream.  I've tried dozens of brands, and I LOVE Smashbox.  It moisturizes, primes, has SPF, and has a really good tinted color to it that evens out my skin tone.  I squirt a dollop on each cheek and rub it in all over my face.

Second step - eyeliner pencil.  Since my eyelash extensions already do all the work on my top lid, I just do one quick swipe the pencil along the bottom lash of each eye.  My favorite eyeliner pencil is Urban Decay 24/7 - it is the perfect smudge-y, creamy-y black liner. 

Third step - a two-in-one lip and cheek stain.  I have two that I like - one from e.l.f, and one from Stainiac. I blot a dot on each of my cheek bones, quickly rub it in, then use my finger that I rubbed it in my cheeks with, to add color to my lips.

Done!  It seriously takes me just a minute to do all three steps and not feel the need to hide under sunglasses from the other parents at daycare ;)  My favorite part about this routine is that it is an excellent "base face" if I have more time in the afternoon to touch up before heading out - I can build on this look to add eyeshadow, brow liner, mascara and lipstick to get an even more complete look.

What are your favorite get ready quickly tips and tricks?!

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