I’ve Cut My Makeup Down to 5 Minutes—Here’s What’s Left

If you’re not already subscribed to my Substack, that’s where I get more personal—writing from the heart about self-care, motherhood, wellness, and everything in between. My community liked this post there, so I wanted to share a bit with you here.

Something most people don’t know about me is how much I LOVE makeup. Yes, I keep it really simple and natural, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t fully embraced the magic of a cc cream that perfects skin, a flowing lip color, or a mascara that makes my lashes look a mile long.

I worked in college at the Clinique counter, and that’s where I saw the transformative power of beauty in action. A shy woman would let me show her a cheeky spot that lifted her cheeks, or a lipstick that suited her skin—and she’d walk away feeling like the best version of herself. That experience forever shaped the way I think about makeup: it should be simple, and it should make you feel good you.

Thanks to the strange world of influencer marketing, I get sent tons of new products to try. When it comes to makeup, I end up keeping maybe 5% of what I earn. I’m very careful when it comes to products that actually work, and I’d rather have a makeup drawer full of simple, easy products that I use every day than one full of things I rarely use.

Here’s what I’ve noticed, though: most makeup artists tell a different story. Too many products, too many steps, and somehow it still takes forever—or is skipped entirely on busy days when you want to look good.

So today I’m sharing a program I’ve spent years refining down to its most basic form. Five minutes, start to finish—whether it’s a day full of Zooms or I’m going out at night. I also shared a natural nail regrowth regimen that finally got my post-gel nails growing back.

I’ve never written this step-by-step before, so consider this the closest you’ll ever get to seeing me get ready in my bathroom. Below is the exact schedule and the products that make it work.

My Daily Makeup Routine

After doing my skincare (all details here), I prepare this interesting primer. I have to say that my it-zone is shiny all day, which does nothing for the appearance of my pores. So I aim to create a more matte look in the center of my face, and let the light and contrast happen on the cheekbones, brow bones—wherever the light naturally hits.

Then I use my fingers to apply this foundation to my nose, forehead, under eyes, eyelids, and chin, press it into my skin, and blend. I keep coming back to this one because of its great coverage and natural finish, and it looks just like your real skin. And it really lasts all day.

Head over to the full post here for my 5-minute makeup routine—one that I’ve perfected over the years to feel polished, natural, and really doable on busy days. I’m sharing all the steps, activation products, and the nail regrowth process that finally got my post-gel nails growing back.