My biggest weakness was (who am I kidding - it still is, especially when I snooze far too many times than socially acceptable) being tardy. To work, to school, to events, to friends catch ups, you name it. Naturally, this meant that I barely have anytime to put on makeup before I have to rush out the door. I find myself doing my makeup on the go a lot - either in the car or on the bus into the city. The upside is, I think I've nailed the 5-minute makeup look, where I trick people into thinking I actually made an effort to see them.
When it comes to which products to pack with you for on-the-go makeup application, the key is to prioritise according to your own skin needs. Grab products with maximum impact on you, and also multi-purpose products. For example, if you have heavy dark circles or eye-bags, a good under-eye concealer should be your priority, because it create the most impact once applied. Another example is if you already have quite clear skin, then you may even be able to skip foundation and focus on mascara instead, if eye-lashes gives you that va-va-voom look.
Here's what works best for me, and I hope it helps you too!
SKINCARE
To prep my skin for makeup (vital for dry skin gals!), I use the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream. I do this at home before I rush out of the door, because the jar is quite large and not travel friendly. This is perfect as a pre-makeup moisturiser (I don't use it as my skincare moisturiser because it can get too heavy if used everyday. I only wear makeup on average 3-4 times a week so this is perfect for me.)
I also always apply SPF before I head out of the door. I'm currently using the Skinstitut Age Defense SPF 50+. It doesn't leave a white cast and doesn't feel oily on my skin, which is key, because sometimes that interferes with makeup application.
MAKEUP
Foundation wise, I can't go past the Benefit Hello Happy Flawless Brightening Foundation. I have tried other foundations since, but I still go back to this little guy! I have found this to be the perfect amount of coverage, without being cakey for my dry skin. I wouldn't recommend this to oily-skin users, unless you're ready to set it with powder and setting sprays. The only downside of this product for me is the limited shade range. They are only 12 shades available, and I was a Shade 04 during autumn when I first got my hands on this. But towards the end of winter, 04 was too dark for me, but 03 was still way too light. I sit between 03 and 04, but I can't be bothered mixing it everyday, especially when doing your makeup on the go means bring two bottles with me. So I just resort to using 04, and blend it downwards towards my neck. It's a bit too dark but I am hoping by the time summer is in full swing, I'll be a true 04 again. This proves how much I love the formulation! It's the wrong shade but I'm still continually using it, even with the amount of foundation I have at my disposal!
I love applying this with my It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Flat Top Buffing Foundation Brush #6 that Kylie's makeup artist, Mario uses and raves about. I have maybe three of these and I swear by them! The bristles are very dense which makes the application non-streaky. It also gives you that airbrush finish, without absorbing too much product like the Beauty Blenders tend to do. Also, when you're on the go, you normally don't have the luxury of dampening your Beauty Blender before use!
Then my next steps are brows. I am a loyal consumer of the Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade in Medium Brown. This is my OG brow product since first year of Uni and am still on it! I'm on my second tub, because the first tub dried out so quickly. The key is to close off the tub as soon as you get some product on your brush. I haven't have any drying out issue with my second tub, which I have own for maybe two years now! Winning!
I would then choose a lip product, using it as lips, eyeshadow and blush. In order to achieve this multi-purpose look, the lip product has to be pigmented and easily blend-able. Ideally a lipstick, and not a gloss or lip stain. I would swipe it across my lips, then dab my lips with my third and fourth fingers, and apply it to my eyelids and my cheekbones. I love this technique because it not only saves time and space in my makeup bag, it also gives me a monochromatic look and ties my whole face cohesively together.
My favourite pigmented nude lip that lives in my handbag is the YSL Rouge Pur Couture in #5. It's both hydrating and pigmented at the same time - I don't know how they do it! I do find myself having to re-apply throughout the day, especially after coffee or food, but I don't mind it. I'd much rather re-apply a hydrating lipstick than having dry, cracked lips that lasts all day. Plus, stay all day liquid lips are soo last season!
Once my eyes perfectly blended with lipstick, I'll put on my favourite mascara - the CliniqueFit Work Out 24 hour Mascara. I love this because it perfectly separates my lashes and doesn't clump them together. It also lasts all day and doesn't smudge on my bottom lids like other mascaras do.
As my final step, I seal in my makeup with my favourite setting spray - the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray - this product needs no introduction! And viola! My five minute makeup look is done! :)
Would you like to see a video tutorial of this look? Which of these spring beauty products are on your wish list?