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Early warnings are the worst, especially when you have to set aside 15 minutes for your makeup. But what if I told you that you can cut this time in more than half by following a simple makeup routine, designed to make you look awake and ready for the day with less time and effort? Seems impossible, right?

Wrong! With the right techniques and the right products, you can spend 10 more minutes in bed or treat yourself to a coffee in the sunrise. Time is a luxury in the morning, so you shouldn’t be stressing about something that should be so simple.

So without further ado, here is a foolproof and simple makeup routine that you can do in under 5 minutes to look and feel awake for the day for optimal efficacy. 

Prep is half the work

Good skin prep is one of the most important elements in a quick and easy skincare routine. Not only does it help your skin to look fresh and smooth, but it can also help through wear throughout the day, making the makeup stay on longer and avoiding any flaking and cracking that can happen throughout the day. Essentials for a smooth base are, firstly, clean skin using a perfume-free cleaner and a rich moisturiser suitable for your skin type. If you have dry skin, you may want to opt for  a thicker moisturiser, face primer or even layer on with essential oils, or if you have oily skin, you may want to opt for an oil-controlling moisturiser

Step 1: Even out the base

When time is limited, your base should be lightweight, fast and forgiving. Full-coverage foundation is not necessary when you’re in a rush; however, BB creams and tinted moisturiser give you an easy way to apply colour and even out your base in minimal time. Using your fingers to gently rub the product in and then spot-target with a concealer is the easiest way to get a smooth, flawless base without the need to blend for minutes on end. The goal here isn’t perfection; it’s to achieve fresh, healthy-looking skin that feels refreshed and awake. 

Step 2: Add life with cream products

Whether you want to add dimension or a healthy glow from within, cream products are your best friend. With their speed and versatility, they’re a no-brainer to use for a speedy morning routine. Their formulas blend effortlessly and can sculpt the face for a quick and drastic change. Cream blush can be used on the cheeks and the lips for a coordinated glow from within, and blended with fingertips or a sponge for a natural look. Cream bronzer can bring warmth and definition to the face by applying it to the cheekbones and even the eyelids. The cream formula of these products can melt into the face in seconds, resulting in an airbrushed finish.

Step 3: Define brows

One of the easiest ways to sculpt the face and look ready and polished for the day is to define your eyebrows using a tinted or clear eyebrow gel. By filling in and shaping your brows, you can create structure that instantly makes you look ready for the day, even if you skip the other steps. This step is so easy that you can even do this on the go, if you are in a rush, and apply a brush of brow gel whilst on the train or the bus. 

Step 4: Finish with a polished touch

One of the quickest, yet important steps comes last in the form of a setting spray. With so many on the market, you can find one that you love, whether you want a dewy finish or an extra long-lasting look, so that your makeup can stay on and look flawless all day. With a 5-second spritz, this step takes seconds and can even help to relax you before your busy day.