My 5-Minute Makeup Look Essentials

I never thought I would miss makeup, but right now I kind of do. Maybe it’s just the ritual of getting ready to go out that I miss?

Living in NYC right now is weird at best and shattering at worst. There is a heaviness here that is truly palpable. My husband and I live in a carriage house, set back from the street, which means we’re very much in our own bubble right now. And that is a privilege I’m all too aware of. We can’t see the ambulances traveling to the emergency room just seven blocks south of us that has a refrigerated trailer out front or the military servicemen and women who are staying at the hotels just four blocks north. But we can hear the sirens — constant almost a month ago but now mercifully less frequent.

But there also signs of hope in every day. We can also hear the cheers at 7 p.m. for the first responders and our neighbors playing music and singing. There are the kind delivery drivers and grocery workers who helps us get what we need, letting us stay safe at home.

I’m in the middle of NYC and I miss it more than I ever have. But staying in now means plenty of days ahead of putting on my face and enjoying this incredible city.

That got a bit heavy I know, but it’s impossible to ignore right now. This blog is a fun distraction from the everyday, and it helps to take a break from the news and write about beauty for a bit. Thanks for indulging me 🙂

When it comes to putting on my face I’m not a fan of a heavily made-up face unless I’m dressed up. Too many years as a ballerina caked in makeup mixed with sweat and battling acne put me off that mask look. When I went back to working in an office two years ago, I wanted a quick routine that would help me feel put together but not overdone.

This 5-minute makeup routine was the result and these are the products I would repurchase over and over again:

Base: Biologique Recherche Serum de Teint
I haven’t worn heavy foundation in years. As I’ve gotten to know my skin better and take better care of it, I actually want to see it. I’ve used a lot of BB creams but lately I’ve been in favor of tinted serums, like this one from BR. It has an almost whipped texture and absorbs in seconds. Since it’s a serum not a foundation, it blends into the skin and never looks like a mask. My only gripe is that it doesn’t have SPF, especially for what it costs. One more layer never hurts.

Concealer: Clé de Peau Beauté
This pricey stick is a lot to splurge on but every time I switch to a cheaper option, I always go back to it. It just covers everything and keeps it hidden all day. If I have a larger blemish to cover, I’ll do one layer, then powder, then another layer of concealer and powder to set. It’s also perfect for throwing in your bag.

Bronzer: Chanel Soleil Tan Bronze Universel
I am in no way a disciple of heavy contouring. I think my skin just looks dirty with all that on. But I do like to give it a kiss of sunshine. This bronzer is legend for a reason. It’s matte, not shimmery and just makes you look…alive. I use it on the top of my forehead (near my hairline), down the bridge of my nose and on my chin, wherever the sun would usually tan my face first. I’ll also use it under my jaw and down my neck if I want a touch more definition.

Blush: Glossier Cloud Paint in Beam
I’ve tried very pink blushes, red blushes and purple blushes but peach seems to be the winner for my complexion. It also has lasting power. A tiny tiny amount of this cream blush wakes my entire face up in seconds. As small as the tube is, I still feel like I’ll never finish it.

Powder: Guerlain Météorites Highlighting Powder Pearls
There’s something magical about those little pearls. The blend of pink, purple, green, yellow and white just unifies my complexion like nothing else. When I put it on top of my other products, I don’t know how else to explain other than to say it makes all the makeup just look like my skin. It’s ideal for a natural look.

Brows: Glossier Boy Brow + Brow Flick Duo
Glossier just knows brows. I started with their brow gel about four years ago and added the pen this year to fill in any blank spots. This set adds more color and fullness without that “stamped on” look. Plus, it doesn’t smear all day while still being easy to remove at night with a gentle makeup remover. I like to use the gel first to see how much it fills my brows in before the pen so I don’t overdo it.

Lashes: Glossier Lash Slick
Basically Glossier has my eyes covered. This mascara expertly separates my lashes thanks to the brush, which has stiff spikes instead of loads of bristles which tend to create clumps. If I want a fuller look, I’ll add a primer. Diorshow Maximizer 3D Triple Volume Plumping Lash Primer is my standby.

Lips: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk
My favorite look right now is dewy skin, full lashes and a bold lip. But everyone should have a go-to nude that works for them. This lipstick really is the ideal nude and I’m so glad they now have multiple shades to fit more skin tones. The original works for me, enhancing my natural color for a gorgeous pout. It’s matte without being drying and is pretty foolproof to apply.