We all have those days when we sleep through five alarms, then have 30 minutes to get ready, after spending the first ten running around like a headless chicken (just me?). Well headless chickens no more, today I’m going to tell you about a quick makeup routine that can be done in 13 minutes 19 seconds, see I even timed it for ~science~.
In a few hours I need to be on a train, and I still need to write this post, edit the photos, finish packing and find time to eat; so there’s a sense of realism to this speedy makeup routine, lets get into it. Also a big thanks to my friend Ianthe who suggested I write this post when we went for drinks last weekend.


So first, start with your base. I use the No. 7 Pore Minimising Primer , It’s a bit pricey but it works so well! I have HUGE pores on my nose so this really helps hide them. After primer I use the NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop full coverage foundation. I always use a full coverage foundation when i’m in a rush, makes it a lot easier to hide any blemishes without worrying too much about concealer. I always use a Real Techniques sponge to apply my makeup, but i didn’t take a photo of it because it’s dirty and i’m ashamed.

Next I quickly used the No. 7 Match Made concealer, as there are some spots not even full coverage foundation can cover, then moved on to the NYX Studio Finishing Powder which I quickly swiped over my cheeks, forehead and tiny bit on my nose. After, I did a bit of highlighter on my cheek bones just to get ~the glow~. I use the Sleek Makeup Face Contour Kit, which I’ve honestly had for around a year and should really replace. (the concealer snapped half way through using it and I honestly nearly threw it across the room…)

Moving on to eyes, I only do my eyebrows and lashes when i’m in a rush, no time to mess around with eye shadow! I use a spooly to quickly brush out my brows then a brown eyebrow pencil to fill them in and make them more defined. Honestly, I can’t remember what brand the pencil is and it’s packed away in my suitcase for Amsterdam. It took a good 5 minutes to close that case so it’s not being opened again until i’m on the ferry! I do know which mascara I use, and that is the No.7 Lovely Lashes Mascara. I love this mascara, it makes my lashes longer without making them super thick, as personally i’m not a fan of really thick eyelashes.

Finally for lips I quickly applied some Vaseline to keep my lips feeling moist and comfy, then used the NYX Powder Puff Lippie. This lip color is also mentioned in my 5 lip shades for spring 2019 post, which you can find HERE. After I quickly spritzed some NYX setting spray to keep everything in place.

I’m aware this is quite a long ‘rushed’ makeup routine but I wanted to show a routine that could be used when you’re late to go to an event or out for dinner. You can literally have night-out ready makeup in just over 13 minutes! For a typical day you could have the base and eyebrows done in probably under 5 minutes.
I hope you enjoyed this post and thanks again to Ianthe for suggesting this idea to me! What is your go-to quick makeup routine, how long does it take? Be sure to let me know if the comments below.