I used to wake up an hour early just for makeup.

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Then I had kids.

Now I have exactly ten minutes.

And honestly?

My makeup looks better now than it did back then.

This post is for anyone who feels rushed every morning but still wants to look put-together. Maybe you’re a mom. A student. Someone with a demanding job.

You need speed without looking like you rushed.

This routine solves that.

Why Speed and Skill Can Work Together

The myth that good makeup takes time held me back for years.

I thought more products meant better results.

But studies on consumer behavior from Statista show that most women spend 20-30 minutes on their daily makeup.

That’s double what you need.

When I stripped down my routine, I noticed something.

The key isn’t more products.

It’s the right products in the right order.

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What You Need (And What You Don’t)

Forget the 15-step tutorials.

You need six products. Maybe seven.

That’s it.

Essential Products Only

Here’s my exact lineup:

1. Tinted moisturizer or skin tint
2. Concealer
3. Cream blush
4. Brow gel
5. Mascara
6. Tinted lip balm
7. Optional: setting spray

I stick with multi-use products whenever possible.

Brands like Glossier and Rare Beauty design products specifically for fast application.

Cream formulas blend with fingers.

No brushes needed.

The Exact 10 Minute Routine, Step by Step

I’ve timed this hundreds of mornings.

It works.

Minutes 1-2: Prep and Prime

Start with clean, moisturized skin.

Apply a thin layer of SPF if your moisturizer doesn’t include it. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends SPF 30 or higher daily.

Don’t wait for it to sink in.

Move fast.

Minutes 3-5: Even Out Your Skin

Skip traditional foundation.

Use a skin tint instead.

Dot it on your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin.

Blend with your fingers using quick, pressing motions.

Now grab concealer.

Dab it under your eyes in a triangle shape.

Tap it in with your ring finger.

Cover any redness or blemishes with the same concealer.

That’s three minutes. You already look awake.

Minutes 6-7: Eyes That Pop Fast

Your brows frame your face.

Brush them up with a tinted brow gel.

I use Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow. One swipe per brow.

Next, mascara.

Wiggle the wand at the base of your lashes.

Pull upward.

Two coats if you’re quick.

Skip eyeshadow on busy days. Mascara does the heavy lifting.

Minutes 8-9: Cheeks and Glow

Cream blush is your best friend here.

Smile and dab it on the apples of your cheeks.

Blend upward toward your temples.

This adds life to your face instantly.

If you want glow, use the same cream blush on your nose and cupid’s bow.

No highlighter needed.

Minute 10: Lips and Set

Apply tinted lip balm.

Something with moisture and a hint of color.

Finish with a quick setting spray if you have oily skin.

Done.

You just did a full face in ten minutes.

When This Routine Works Best

This isn’t for a wedding or photo shoot.

It’s for real life.

Here’s when it shines:

• Work mornings when you overslept
• School drop-off when you have five minutes
• Zoom meetings that pop up unexpectedly
• Running errands without looking tired

I’ve done this routine in my car. At my desk. In an airport bathroom.

It’s flexible.

Lessons Learned From Years of Rushing

I’ve messed up this routine plenty of times.

Here’s what I’ve learned the hard way:

Don’t apply too much concealer.

Less blends faster. More takes forever.

Use products that work together.

Cream on cream. Powder on powder. Mixing textures slows you down.

Keep your products in one spot.

I have a small pouch that lives by my door. Everything I need is inside.

Practice the order.

Muscle memory matters. After a week, your hands move without thinking.

FAQ

How can I do my makeup in 10 minutes?

Focus on multi-use products, skip anything that needs precise application, and stick to cream formulas that blend with your fingers.

What makeup should I apply first?

Start with skincare and SPF, then move to skin tint, concealer, brows, mascara, blush, and lips in that order.

Is 10 minutes enough for everyday makeup?

Yes. With the right products and routine, ten minutes gives you a polished, natural look that lasts all day.

What products work best for a fast routine?

Skin tints, cream blushes, tinted brow gels, and multi-purpose lip products are ideal for speed.