Okay, loves, listen up! You know I'm all about efficiency, especially when it comes to beauty. And with autumn just around the corner, we’re all thinking about that seasonal transition – which, let’s be honest, can be a bit stressful. But don't worry, I've been road-testing something seriously brilliant: the 5-Minute Makeup Challenge. Trust me on this.
Why 5 Minutes? Really?
I know what you're thinking: five minutes? Is that even possible? Well, I was sceptical too! I'm used to spending ages perfecting my base. But sometimes, life gets in the way, doesn’t it? I’ve been rushing around so much lately, between blog stuff, seeing friends and generally being a chaotic human, that I genuinely don’t have time for a full face every single day.
The truth is, most days we don’t need a full face. We need to look presentable, polished, and most importantly, feel good about ourselves. And that's totally achievable in five minutes flat! I've even been timing myself!
My 5-Minute Autumn Glow-Up
So, how do we do it? Here’s my go-to routine for a quick and easy autumn makeup look:
1. Skincare First (30 seconds): This is non-negotiable! Even in a rush, good skincare is key. I always start with a quick cleanse (I'm loving the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish at the moment – it's so gentle) followed by a hydrating moisturiser. If my skin's feeling extra dry, I'll pop on a serum beforehand. Remember that Acne-Prone Skin? I Finally Found The Routine! post? Adapting some of those principles for a quick hydration boost is perfect. Don’t skip the SPF, even on cloudy days! I use the La Roche-Posay Anthelios, available at Boots.
2. Base (1 minute): Forget heavy foundation! We're going for a natural, dewy look. I use a tinted moisturiser or a BB cream. My current favourite is the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer. Just a tiny amount, blended in with my fingers. If I have any blemishes (and let's be real, who doesn't?), I'll spot conceal with a creamy concealer like the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer – it's a high street hero!
3. Eyes (1.5 minutes): Okay, this is where the magic happens. Forget complicated eyeshadow palettes. I use a cream eyeshadow stick in a bronze or taupe shade. The Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick is amazing. Just swipe it across your lids and blend with your finger. Then, a quick coat of mascara – I swear by the Maybelline Lash Sensational. It gives incredible volume and length. If you have time, curl your lashes first!
4. Cheeks (1 minute): A touch of blush can instantly brighten your complexion. I love a cream blush for autumn – it gives a lovely, natural flush. The Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush is beautiful, but a tiny bit goes a long way! I dab a little onto the apples of my cheeks and blend upwards. I also use a bronzer stick (like the Nudestix Nudies Matte Bronze) to quickly add some warmth and definition to my cheekbones.
5. Lips (30 seconds): Finish with a hydrating lip balm or a tinted lip oil. I'm obsessed with the Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil – it's pricey, but worth it! Or, for a budget-friendly option, the Nivea Lip Caring Oil is brilliant. If you want a bit more colour, swipe on a nude lipstick or lip crayon.
My Fails (So You Don't Have To!)
Okay, so it wasn't all smooth sailing! I definitely had some 5-minute makeup fails along the way. I tried to do a winged eyeliner once… disaster! It ended up looking like a toddler had attacked my face with a felt-tip pen. So yeah, skip the eyeliner if you're short on time!
I also realised that a good brush is crucial. Trying to blend foundation with my fingers when I was half-asleep? Not a good look. Investing in a decent blending brush (Real Techniques are fab and affordable) made a huge difference. Here's what worked for me: get the brush!
Adapting for Autumn: The Key is Warmth
For autumn, I like to focus on warmer tones. Think bronze, copper, and berry shades. These colours complement the changing leaves and give a lovely, autumnal glow.
* Eyes: Swap your usual black eyeliner for a brown or bronze one. It's softer and more flattering for autumn.
* Cheeks: Choose a blush with warm undertones, like peach or rose.
* Lips: Opt for a berry or nude lipstick with a satin finish.
Level Up Your 5-Minute Game
Once you've nailed the basics, you can start to experiment. Here are a few ways to level up your 5-Minute Makeup Challenge:
* Brows: If you have time, quickly fill in your brows with a brow pencil or powder. It can make a huge difference to your overall look.
* Highlighter: A touch of highlighter on your cheekbones and brow bone can add a subtle glow.
* Setting Spray: If you want your makeup to last all day, a quick spritz of setting spray is a must.
Embrace the Imperfection!
The most important thing to remember is that it’s okay if your makeup isn’t perfect. This challenge is all about efficiency and feeling good about yourself. Don’t stress if you don’t have time to blend your eyeshadow perfectly or if your lipstick isn’t perfectly applied. Embrace the imperfection!
I've really been enjoying the 5-minute makeup challenge. It's helped me to streamline my routine and focus on the essentials. And it's proof that you don't need hours to create a beautiful, polished look. I actually did another 5-Minute Makeup Challenge? I'm Obsessed! recently with different products!
So, are you up for the challenge? Give it a try and let me know how you get on! I'd love to hear your tips and tricks for a quick and easy makeup routine. And don't forget to check out my other posts on Grow Hair Like Crazy My Scalp Secrets – because healthy hair is just as important as great makeup!
Happy autumn, gorgeous!
Love,
Emma x