Low-Maintenance Makeup

Do you ever have one those days when you want to look pulled together but you just don't have the time? Well, these are the products I choose for those days; it's not a 'no makeup' makeup look but it's the quickest way to wear a full face for me.


I start by priming with the Glossier Priming Moisturiser | $25 | UK shipping | which is a great two-in-one product. It leaves my skin smooth, hydrated (but not greasy) and just ensures my base lasts as long as possible. I also like this because it doesn't pill up when I apply my foundation quite quickly afterwards. Next I use my Bobbi Brown Corrector (Peach) | £19.50 | under the eyes to counteract my dark circles without having to pile on too much concealer. 

I then swipe on the Clinique Chubby in the Nude Stick Foundation (Grandest Golden Neutral) | £23. Although it's a stick foundation, it isn't anything thick or greasy, instead providing a natural coverage that looks like a perfected version of your own skin. It's neither dewy nor matte but, as it can get shiny throughout the day (my one bugbear with this is its longevity), I do set it with my MAC Mineralise Skinfinish Natural (Medium-Dark) | £24. This is a lightweight, natural powder that removes shine and locks your base without getting rid of your radiance. Before I use that, though I also apply some of my trusty Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer (Medium Neutral) | £19 | on any blemishes and sweep it under the eyes. Although I am a bit obsessed with the new concealer from Nars, I do think this gives that bit more coverage and is still very fuss-free. It's long-wearing and looks incredibly natural on the skin, covering any issues without ever looking caky.

On the cheeks, the best 'quick and easy' option is a highlighting blusher - as a general rule they apply smoothly and evenly with minimal effort when compared to a matte formula, plus it means you can skip the highlighter and still have some glow. My favourite option is of course the plummy-mauve tone of Hourglass's Ambient Lighting Blush in Mood Exposure | £32. This just gives the cheeks a stunning 'lit from within' glow without being shimmery. You can't go overboard with this (perfect when you're short on time!) and it always applies beautifully and wears well throughout the day.

Onto eyes, a shimmery cream stick crayon product is perfect for this kind of look because you can use it as a liner and also across the lid and it will look multifaceted, giving the impression you put in more effort than you did! I have the By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Bronze Moon | £29. Once applied, this is creamy and pigmented without being greasy but it still has enough slip to blend out effortlessly. It's a stunning bronze shade with a super-dewy finish. If you want something similar without the price tag then try KIKO's alternative. I then layer on some of my Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara | £7.99. This is obviously my all-time favourite and it gives my lashes a boost from the first coat. It just has this ability to grip onto every eyelash and make them look darker, fuller and much longer, with amazing curl. It's also really great because it doesn't smudge, transfer or flake when I use it.

I then finish up with a little something in my brows and a hint of colour on the lips. The Glossier Boy Brow (Brown) | $16 | UK shipping | is amazing at giving a bit of colour, hold and clump-free volume to my brows without being at all stiff or looking unnatural. Hopefully Glossier's rumoured UK shipping starts before I run out of this because I use Boy Brow every day at the moment... On those rushed mornings I reach for the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Petal | £20. You can honestly apply this on the bus, without a mirror if you need to! It's nourishing and hydrating as a lip balm but I also love the glossy warm pinky-nude colour it gives my lips.

Image details:
Watch: River Island (£25, buy here)
Personalised Mug: Mr Nutcase* (£5.95, buy here)
Cushion: Bombay Duck (£32, buy here)

Which products do you reach for when you want to look put-together with minimal effort?

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Disclosure - products marked * were sent to me for consideration however all opinions remain my own.