If you know me, then you’ll know that I’ll do pretty much anything for an extra couple of minutes in bed. As much as I’d love to be that person that gets up at 6am, does a workout and washes her hair all before work, I’ve just never been an early riser, and I’m not sure I ever will be. Therefore, I’ve managed to create a quick and easy morning routine that works for me, and means that I don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn.
One thing that I was determined to not spend hours on in the AM was my makeup routine. You see, even though I’m a junior beauty editor, I have always favoured a more pared-back, natural makeup look, so it seemed like a waste to be spending more time on it than needed.
Over the years, I have made it my mission to come up with the perfect 10-minute makeup routine, and since getting it down to a T, I’ve never received so many compliments. If, like me, you’re a fan of glowy skin, defined eyes and a glossy lip, then this might be the makeup look for you. So, if you’re looking to save some time in the AM, keep on scrolling for the ultimate 10-minute makeup look…
The products Grace Lindsay uses for her 10-minute makeup routine.
First up is primer. I don’t like to skip this step as I find that primer really does make a difference in helping my makeup last all day. I always opt for an illuminating one like this one from Rare Beauty, as I like my skin to look as dewy as possible.
Next up is foundation. In the summer months, I will opt for a tinted moisturiser, but come autumn, I always go back to this Charlotte Tilbury foundation. I love this formula as it delivers impressive coverage while still keeping your skin looking like, well, skin. It’s nice and hydrating for the colder months, and gives you a gorgeous glow. However, the most important thing is that it is easy to blend, helping to speed things up in the mornings.
I don’t use a lot of concealer, but I do always apply it under my eyes to help cover up how tired I am. My go-to is the Rodial Banana Low Lighter, which works to minimise dark circles and leaves the skin looking practically radiant. Simply dab a few dots on and blend with your fingertips or a brush.
In my opinion, a little bit of contour goes a long way, and a stick bronzer is the quickest and easiest way to define those cheekbones. This bronzer is so creamy which makes it super easy to blend, and it adds a natural-looking warmth to your skin.
I don’t like to put powder all over my face as I don’t want my skin to look super matte, however I do apply it in slightly oilier areas such as my nose and forehead, and I also use it to keep my under-eye concealer in place. This is a great setting powder as it works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores.
Before coming across Charlotte Tilbury’s Beauty Light Wands, I used to apply blusher and highlighter separately, however this product has changed the game. It adds a subtle hint of colour to the cheeks while also adding the most incredible glow, and I’ve never received so many compliments on my makeup since wearing this.
Instead of spending hours filling in my brows to make them look perfect, I’ve started to embrace the more messy, undone look, and I have to say that I’m loving it. All I do is brush some brow gel upwards through my eyebrow hairs and I’m good to go.
Eyeshadow might seem like an unnecessary step when doing an everyday makeup routine, but I’ve found that a quick swipe of a subtle, shimmery shadow really opens up my eyes in the mornings. I love this palette from Urban Decay as it has a great range of colours yet is small enough to throw in your bag, which means I can quickly take my makeup look from day to night if needed. For a daytime look, I simply use my finger and apply a quick layer of the shade ‘Unlucky’ to make my eye colour pop.
I can’t imagine my makeup without a coating of mascara, and this Jones Road one is my current fave. It’s so easy to apply and leaves your lashes with natural-looking volume and definition. What I love the most is that I don’t start to see black smudges appearing under my eyes throughout the day like I have with other mascaras I’ve tried.
Finally, I add a tinted lip gloss or oil to my lips for a subtle pop of colour and a nice glossy sheen. My current go-to is the Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil as I find it so hydrating and easy to wear.
