Easy 5 Minute Makeup for Every Day

I work a lot.   And I travel a lot.   I also travel a lot for work.   Out of necessity, I have pared down my wardrobe to a minimum.   Everything needs to go with everything else, no compromise.

After years of trying, I have failed to achieve the same simplicity with my makeup routine.   I have purchased – and discarded – countless products.   Returning from my last trip, when I unpacked (yet another) blush powder that broke down into dozens of pieces in transit,  I vouched to seriously overhaul my make up routine.   I set myself targets:  No more than ten minutes to apply.   No more than four natural/organic products overall.

My now FIVE minute morning routine relies on only FOUR products that create a complete, polished look.

Step One:   I begin with a small amount of DN-UNIK’s Sublime Complexion BB Cream in the shade Medium as a base, which covers anything I’d like to hide and gives me an even complexion, but without looking like a caked mask.   My skin LOOKS enhanced, but still FEELS  like my skin.   There’s no need to reapply - it stays put.  In the past, foundation products caused my skin to tighten, however, this product feels comfortable even if you need to leave it on for 15+ hours.   Bottom line:  it does its job WELL!   Because it contains moisturizing Aloe and Shea Butter, you may be able to skip using a day cream underneath.

Step Two:   Add some color.   Beginning with the cheeks, I apply the Au Naturale Organic Creme Blusher Stick    (I chose the shade Grapefruit, a very fresh, crisp look).   It’s easy to tap the stick onto the skin a few times and then smooth out the color with the index fingers.   It’s an amazing product.  The color looks just like blush powder, however, as soon as the sun touches your cheeks, a tiny bit of glimmer becomes apparent.   It isn’t too girlish and is very suitable for work.   I also apply some to my eyelids, so no need for eye shadow!   Contrary to some powders (be it cheeks or eyes), this product is made with organic oils that nourish the skin – so there is no drying effect.

Step 3:  Moving on to the lips.   I used to be stuck between lipstick (too much effort) and gloss (too, well, glossy).   The 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Lip Glaze is the perfect in-between-product.   It looks neat like a lipstick, but there’s no need to obsess about applying it perfectly.  It’s forgiving, and can be made light or dark as desired.  I chose the color Fig, which is hardly visible if you apply one very thin layer but looks bold and stunning when reapplied (the colors are very pigmented).    All pigments are derived from fruits and vegetables (worth considering, given that over time we’re actually “eating” our lipstick).  Another lovely option is the Lily Lolo Natural Lipstick which glides on with ease and it is super moisturizing!

Step 4:   I apply a thin layer of 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Ultra-Lengthening Mascara.   It is natural looking, while lengthening my eyelashes!   The product is also adaptable in the sense that it can be reapplied (something that I’ve tried with other brands – and it didn’t go well).   It’s also nice to know that the color comes from fruit and black tea pigments.   Lily Lolo also makes a lovely, long-lasting Natural Vegan Mascara. 

I not only enjoy the fact this makeup is natural and organic, but the products come in appealing containers and are simply nice to look at in the bathroom!

By: Andrea Leber

Andrea is a travel & wellness journalist and yoga guide publisher with 15+ years experience in the publishing industry.  Having lived in 6 countries on 3 continents, she currently enjoys life in Australia and soaks up inspiring ideas in India.  On her website andrealeber.com you’ll find stories that inspire and empower you to live, not just exist.  Follow Andrea on Google+, send her a Tweet @AndreaLeber or download your free 50+ page ‘Best of Yoga’ guide to Melbourne here: http://andrealeber.com/bestofyoga