7-minute makeup

As a mom (and a normal human), I like to maximize my sleep time. And while I could easily spend an hour or so getting ready in the morning, that's just not reality. In fact, I think most of us try to find ways to make our routines more efficient while still maintaining a standard of looking/feeling like a functioning person. I also don't like to fuss with makeup and products that don't work -- who does? -- so finding things that do their job is important. In addition to just sharing some of my favorites with you, I wanted to show how I incorporate them into my every day makeup routine. This whole process takes literally seven minutes (I've timed it!) and will get you out the door in no time!

Step 1 - Tinted moisturizer
I've mentioned before that I'm not a huge fan of foundation, so a tinted moisturizer usually does it for me. After my regular moisturizer is dry, I use bareMinerals Complexion Rescue. Depending on what my skin is doing, I may layer on a little more for extra coverage.

Step 2 - Concealer
A while back, I actually had to Google whether or not you're supposed to apply concealer or tinted moisturizer first. I couldn't find a straight answer so I'm guessing it doesn't really matter, but my preference is after. I use Revlon Colorstay Concealer under my eyes and for any blemishes.

Step 3 - Under eye highlighter
I love bareMinerals Stroke of Light for when I need a little extra brightness under my eyes. Which, let's be honest, is basically every day. It actually feels cool when putting it on and makes my skin look soft and glowy. Blend it down towards and around your nose to keep everything even.

Step 4 - Eyeliner
While I totally appreciate anyone who has the time to do a perfect cat-eye at 7 a.m., I am not one of those people. Instead I use Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner to keep it simple. One trick I've learned is to not line your entire eye. Instead, start from the outside corner of both the lid and the water line and stop about halfway, making your line thinner as you go.

Step 5 - Mascara
Mascara is always, always, always a must for me. Even if I have zero time, I'll make sure to swipe on a coat just to open my eyes up a bit. I'm a hardcore Covergirl LashBlash devotee, and will put this on top of it for both length and definition.

Step 6 - Brows
You might be thinking, "My brows are fine. Can't I just skip this step?" I get it. But no. This probably takes the least amount of time but makes the biggest difference. All you have to do is comb them out (I use this brush -- super cheat at Target) and then brush on a little bit of the Anastasia Clear Brow Gel. Your brows will stay in place all day and won't flake. Promise.

Step 7 - Blush
When it comes to giving my face color, I start with blush. I really love NARS' "The Multiple" in Portofino. Just swipe a little on the apples of your cheeks and blend up towards your cheekbones for a subtle hint of color.

Step 8 - Bronzer
I don't spend a ton of time contouring, but I do like to give my cheekbones a little bit of definition. I actually use a blush brush to swipe on some of the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Bronze from the top of my jawbone (by your ear) and into the hollows of my cheeks.

Step 9 - Highlighter
I actually only started doing this recently, but I love adding highlighter as a way to brighten up your skin. I use Benefit High Beam on the very tops of my cheekbones and kinda dab/blend it in a C shape up and towards my temple. You don't need a lot, so a dab or two on each side will be more than enough. I use what's left on my fingers to make a line down my nose, across my forehead and on my cupid's bow (basically anywhere the light naturally would hit your face). It's very subtle but pretty.

And that's it! If you try it, let me know what you think and how long it takes you ;)