5 Minute Face

We've all been there...short on time, but don't quite have the courage to go out and face the world with a bare face. Let's face it....I look like the Creature from the Black Lagoon before I put my makeup on...

Scary, Right!!??

A beautiful friend and reader, Jessica, suggested I do a 5 Minute Face post of my favorite products that work and help ladies out that are in a beauty time crunch. As a future mother, the realization that I might not have as much time to myself in the mornings to put my face on is rather scary! With Jessica's suggestion I realized I need to brush up on this topic as well! So here are a few of my favorite makeup products and tips that help me when I'm in a pinch.

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Step 1: BB Cream

Yes.....I have jumped on the BB Cream bandwagon! I don't use BB cream every day, but it is a nice makeup addition for women short on time. BB Cream acts as a moisturizer, primer, and light coverage foundation all rolled up into one easy step. Talk about saving time and money! The only reason I don't use a BB Cream every day is because I like a full coverage foundation (Gotta hide those red marks and under eye circles!). But, when you only have a few minutes to spare, this is a GREAT makeup option that covers half of your routine in one. 

Most, if not all of the BB Creams I have seen or tried have a cream/liquid foundation texture to them so you can just squeeze some into your hand and apply it to your face just like a face lotion or primer. This makes for a super easy and simple application which is nice in a time crunch. Another added bonus is that most BB Creams have some level of SPF in them. Some kind of sun defense is always nice to have included in your makeup routine and choosing a BB Cream with SPF already in it, saves you another step.

Since most BB creams have lighter foundation like coverage, you can always add a quick second layer of it under the eyes, or over any trouble areas for a little more coverage.

Overall, using a BB Cream instead of a moisturizer, primer, and foundation really helps speed up your makeup process, especially when you only have 5 minutes!

Here are a few BB Creams that I have used and recommend:

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream with SPF 35

 Yes, another Smashbox RAVE! This is seriously the BEST BB Cream I have ever used! It gives WAY better coverage foundation wise than most BB Creams I have tried. Also, you get the awesome benefits of their amazing primers and foundations in one tube! You can wear this under your makeup as a primer/moisturizer, but I usually keep it around for those days when I am going lighter on the makeup. This product definitely helps keep my oily skin in check as well and saves me TIME when I'm rushing through my routine. 

Again, Smashbox is on the expensive side ($39 for a 1oz tube), but....like I said before, you get what you pay for. This is definitely a nice investment for mom's or ladies on the go who want a little more foundation coverage but also are in need of something quick to help speed the makeup process. The fact that it keeps oil at bay is also a PLUS for this cream. It also comes in a variety of colors, so you will be able to find the one that matches your skin tone best without too much effort. If you feel a 1oz tube is too large for you, or you just want to test it out, Sephora has a travel 0.5oz size available for $19.50. This product is sold in stores at Sephora and Ulta as well as online. It is also available on Smashbox's website and other beauty websites as well.

Smashbox site - link to product 

Sephora Link to Travel Size Product 

 

Rimmel BB Cream Beauty Balm with SPF 25

 Of course, you know I love a good bargain! Especially on makeup! At $6-$7, this Rimmel BB Cream is also a good choice to have in your makeup bag. The foundation coverage is lighter than the Smashbox brand, but...if you want a little more, just add another dab in your palm and add a second layer of this cream (at $6, you don't have to worry about using it up too quickly). This product also works pretty well at controlling oil. I find that I am a little on the "shiny" side by the afternoon if this is the only sort of foundation/primer I am wearing, but it's nothing a quick blot with a napkin or paper towel can't get rid of.  

This BB Cream doesn't have as many varieties as far as colors go, like the Smashbox brand does, but at the price point, I can't complain. It does has 25 SPF coverage added in AND it works as a nice moisturizer too, which is a PLUS. I have tried other drug store brand BB Creams like Maybelline, NYC, and Loreal, but they didn't seem to control my oil or give me any coverage at all. This product is definitely a great bargain BB Cream that works! It is sold in Wal-Mart, Target, other drug stores as well as online beauty supply sites.

Walmart Link to Product

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Step 2: Oil Absorbing Powder

I don't think I have ever walked out of my house without some kind of powder on. Even if I don't have any time to put on a full face, I always put on some kind of oil absorbing powder so I'm not blinding people with my oil shiny-ness! 

Adding a light dusting of oil absorbing powder on top of your BB Cream will help set the cream, AND helps keep the oil at bay. Plus, using a little powder always adds a nice finishing touch to your foundation routine. You can't afford to skip this step, even with only 5 minutes to spare. I think it will only take about a whole 7 seconds to completely apply the powder, so the "I won't have time" argument really doesn't apply here. 

Here is the ONLY powder I use and recommend:

Ben Nye Luxury Powder in Banana

Yep, you read that right! This is the ONLY powder I use and recommend! This has seriously been one of the best makeup finds for my oily skin and I will never use another kind of powder AGAIN! I have gotten my sister, mother, and a few friends to start using it and they are complete believers in this magic powder!

Not only does this powder set your makeup ALL day, but it seriously soaks up the oil! PLUS, you only have to use a tiny bit to cover your whole face! I have had the same 1.5oz shaker (As pictured above) of this powder since June and you know what!!??? It's not even halfway GONE! And I swear on my life I use this powder every day! I have never used such an awesome makeup setting and oil absorbing powder EVER, and I will continue to sing it's praises for ever and ever AMEN! 

OH...and you want to know the BEST part??! As if what I said before wasn't awesome enough, this powder is only...drumroll please....$10!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know...I know...Is it really only $10!!?? Yep!! Sure is!!! $10 for the 1.5oz shaker that has lasted me for 8 months already. The only draw back is that I haven't found a store that carries it in my area... so far only online suppliers have it. But...It is so worth it! Seriously a life changing powder for my skin!! This "banana" color is very translucent and works with a lot of skin tones, but they do offer other colors as well!

Link to MakeupMedley.com for Powder

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Step 3: Bronzer/Blush

I have always loved my blushes and bronzers...Probably a little too much while growing up.  However, they add so much definition to your face! I feel like I look like a white ghost without some sort of color on my cheeks! Even if you are super short on time, a little brush of blush or bronzer makes you look more awake and HEALTHY!!! Who wants to look like a sickly white ghost!?? Not me! That's why I always make sure I have at least 15 seconds for some color on my cheeks and face!
Since this is a 5 Minute Face Post, here are a few tips to make the most out of your blush/bronzer and save time.

1) Apply your favorite blush/bronzer in circluar motions (Going up toward the eye and out toward the hairline and back toward the nose) to the apples of your cheeks, as well as the cheekbones If you don't know how to find where to apply the color, just do the ole "fish face". That's right, suck in those cheeks and lips and apply your blush or bronzer to the now more prominent cheek area. I seriously do this face every morning when I apply my blush!
2) Do a quick brush of your blush/bronzer over your forehead, bridge of your nose, chin, and eyelids. This will add more dimension to your face in a flash! It will also help make your face not look so flat (And pale in my case!)
3) You can dust a little more over your eyelids for more of an eyeshadow look to help make your eyes pop! Or you can add it just in the outer corners of your eyelid for some contrast!
4) Don't over do it! We want to have a nice flush, not clown makeup! If you think it's a little too much, just brush some powder over the top to tone it down.

Here are a few Blushes & Bronzers that I keep in my makeup stash:

Nars Bronzer in Laguna

 

I'm a big Nars fan...I love this bronzer! The color suits my skin perfectly without being too orange or brown. It is pretty matte with no shimmer, so it is nice to layer under your favorite blush, or use alone. I use this to contour my face and make those cheekbones stand out (But that is a whole post on it's own). Although it is $36 for this bronzer, they definitely don't skimp on the size. It was A LOT bigger than I thought it would be. It's almost the size of my palm! If you are looking for a high quality bronzer item to invest in (I seriously don't know if I will EVER use it all up) this is a great choice!

This Bronzer is available at Sephora Stores as well as online. This item is also available at other online beauty supply websites.

Sephora Link to Product

Amazon Link to Product

 

Rimmel Natural Bronzer in Sunbreeze

Here is a bargain bronzer that is extremely similar to the Nars brand... AND it's at a fraction of the cost! I actually used this bronzer up and just decided to try the Nars brand next out of makeup curiosity. It really is a great selection in the bronzer department! It is also a matte, tan color with no shimmer just like the Nars brand. They have other lighter or darker colors in this brand, as well as ones with a little shimmer added to give you a nice light catching summer glow. This is a wonderful product to start with if you have never used bronzing powders or would just like to try something new. At $4-$5, this is a very affordable makeup option for any budget. This Bronzer is available at Wal-Mart, Target, and Ulta Stores as well as online beauty supply websites.
Wal-Mart Link to Product


L'Oreal True Match Blush in Rosy Outlook

I think I probably have close to 50 blushes in my makeup stash...SAD and SCARY...I know!! But the one I have used the most for the past few years in this little blushy number. This Rosy blush goes on a little lighter than it looks here, but it does carry enough pigment to get the job done in one swipe with my makeup brush. This is also another makeup steal because it is only $6-$7 BUCKS! WINNER! If you are a blush maniac like me....it's nice to be able to try new products and not break the bank! I like to switch my colors up for all the seasons, and at this price point, you can do that! This blush is available at Wal-Mart, Target, Ulta and other Drug stores as well as online. This is also available on other beauty supply websites.
Walmart Link to Product



Covergirl Blush in Pretty Peach

I'm telling you...I don't like to spend a fortune on my makeup. Yes, I do like to save up for a nice investment makeup item, but mostly I like to be able to try new products and feel like it's okay to throw them out if I hate them. If I spend $30 on something, I will be using it up! Even if I hate it haha! This little blush however, is also an old stand by. Who hasn't used Covergirl makeup in their lifetime?? I think it was some of the first makeup I ever used. This soft peachy blush is a nice addition to my blush collection. It has a light peach color that helps my cheeks stand out, but it doesn't make them look clownish! Covergirl blush tends to have a little "perfume-y" smell to them, so if scents are an issue, stay away from this product.
This item is a matte blush, so there is no shimmer to it. Covergirl has about 20 different colors with or without shimmer to fulfill your every blush desire. At $3-$4...feel free to buy more than one! ;)
This blush can be purchased at Wal-Mart, Target, Ulta, and other Drug stores as well as online. It is also carried by other online beauty supply websites.
Walmart Link to Product



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Step 4: Highlighter


I can't emphasize this step enough...Highlighting makes your face come ALIVE! Especially if you are really short on time, this step is SO important! Adding light catching highlighter makes your face brighter, and hey...more AWAKE! Doesn't every mom and lady on the go want that? I know I do!
In the previous "White Hot" post, I have already gone in to more detail about the importance of highlighting and some areas to add to your highlighting routine. Below is a picture of yours truly, showing you where I highlight my face every day. We are talking about a light highlight, not full on shimmer streaks all over your face lol! Remember you have to blend it in, so it subtly brings attention to the areas you want noticed.

Even though this might look like a lot of areas to highlight...it really is rather simple and easy to do. It also doesn't take much time and is a great way to make your 5 Minute Face Makeup Routine look polished, vibrant, and fresh (And it looks like you took longer than 5 minutes too!!).

*** Another highlighting tip I would add is....since you aren't doing a full face of makeup, swipe your highlighter over your eyelids too. That way you can get a little eyeshadow action without actually adding eyeshadow! Remember, you can also add that bronzer in the outer corners of your eyelid for some dimension and contrast too!

Here are a few of my favorite highlighters that I recommend:

Benefit Watt's Up Highlighting Stick

 I have posted previously on how much I LOVE this highlighting stick (See White Hot Post  Here). This highlighter is perfect for literally drawing where you want to highlight on your face. It also has a nice shimmer to it that works nicely for a "fake eyeshadow" when you are in a time crunch.
$30 for this long lasting highlighter stick at Sephora and Ulta stores as well as online and sold on online beauty supply websites.
Sephora Link to Product



Stila All Over Shimmer Duo in Kitten

This highlighter has been a very recent addition to my makeup bag, and I am loving it! If you love a highlighter that shimmers and is in powder form...this is for YOU! Plus, there are two different colors to choose from in this compact for highlighting perfection. The color on the left is a light pink shimmer, and the color on the right is a darker beige shimmer (The darker beige has just a slight bronze tone to it, great for the cheekbones!). I love having both colors to choose from. Some days I feel like a little light shimmer will do the trick and I go with the light pink. Other days I want a little extra bronze sheen and go with the light beige color. This Duo is also great when you are trying to highlight and finsih your makeup routine in 5 minutes because you can use this powder as eyeshadow too. Some days I do use this as my eyeshadow! Even when I have more than 5 minutes to spare. I prefer to use a fan brush with this highlighter (pictured below). Using a fan brush helps you add just the perfect dusting of highlighter (especially on the cheeks). Check out this one from ELF for $1!

Fan Brush by ELF - $1 Link to Elf (Also available at Target)

Overall, this product just has such a nice subtle shimmer to it that isn't over powering on your face or eyes. I highly recommend this one girls!!
This product is $22 and is available at Sephora or Ulta stores as well as online. It is also available online through multiple beauty supple websites.
Sephora Link to Product
Ulta Link to Product



 ELF All Over Color Stick in Toasted

I've already confessed how much I love any kind of makeup that comes in stick form...well this highlighter is no exception! THIS Elf highlighting stick is a great (AND CHEAP) alternative to the Watt's Up Benefit highlighter I wrote about earlier. This stick is a whopping....$1!!!! Yep..you read it right... A BUCK!
This highlighter is a little thicker when it is applied, so you might have to smudge and blend more than with other stick highlighters. But for only $1, it is a great place to start and practice with if you are new to highlighting, or using stick makeup products. If you only use it one time, it has already paid for itself! Definitely a bargain when it comes to a highlighting item!
This product is available at Target stores, and the ELF website (ELF stands for Eyes, Lips, Face) and other beauty supply websites.
Elf Link to Product



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Step 5: Mascara

I am totally a mascara girl! If there was only one makeup item that I could use for the rest of my life...it would have to be mascara!! I feel like my makeup look is complete once I use that magic mascara wand. 
That is why your 5 minute face look cannot be complete without this step! Mascara really accentuates your eyes and makes them stand out. I feel like you can't even see my eyeballs without my mascara on!
When you start to apply your mascara, make sure you start at the base of your lashes, and then spin your wand upward so it grabs and covers all of your lashes evenly.
Every girl has a different preference for her mascara coverage. Some girls like it thick, some want just one coat. It really is up to you, unless you like tarantula eyes...which is a big fat NO! Don't do it ladies!!
Since we are doing a quick 5 minute face here, you might want to at least try 2 coats of mascara to give the illusion of eyeliner....Even though we haven't added in that step for this 5 minute face. Also, the closer you put your mascara on to the base of your lashes, the more "eyeliner-ish" it looks! SCORE!


Here is the current brand of Mascara that I am using:

Revlon Lash Potion Mascara

The recommendation for this mascara came from my best friend Carissa. I noticed her eyelashes we SO long one day and I asked her what she had used (We are forever talking about new makeup items and she has SUCH an amazing eye for makeup and an awesome knack for finding great new products!). I was a die hard Smashbox Full Exposure/Benefit Yes They're Real user for a while, and I honestly didn't believe that this little ole Revlon mascara could be as good. Well HELLO awesome new mascara and money in my wallet! At $5, this makeup find is definitely worth it (Compared to Smashbox - $19.50 / Benefit $26). Don't get me wrong, I still love those other brands to death! But my wallet loves this Revlon one WAY more. It doesn't hurt that it actually WORKS! I do like that this mascara helps separate my lashes, and also lengthens them. I certainly recommend this makeup item!
This mascara is available at Wal-Mart, Target, and other drug stores as well as online and on other beauty supply websites.
Walmart Link to Product


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Step 6: Lip Protection

The final step before you rush out the door has to be some sort of lip protection (Chap-stick, lipstick, lip gloss, lip stain, etc). My personal choice is lip stain and a light lip gloss to go on top of it. Adding just a bit of gloss or even chapstick helps your lips look more healthy and keeps that dry flaky skin from appearing. You don't have to go full red lip here, just a clear gloss or nude lipstick can help finish your look (and it only takes a few seconds!). Even better, pack your favorite lip item in your purse and apply it on the go (not while you are driving though!!).

My Favorite Lip Item Recommendations:

NYC Lipstain

If you are looking for a lip product that will last all day and not have the thick feel (and taste) of lipstick, you should try a lip stain! I am loving lip stains right now because they last at least 4 hours with no touch ups. This NYC brand is great because the color goes on a little lighter than it looks, but it still lasts for hours. Plus it has a nice light fruity smell and taste that isn't overpowering like lipstick. As you can see in the picture above, they have many different shades (Including a nude lip color too!). The application is super simple, it is just like drawing on your lips with a fruit flavored marker! YUM! These stains have a nice soft felt tip that make it easy to apply.
This NYC Lip Stain Product runs around $5! Another beauty SCORE!!
These are available at Wal-Mart, Target, and other drug stores as well as online.
Walmart Link to product



ELF Hypershine Lip Gloss

I love to add a little gloss over my lip stain to help maintain my lip color as well as keep my lips hydrated. Plus the added shine or shimmer is also nice! I love these Elf lip glosses because they are SO cheap - hello $1!!!! And they aren't too sticky or gooey on the lips. I hate when I put on a lip gloss and it feels like a fly trap! YUCK! Elf has numerous colors and shimmers for you to choose from, including a clear light pink gloss if color or shimmer isn't for you. I also like that these glosses don't have any smell or taste to them. I hate to mix lip items and have a weird taste on my lips. I end up wiping it off before I even get out of the house. at $1, these are great to stash in your makeup bag, purse, car, diaper bag, you name it! Nothing helps pull of the 5 Minute Face look like fresh hydrated lips!!
These Lip Glosses are available at Target stores, and the ELF website.
Elf Link to Product



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A few non-makeup items that help me get ready in a flash:

Dry Shampoo!!!!!!

Pantene Pro-V Dry Shampoo - $5 at Wal-Mart (Link)

Headbands!!!!!

Adding a cute headband helps dress up your 5 Minute Face look and adds a little fun and flare in a flash!!

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I hope this post helps some of you ladies who are in a makeup rush and are looking for products and tips to help fast track your makeup routine. I plan on making a video to go along with this post, showing that this all CAN be done in just 5 minutes! Thank you Jessica for the suggestion!!!
In all reality, do what makes you feel beautiful! These are just a few suggestions of things that I have learned by makeup trial and error. Feel free to comment below with your favorite makeup items that help you get out the door fast!  I love to hear about new products!

<3 MMG