If you've got 5 minutes for natural makeup that makes you look alive without looking 'done up,' this is your routine. No YouTube-level skills required.
I get it—you're running on lots of coffee and your toddler's sleep schedule. I’m right there with ya!
So the last thing you need is a 14-step makeup routine that requires new techniques you don't have time to learn.
Here's what changed things for me: realizing that natural makeup isn't about perfection. It's about looking like yourself on a good day (even when today is NOT that day, ha!).
What You Actually Need (7 Products Max)
- Light Mineral Foundation, Tinted moisturizer, or BB cream
- Concealer
- Cream blush (doubles as lip tint)
- Contour stick (optional)
- Brow pen or pencil
- Eyeliner
- Mascara (bonus: eyelash curler)
- Clear or tinted lip balm
Time Investment: 5-8 minutes for full routine | 2 minutes for bare minimum
→ Currently updating images—NEW step-by-step photos of my own natural makeup coming soon!
The "Barely Surviving" 3-Step Version
(For when the baby was up all night)
- Eyebrow pen - naturally fill in sparse areas. This frames your face.
- Curl your lashes & apply Mascara - One coat, top lashes only. Makes you look more awake.
- Tinted lip balm - apply and done.
That's it. You look alive. Mission accomplished!
The Full 5-Minute Natural Routine
#1. Start with Clean, Prepped Skin (30 seconds)
Splash water on your face (yes, that counts as cleansing when you're time poor 😜). Pat dry.
Apply moisturizer with SPF—this is your base, your protection, and your glow all in one. No separate primer needed.
#2. Create Your Base (1 minute)
Skip heavy foundation. Grab a tinted moisturizer, BB cream, or lightweight foundation.
I use this one because it doesn't feel like I'm wearing a second layer of skin
Your skin should still look like skin
- Dot it on the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin
- Blend with fingers or a kabuki brush
- Your skin should still look like skin
#3. Conceal Only the Obvious (30 seconds)
Pick a concealer one shade lighter than your base.
- Under eyes (just the dark parts)
- Around your nose (if red)
- Any angry blemishes
- Blend edges with your finger
#4. Add Some Warmth (45 seconds)
Grab a bronzer or contour stick. Apply where the sun naturally hits:
- Temples
- Cheekbones
- Bridge of the nose
- Blend with fingers in circular motions
Note: Caia Cosmetics makes sticks for different undertones— a total game-changer if regular bronzer makes you look orange.
#5. Blush for Signs of Life (30 seconds)
Cream blush is your friend here (powder = more tools = more time).
- Smile
- Dab on the apple of the cheeks
- Blend up toward the temples
- Use the leftover on the lips for coordination
#6. Eyes: Just the Essentials (1 minute)
Skip eyeshadow. It’s ok. Seriously.
- Curl lashes (5 seconds per eye—this alone makes you look awake)
- One coat mascara, wiggle at roots, pull through
- If you have 10 extra seconds: smudge brown eyeliner at the lash line
#7. Brows: Frame Your Face (30 seconds)
- Brush up with a spoolie
- Fill sparse spots with pencil or pen (tiny strokes)
- Set with clear gel
- This works even on no-makeup days
#8. Lips: The Final Touch (15 seconds)
- Tinted balm or gloss
- Choose "your lips but better" shades
- Skip liner—ain't nobody got time for that!
#9. Optional: Set It and Forget It (15 seconds)
If you're actually leaving the house and want your makeup to stay:
- Hold the setting spray about 8 inches from your face
- Mist lightly
- Let dry naturally
- This also refreshes makeup midday
Final Thoughts
For Pinterest moms: Save this for those mornings when dry shampoo is your hairstyle and yesterday's shirt is today's outfit. This routine works with real life.
Products mentioned: All drugstore-available. L'Oréal, NYX, Maybelline, and CoverGirl have everything you need under $10 each.
Brush alternative: Your fingers are free and always clean(ish). If you’d like a brush, a foundation kabuki brush is great, and a fluffy brush for powder. That's all.
Your Quick Reference Card
Every Day (2 min):
- Moisturizer + SPF
- Tinted moisturizer
- Fill brows
- Mascara
- Lip balm
Leaving the House (5 min):
- Add concealer
- Add bronzer/blush
- Setting spray
Special Occasion (7 min):
- All above +
- Eyeliner
- A couple of coats of mascara
- Actual lipstick
Remember: The goal isn't perfection. It's looking like you've slept in the last week (even when you haven't).
Save this natural makeup guide for those mornings when you've got exactly 5 minutes between getting the kids dressed and getting out the door.
This post includes an easy, natural makeup tutorial to help you feel confident and put together without a bunch of steps. Save this post for the next time you want a soft, everyday look!
