The reason I have decided to focus on getting ready in 5 minutes is that I have a new puppy and in the mornings he is like a heat-seeking missile. I cannot indulge myself by spending hours in front of the mirror as in that time he could eat a whole shoe.

Combine this with the fact that I work from home so it is inevitable that my beauty routine has simplified over time. Often the only person that I see during the day, apart from my husband, is the postman. However I still like to make an effort for myself as it makes me feel better to have done a little facial enhancing. You never know who might turn up at your door. I live in hope as George Clooney lives in the next village!

Getting ready in 5 minutes

Quick Morning Mask

After my shower I do spend a few minutes on my face. I love to apply Lixirskin Vitamin C Paste whilst I clean my teeth. Developed by a skin doctor this innovative wash-off treatment neutralises oxidised sebum, free radicals and UV rays (which can zap your skin of glow and cause pesky pigmentation) leaving your complexion vibrant, luminous and more even toned from day one.

Wake-up Spray

Once I have rinsed the Vitamin C paste off I spray my face with Alexandra Soveral Floral Mist. This is a skin quencher that is packed with nourishing extracts of Aloe Vera and floral waters. Ideal to prepare the skin for face oil and moisturiser, or to revive and hydrate the skin throughout the day. It can be applied over make-up. This is not a cheap product however it lasts for a very long time.

Facial Massage

I then apply an oil – we will all have our favourite one. I am currently using Alexandra Soveral Forever Young. I then do a quick 1 minute massage ritual with my Hayo’u beauty restorer. This wakes my skin up as it draws blood to the face. It feels so nourishing and is a good base to apply your daily moisturiser.

Moisturiser

I currently am using a Super Retinol cream from Beauty Pie. They source the best luxury makeup and skincare from the world’s leading laboratories, and sell it directly to their members, without the mumbo jumbo or the middlemen… This Super-Retinol cream is £10.60 whereas a similar cream in the shops with all the appealing packaging and marketing budgets would cost £80. Read our review about The Beauty Pie members club HERE.

Tinted moisturiser

As I walk my dogs each day and/or go to the gym my actual make-up routine needs to be simple. I start with Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser with an SPF30. It gives just the right amount of coverage and leaves my skin looking dewy. Nars do sell an alternative tinted moisturiser which leaves the skin looking matte.

Concealer

I then use Trinny London Just a Touch concealer in Zandy for my under eyes or anywhere that needs a little more coverage. Right now my skin is in great condition so I only need Zandy under my eyes. Make sure you blend it in well with a blender sponge or your fingers.

Cheeks & Lips

Back to Nars for their Mulitple in Maui, multi purpose stick for cheeks, lips and eyes. I was taught to warm this up in my hand before applying as it goes on better and sinks into the skin. I use it on my lips however not my eyes as Maui is a deep pink!

Eyes

With my eyes I use an eyelash curler as my lashes are very long, due to Revitalash, but also very straight. This opens up my eyes and makes applying mascara easier. I am currently using Givenchy Phenomen Eyes Renewal Mascara which has become a favourite. It is easy to apply on each individual lash with its round brush. It does not clump or flake and it lasts all day.

And to finish

Finally a once over with the Beauty Pie Seamless Foundation Buffing brush if you want to make sure there are no tell tale lines. £5.44 for members.

Ok the title, getting ready in 5 minutes, may have been a little bit of an exaggeration but it is only 5 minutes at the sink and then 3 minutes at your make-up mirror. Now I am ready for puppy play time!

Or for Grace’s very popular 4 minute make-up video……

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