This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.
I have decided to focus on getting ready in 5 minutes because I am puppy-sitting for my daughter’s new puppy, Pickle. In the mornings, she is like a heat-seeking missile. Therefore I cannot indulge myself by spending hours in front of the mirror as she could eat a whole shoe in that time.
As I work from home, so my beauty routine has also inevitably simplified over time. Often the only person 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
Floral Mist
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
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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 often try new ones so at the moment I am using By Terry Hyaluronic Global Face Cream which may seem a little watery when you apply but it quickly sinks in. I find this so much better than a thick cream which can cause pilling. If you have watched Terry talk about this cream and how long it took to develop you will understand why it is so good and perfect for older women. Hyaluronic Acid is the new buzz phrase and a much-needed ingredient in our skincare. It is infused with an impressive eight Hyaluronic Acids, the cream drenches your visage in moisture, lessening the look of dry skin and promoting a radiant, glowing illusion.
Tinted moisturiser
As I walk my dogs each day I am often outside. However, in the summer a foundation is way too heavy so I will apply a tinted moisturiser over my day moisturiser. I use 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.
However, I alternate this with Heliocare Color Gelcream which has an SPF50 and comes in three shades. The Skin Specialist who writes many articles for us, highly recommends this range of sun skincare. She says, “they have full coverage of UV protection but they also have the unique Fernblock technology protecting the cells DNA and antioxidants to neutralise free radicals all within one product.”
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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
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Back to Trinny London Lips/Cheek in Vee-Bee, multi-purpose blusher for cheeks, lips and I sometimes put it on my eyelids. I was taught to warm this up in my hand before applying as it goes on better and sinks into the skin.
Eyes
With my eyes I use my Kevin Aucoin eyelash curlers as my lashes are quite long, due to my new find Typology serum for eyelashes (& brows), but also very straight. This opens up my eyes and makes applying mascara easier. I am currently using Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer which has become a favourite. It is easy to apply on each and the primer does help make one’s lashes long and luscious. It does not clump or flake and it lasts all day. If I want a more dramatic look for the evening or a Zoom call then I will use Mishel Mascara.
I recently wrote a whole article about Mascaras – click HERE to read.
And to finish
Finally a once over with the Beauty Pie Seamless Foundation Buffing brush if you want to make sure there are no telltale lines. £6.34 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!