The Makeup Routine I Use When I Can’t Be Bothered (But Still Want to Look Put Together)

There are days when I genuinely can’t be bothered with a full makeup routine. No experimenting, no layering ten products, no fixing mistakes. But I still want to look like I’ve made an effort…just not OTT. I want polished, awake, and pulled together.

This is the routine I fall back on every time. It’s simple, repeatable, and low-effort, but it always works.

I start with skin prep, because if my skin looks good, everything else becomes more optional. I keep it light and hydrating, nothing heavy, nothing that needs time to sink in. If my skin feels comfortable, I already look better before I’ve done anything else.

For complexion, I don’t aim for full coverage. I apply a small amount of base product like a tinted moisturizer, only where I actually need it, usually the center of the face. I blend quickly by buffing it in with a large fluff brush and leave the rest of my skin alone. This keeps everything looking fresh and natural and avoids that overdone feeling that can happen when you’re rushing.