My mornings are usually very hectic. I am not at all a morning person, and I usually wait until the last possible second to get out of bed (sometimes later than the last possible second). I have to drag myself out of bed, and then I generally take my time getting ready, and end up rushing my makeup.

I used to take my time with my makeup, and do my full face routine daily. After a certain point, though, it became tiresome and I realized I love sleep more than I love looking glamorous for people who don’t care. I work with mostly men, and they don’t ever notice if I’ve done something different with my eye makeup or if my highlight is stunning. I chose to cut some time out of my morning routine, and have found a quick makeup routine that allows me to still look put together (and not dead), but doesn’t take forever.

Just to clarify: my makeup routine starts after I have washed my face and applied moisturizer. If my hair is down, I usually put on a headband of some sort to keep it out of my face while I’m applying my makeup.

First I apply a primer (if I’m really in a rush I completely skip this step). Lately I’ve been switching between the Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Foundation Primer and the Maybelline FaceStudio Master Prime Blur + Smooth Primer. I’m looking for a good, fairly inexpensive hydrating primer (if you have any suggestions, leave them in the comments below!) to help with my dry skin.

Next I apply the Urban Decay Naked Skin Color Correcting Fluid in pink under my eyes. This conceals some of the bags and dark circles under my eyes. I blend it in with the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge. Next I apply the foundation. I’ve really been liking the L’oreal True Match foundation.

If my skin is clear, I usually do not apply concealer after my foundation. I have cystic acne, so my acne can get very bad and obvious. On days when I am breaking out, I will apply a small amount of concealer over my foundation and blend it in, covering the acne as much as possible before setting my foundation with powder.

On days when I have a little extra time, I will use blush and a contour powder, but when I am super rushed, I just apply the Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer Murumuru Butter Bronzer in the shade Light Bronzer to the top of my forehead and on my cheeks for a healthy glow.

To finish my look before rushing out the door, I apply a coat or two of mascara and fill in my brows. Let me say that by fill in my brows, I mean I make my blonde eyebrows match my red hair. On quick days when I’m going to work, I don’t take the time to make sure my brows are perfect. As long as they are visible and match my hair, I’m ok. You can tell in the photos the difference just filling in my brows can make.

That’s my morning makeup routine when I’m in a hurry! I still look polished, without putting a lot of effort in.

I usually just apply some chapstick with this look, but if I want to take it a step further I’ll apply a nude shade of lipstick like the CoverGirl Katy Kat Matte lipstick in Sphynx.

If you have any suggestions for getting out the door quickly, or have a different morning routine, let me know in the comments below! Be sure to subscribe to catch all my beauty tips and routines!