Ten Minute Makeup Routine

Mornings with kids are… a lot. Between breakfasts, backpacks, and “where are my shoes?”, your mirror time can vanish. This routine is for real life—days when you want to look awake on Zoom, at school drop-off, or while chasing a toddler at the park. No perfection, no 30-step tutorials—just kind, doable steps that protect your skin and boost your glow.

What’s True

• SPF is non-negotiable (even on cloudy days). Dermatologists recommend broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30+ and reapplying about every 2 hours when outdoors. Sunscreen helps prevent sun damage and early aging.

• Clean tools = happier skin. Wash makeup brushes/sponges every 7–10 days to cut down bacteria that can irritate skin and worsen breakouts. Don’t share makeup/tools.

• Eye makeup has a shorter shelf life. Replace mascara every ~3 months; don’t add water/saliva to revive it (eye infection risk).

• Cosmetic expiration labels aren’t required in the U.S. Many products lack dates—watch for changes in smell/texture/color and follow brand guidance.

• Pregnant or breastfeeding? Be choosy with actives. Avoid retinoids; ask your clinician about what’s safe for you (e.g., some options like azelaic acid may be considered). This is general info—get personal guidance from your OB or dermatologist.

Try This (10-Minute Routine)

(Set a timer. If you have 5 minutes, do steps 1–4; if you have 10, go through 8.)

□ (1) Clean + Prep (1 minute). Splash face with water or a quick micellar pass. Pat dry.
□ (2) Moisturize + SPF (1 minute). Use a moisturizer with broad-spectrum SPF 30+ (or moisturizer, then sunscreen). Don’t forget ears, neck, and lips (SPF lip balm).
□ (3) Even Your Base (1–2 minutes).

• Fastest: Tinted moisturizer or skin tint.

• More coverage: Concealer only where needed—under-eyes, around nose, blemishes.

• Optional set: Light dusting of translucent powder on T-zone.
  □ (4) Brows in 30 seconds. Tinted brow gel to fluff + fill.
  □ (5) One-and-Done Eyeshadow (1 minute). Swipe a neutral cream shadow (taupe/bronze) across lids; smudge with finger.
  □ (6) Quick Lash Lift (1 minute). Curl lashes and apply mascara. Replace mascara every ~3 months; don’t dilute it.
  □ (7) Instant Healthy Flush (1 minute). Cream blush on apples of cheeks; tap excess on bridge of nose for a fresh look.
  □ (8) Multi-Stick Lips (30 seconds). Hydrating tint or balm—bonus if SPF.

Speed Tips:

• Pre-pack a “go bag.” Keep your 6–8 essentials in a zipper pouch by the door or in the car.

• Go cream where you can. Fingers = fewer tools to clean and faster blending.

• Choose multi-taskers. Tinted SPF, cream blush that doubles as lip color, brow gel with tint + hold.

• Color shortcuts. If you’re unsure, neutral rose (fair-medium), warm terracotta (tan-deep), or berry (deep) flatter many undertones.

What to Watch

• Tool hygiene: Breakouts or irritation? Check brush/sponge wash frequency (aim every 7–10 days) and avoid sharing products/tools.

• Eye safety: Burning, discharge, or redness? Stop eye makeup and call a clinician. Don’t use dried or very old eye products; replace mascara ~every 3 months. Never apply/remove eye makeup in a moving car.

• SPF gaps: If you’re outdoors for long stretches, remember 2-hour reapplication and hats/sunglasses. Makeup SPF alone usually isn’t enough without adequate amount and reapplication.

• Sensitive skin or pregnancy: New rashes or stinging after starting a product? Stop use and ask your dermatologist/OB. Avoid retinoids in pregnancy.

• Myth bust: “Natural” ≠ automatically safer; always patch-test and read labels. U.S. law doesn’t require cosmetic expiration dates—your senses and brand guidance matter.

Quick Recap

• Protect first: Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily; reapply outdoors. Keep it simple: 6–8 products, cream textures, multi-taskers, ready-to-go pouch.

• Stay clean: Wash tools every 7–10 days; replace mascara ~3 months. Don’t share.

Optional Script (for kids who want to “help” while you get ready)

Say this: “I’m doing my 10-minute face. Can you be my timer and count each step? When we finish, we do your hair high-five!”

You’re doing better than you think—small, steady steps count.