This Morning Skin Routine Takes Just 5 Minutes

 

By Gina Way, Family Circle

 

Morning chaos is real, and there’s no time to dawdle. Here’s a speed-round mother-daughter routine that takes just five minutes. Now, step on it!

Skin Care: 3 minutes

“This is the story of my life every morning,” says dermatologist Ellen Marmur, founder of Marmur Medical in NYC. “I’m making the kids breakfast, they’re finishing homework, and we’re all totally rushed trying to get out of the house.” Marmur and her 14-year-old daughter, Sasha, share the same skin care products—and this get-ready-fast plan.

Minute 1: Cleanse

“Teenagers don’t need strong detergents or drying ingredients that will strip their skin,” Marmur says. She and Sasha both use CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, a non-foaming gentle face wash that gets rid of perspiration, dirt and surface oil, which can cause acne. “This does the trick after we go to a sweaty workout class on the weekend.” 

Minute 3: Spot Treat 

“Teens aren’t the only ones who wake up with zits. Moms do too!” Marmur says. That’s when both of you can dab on an invisible acne treatment with 2% salicylic acid to unclog pores and combat excess oil and pimples. Mom, take a few extra seconds to pat on a lightweight cream that hydrates and plumps skin around the eyes and helps smooth fine lines. It’s important for you to moisturize this delicate drier area, Marmur says.

Makeup: 2 minutes

The goal is to look pulled together fast, so just focus on the basics. You’ve already evened out the skin with a tinted moisturizer—now you only need to add a tint to cheeks and lips and define lashes. Here’s makeup artist Anthea King’s easy two-step strategy.

Minute 4: Swipe on Color

“I love a versatile makeup product, like a tinted lip balm that can double as blush,” King says of Eos’s version. “Because a balm is so sheer, you can use a brighter shade and it will still look like a natural flush when you blend it on with your fingers.” She loves to use tinted balm in a shimmering rosy red that’s universally flattering and adds a hint of healthy sheen to cheeks. (Buy a couple, so both of you can stick one in your purse or backpack to reapply during the day.)

 

Minute 5: Pump Up Lashes

“If you only have time for one coat of mascara, make it count,” King says. “Get at the roots of the top lashes and then wiggle the wand up to the tips. This technique makes lashes look thicker and longer.” King recommends using a mascara with a small wand, like Maybelline Lash Discovery, which is easier to maneuver and less messy.