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I Refuse to Spend More Than 5 Minutes on My Summer Makeup—Here's What I Use

By Swedan Margen

I Refuse to Spend More Than 5 Minutes on My Summer Makeup—Here's What I Use

Let's be honest: I'm almost always in a rush. Whether I've hit snooze one too many times or suddenly remembered I have lunch plans in 15 minutes, most days I don't have the time (or the energy) for full glam. And in the summer? Forget it. When it's 90ºF out, the last thing I want is a full face of makeup melting off before noon. That's exactly why I've perfected a quick, foolproof beauty routine that leaves me looking fresh, polished, and like I have my life together, even when I'm sprinting out the door.

My goal for this five-minute routine is simple: enhance my natural features and step out the door looking more awake, bronzed, and put-together without piling on a ton of product. I tend to stick to lightweight, breathable formulas that feel like there's nothing on my skin, but still deliver just the right amount of coverage and radiance. In the summer, I love to keep it especially minimal: a sheer tinted sunscreen, cream bronzer and blush for a sunkissed glow, and a quick swipe of waterproof mascara and a pink gloss to tie it all together. If I have a few extra seconds, I'll even dot on some faux freckles across my nose and cheeks to strengthen the illusion that I spent way more time in the sun than I actually did. Keep reading to discover my tried-and-true beauty products—including those from iconic brands like Chanel and Hourglass—that make looking good in five minutes feel totally doable.

Chanel N°1 De Chanel Serum-In-Mist

Chanel

N°1 De Chanel Serum-in-Mist

This multitasking mist is a must-have in your beauty routine. Spritz it on before makeup for a stunning natural radiance, or use it throughout the day to refresh, protect, and restore your skin. It's also the perfect size for on-the-go touch-ups when you need a quick pick-me-up.

Sephora Glowy Super Gel Lightweight Dewy Multipurpose Illuminator

Saie

Glowy Super Gel Multipurpose Illuminator, Starglow

This viral illuminator totally lives up to the hype. I use it every day, whether I'm wearing makeup or not—it gives my skin the most gorgeous glow.

Dreambeam Silicone-Free Mineral Sunscreen Spf 40 With Ceramides and Peptides

Kosas

DreamBeam Silicone-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40

The ultimate summer skin staple. This lightweight base evens out my complexion with a sheer tint, feels and looks like my skin, and has SPF. What more could you ask for?

Chanel Les Beiges Bronzing Cream

Chanel

Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream

No matter how much time I have, bronzer is always a nonnegotiable step in my summer (and let's be real, year-round) makeup routine. This fan-favorite is one of my go-tos—the formula is super blendable and leaves me with the prettiest sun-kissed glow every single time.

Vanish™ Airbrush Concealer

Hourglass

Vanish Airbrush Concealer

Lightweight, seamless, and buildable, this concealer blends like a dream and effortlessly covers dark circles and blemishes. It's one of my everyday essentials—I truly can't live without it.

Benetint

Benefit Cosmetics

Benetint

If I could only use one makeup product all summer, this would be it. It gives the most perfect flush, and I love dabbing it onto my lips for a super pretty rosy tint that lasts all day.

Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo

Patrick Ta

Major Headlines Double-Take Crème and Powder Blush Duo

This blush duo is a total game-changer. I love layering the cream over the powder to bring radiance back to my skin for the most natural finish.

Chanel Les 4 Ombres Eyeshadow

Chanel

Les 4 Ombres Eyeshadow

Even when I'm in a rush, a quick wing or a little dimension in my crease makes me feel instantly pulled together and like I spent way longer getting ready than I did. I absolutely love the shades in this palette—they are so versatile.

Eyelash Curler

This is hands down the best eyelash curler I've ever used. Nothing lifts or curls my lashes like it, and it's a must-do step in my daily routine.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara

Too Faced

Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara

This waterproof mascara does not mess around. It gives me bold, lifted lashes that actually stay put in the summer heat with absolutely no smudging or flaking.

Chanel Le Rouge Duo Ultra Tenue

Chanel

Le Rouge Duo Ultra Tenue Ultrawear Liquid Lip Color

I'm all for anything that shaves time off my routine, and this two-in-one liquid lipstick and gloss does exactly that. One swipe, and I'm out the door with long-lasting color and shine.

Rouge Coco Baume Shine

Chanel

Rouge Coco Baume Shine Tinted Lip Balm

Lip products are my weakness, especially when they double as a balm with a glossy finish and just the right touch of color. This one's always in my rotation and is great for quick, on-the-go touch ups.

Go With the Faux Freckle Stamp

Tarte

Go With the Faux Freckle Stamp

In the summer, I love adding a few faux freckles across my nose and cheeks to play up that sun-kissed effect.

Chanel Chance Eau Splendide perfume

Chanel

Chance Eau Splendide Eau de Parfum Spray

The final step of my five-minute routine is always a quick spritz of one of my favorite fragrances. This one's definitely at the top of my list because I love how fresh, feminine, and elegant it smells.

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle perfume

Chanel

Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum Spray

This is a staple in my routine that always gets me compliments.

Originally published by whowhatwear.com. Syndicated material does not necessarily reflect the views of Vanity Fair Fashion.

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