TEN MINUTE MAKEUP ROUTINE

Recently I've started to wear a lot less makeup to work, mainly because my skin seems to be OK lately (I've no doubt jinxed myself into a chin full of pimples now) but I also wanted to start looking a bit different to when I go out. I've been wearing the same make-up look, day and night, since I was 15, with an eye make-up routine so well rehearsed I could do it in the dark. 

I've always worn quite heavy eye makeup, with three shadows, eyebrows fully done, eyeliner, mascara, sometimes even lashes - as you can probably guess, it used to take me a little while to get ready on a morning. 

That's where the ten minute makeup routine comes in. I've stripped my products back and given myself a few extra minutes under the covers on a morning. Here's what I've been using recently, all from the supermarket, apart from my mascara...

Let me start with my foundation. I'm a huge fan of the Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid foundation. It gives a moderate coverage, but definitely feels like my skin can breathe. I use the shade Natural Ivory, but it seems to be few and far between so I'll always try and grab a couple of bottles if I'm out and I managed to spot it. 

I think we're all aware of how amazing the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer is, but this product has absolutely changed my life. No exaggeration. My skin was really bad about a year ago and I used the Rimmel stick concealer, trying to hide everything with a super thick layer, but it would always end up going cakey half way through the day or rubbing off completely. This is little beauty, however, gives me full coverage over those pesky pimples right through to the evening.

Once I've tried to make my skin look flawless, I'll set it with the Collection Sheer Loose Powder in translucent. I have to powder my skin as it can get very oily around the t-zone. Plus, I love a matte finish to my face, before I add some colour - which this month comes from Maybelline Expert Wear blusher, in a beautiful pink shade called Rosewood. You only need a tiny bit on your brush to sweep over your cheeks, giving just a hint of blush.

You'll see I have quite a few Collection products in my go-to morning kit. The reason being is that the brand is so purse friendly - I've never been one of those girls who invests loads in makeup, when the cheaper stuff works so well for me. Collection have brought out some great products recently, including this eyebrow palette, complete with a clear brow gel. This palette pictured is for blondes, but it works just as well with my mid-brown brows. I'll draw in my shape quickly with my Rimmel Dark Brown Eyebrow Pencil - always sharpening it first - and then I'll take a thin eyebrow brush and fill the gaps in with the brown shade. One brush over with the brow gel and they are set for the day. 

Next up, I'll curl my lashes and add my Clinique High Impact Extreme Mascara. This is the one thing I'll spend a little more money on, but even then, I'll get it in the airport when I travel so it's a little bit cheaper. It coats the lashes so well, with minimal clumping, and really makes them stand out. Once I've done that, I'll take a q-tip and clean any smudges around my eyes. 

Finally, I'll add a slick of Nivea lipbalm and my favourite part, illuminating the face with a little highlighter. This stick of glow, again from Collection, works wonders for tired, dull complexions. I made the mistake when I first bought this to swipe it straight on to my face, but I've found it works a lot better if you use your warm finger to pat some on in the places you want it - for me it's my cupids bow, cheek bones and under the eyebrows. 

And there you have it, my ten minute makeup routine. OK, so it's hardly au naturel, but it's definitely cutting down from what I used to do.